Early in the morning, Kakashi stood beside the nutrient pods, arms crossed, eyes scanning the monitors carefully.
The clones had stabilized perfectly. Their cellular regeneration was complete, chakra coils responsive, and mental imprints preserved.
Orochimaru sipped warm herbal tea nearby, wearing the same scholarly glasses and a clean coat.
"It's remarkable, they're ready," he murmured.
"All that's left… is the soul summoning." Kakashi gave a small nod.
Kakashi stepped forward and deactivated the stasis field. With a soft hiss, the nutrient glass slowly lifted, revealing the four completed vessels, their features blank but stabilized.
He moved methodically, drying them with chakra steam and dressing each one in appropriate clothing, black combat pants and shirts for the men, and modest civilian robes for the women. They looked asleep… but the energy beneath their skin shimmered.
"All right, go get Sasuke and Kurenai. It's time." Kakashi said, exhaling.
Orochimaru gave a nod and went upstairs, disappearing into the hallway.
Not long after, footsteps echoed down the stairs. Sasuke entered first, hands in his pockets, eyes serious but clearly hiding a trace of anxiety. Kurenai followed, her steps slower, eyes wide as she took in the lab.
Kakashi immediately walked over and gently wrapped his arms around her.
"It's okay, I'm right here." He whispered.
"I trust you." Kurenai, tense at first, slowly relaxed into the hug. Her heartbeat steadied.
"So… it worked?" Sasuke, standing near the benches, looked between the still bodies and Kakashi.
Orochimaru appeared beside him, hands folded neatly.
"Oh, more than worked. They are stable and healthy. What remains now is to invite the souls." His tone was smooth, but when he reached out and gently patted Sasuke's shoulder in an attempt to reassure him, Sasuke stiffened instantly.
The corner of Sasuke's eye twitched, and he subtly stepped away. A memory flashed in his head, the original Orochimaru's forked tongue, snake-like gaze, and that sickening obsession with his body.
"You're thinking of him again, aren't you?"Orochimaru saw his reaction and sighed with theatrical disappointment.
Sasuke didn't deny it.
With a small shake of his head and a dry frown, Orochimaru muttered, "You really must stop associating me with that inferior clone. I am Orochimaru, reborn and loyal only to Kakashi-sama."
"Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night." Sasuke rolled his eyes and turned away.
Kakashi approached them, holding a sealing scroll in one hand and placing his fingers in a familiar configuration. "Let's begin."
He walked to the first bench, the one prepared for Fugaku.
The perfected Edo Tensei seal lit up in light blue seals on Kakashi's palm as he pressed his hand to the clone's chest, and a flash of chakra surged through the room. For a moment, everything went still.
Then the body began to change.
Skin tone adjusted. Hair darkened. The blank expression shifted as fine lines of experience etched themselves into his face. Moments later, Fugaku Uchiha opened his eyes, cool, commanding, and sharp.
He blinked, briefly disoriented, then sat upright.
"…Where…?"
His hand went to his chest, his heartbeat. Then he frowned deeply.
"My chakra…"
A seasoned shinobi to the core, Fugaku analyzed his state quickly. But before he could speak again, his gaze landed on the trio in front of him. His eyes narrowed when he recognized Orochimaru, widened slightly at the sight of Kakashi, and finally settled on-
"Sasuke?"
His voice cracked for a moment.
Sasuke took a deep breath, and Kakashi gave him a gentle nudge forward.
"Yeah… It's me," Sasuke said quietly. "We brought you back. Well… sensei did."
Fugaku slowly rose to his feet, studying his son. He no longer had chakra to sense things clearly, but his instincts were sharp. Even without a pulse, he felt Sasuke's strength.
"You've grown," Fugaku said, his voice heavy. "Powerful… and alive."
"You weren't there. But I had people. People who stayed." Sasuke's expression trembled, and a few tears slipped from the corners of his eyes.
"Then I'm proud of you… And sorry." A soft smile formed on Fugaku's normally strict face.
That alone was enough to make Sasuke's throat tighten.
Before things could get too heavy, Kakashi turned toward the next pod and summoned the second soul.
With a glowing seal, the clone shifted and changed, becoming Mikoto Uchiha, with gentle eyes and long, dark hair settling into place.
She opened her eyes slowly, blinking into the light. Her gaze landed instantly on Sasuke, then Fugaku, and her hands flew to her mouth.
"Sasuke… Fugaku… I-what is this?"
"Mom..you're safe… you're alive…" Sasuke rushed to her side, and she embraced him tightly, tears flowing freely.
"I missed you," Sasuke choked out.
"I knew you'd survive… I just never imagined this…" Mikoto pulled back just enough to look at him, brushing his bangs aside like she used to.
"We've been given another chance." Fugaku stepped beside her, placing a firm hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you… Thank you for giving our family this." Mikoto looked over to Kakashi and gave a teary, grateful smile.
"He deserved it." Kakashi gave a small smile.
Then came the third.
Kakashi summoned the soul of Shinku Yuhi, and the clone transformed into a tall, black-haired man with a sharp jawline and stern but kind features. His red eyes opened slowly as he scanned the room, confused but composed.
"Dad…" Kurenai gasped softly.
"Kurenai? My little girl…" Shinku turned and immediately recognized her.
"You're here. You're really here." She ran to him, hugging him tightly, trembling with emotion.
"You've grown into a beautiful woman…" Shinku looked stunned but slowly wrapped his arms around her.
"And this is Kakashi… my-well, the man I love." She smiled through her tears and turned to gesture toward Kakashi.
Shinku blinked in surprise. "Ah… Sakumo's son?" Then he gave a small nod of approval. "Strong choice."
Kakashi gave a sheepish smile, scratching his cheek.
Finally, Kakashi turned to the last.
Kushina's soul.
He summoned her with reverence. The clone shimmered and changed, her vibrant red hair spilled over her shoulders, and those familiar, warm eyes slowly opened.
"Kushina-san," Kakashi said quietly.
"Kakashi! Oh, wow, look at you!" She stood, spinning a little. "This feels… weird, but kinda amazing!" Her head lifted, and soon her face brightened.
Then her eyes fell on his face. "Hey! You sealed your Sharingan with my super awesome seal!" she pointed at his left eye, grinning smugly.
"It was the best way to keep it from draining me. Your seal was perfect." Kakashi gave a wry smile.
"Of course it was! But you, heh, you're not such a gloomy brat anymore." She beamed proudly.
"I try," he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Just then, Mikoto approached Kushina, and the two old friends embraced tightly, immediately chattering.
"You're still as loud as ever," Mikoto teased.
"And you still look like you stepped out of a noble house!" Kushina laughed.
Sasuke, Kurenai, Orochimaru, and even Shinku watched quietly as the room filled with warmth.