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Chapter 43 — Fusion of the Uzumaki Bloodline
A sheet of white paper floated before Konan, bearing a syringe filled with Honoka's blood.
[Konan, do you want to perform the Chimera Technique, or should I?]
Konan raised a delicate brow, reading the teasing tone hidden between Alex's inked words. A small smile curved her lips. "Of course, you do it. I still haven't learned the Chimera Technique myself."
Even with Alex as her advantage, mastering an S-rank forbidden jutsu in a few days was impossible. It would take time.
[All right. Get ready—I'm taking control.]
Konan activated her Dance of the Shikigami, transforming her entire body into countless fluttering sheets of paper.
Alex slipped forward like a streak of light and pierced into her chest with a shhk, merging seamlessly within her.
As Konan re-formed, the two once again became one—body and spirit intertwined in that strange, perfect unity.
Feeling her release the restraint on her mind, Alex took full control.
Huh? He felt the difference immediately—her body was lighter, more vibrant than before.
Healing her hidden injuries and restoring her youth had done more than expected. He grinned inwardly—her well-being was his as well. They were one and the same.
After flexing her limbs experimentally, he glanced at the syringe in his hand. "Let's begin."
He pressed down the plunger, sending a stream of crimson blood into the air. The liquid didn't fall but gathered within a glowing white orb forming above his other palm.
The Chimera Technique—activate.
Chakra flowed steadily, feeding into the sphere. The blood inside began to change—tiny golden specks shimmered and separated from the rest, like grains of light suspended in water.
The bloodline essence of the Uzumaki.
"Good... the first stage is a success." Alex exhaled in relief, a satisfied smile forming on Konan's lips. It was his first time performing the full technique—and it worked flawlessly.
"The Uzumaki bloodline has been extracted. Now for the fusion…"
The lifeless blood, now drained of all energy, spilled from the orb and onto the floor. Within the remaining sphere, only the glittering golden motes remained.
Alex stared at them, eyes gleaming. "Beautiful… the Uzumaki bloodline. Soon it'll be ours."
With a thought, the white sphere shot into his right palm, bursting apart and flooding his entire body with golden light.
The energy surged through the bloodstream, heart, organs, and even down to the very cells—merging perfectly within.
Under the power of the Chimera Technique, the new genetic code fused seamlessly with the old.
—The Uzumaki Bloodline.
Moments later, the process stabilized. The fusion was complete. Konan's body now carried the true heritage of the Uzumaki clan.
Alex's eyes snapped open, and a rush of immense chakra filled him, stronger than anything he'd ever felt through her before. His excitement grew with every heartbeat.
Before the fusion, her chakra reserves were already high—now they climbed past that, doubling, tripling—stopping only at roughly six times the amount she once had.
The Uzumaki were famed for their immense chakra and vitality, and Konan now shared that gift.
"Kagura Mind's Eye… Regenerative Healing… Adamantine Sealing Chains… none of those are active yet," he murmured thoughtfully, sensing within.
But he knew the truth—the Chimera Technique wasn't merely fusion. It was evolution. The deeper the adaptation, the stronger the awakening would become. Given time, those powers would emerge.
He stood, moving her body experimentally. She felt lighter, stronger—balanced perfection.
Then, glancing down, he froze for a second.
From this angle, Konan's figure was… distracting. Her chest rose and fell gracefully—soft, pale skin barely visible beneath the loose fabric.
Alex, still piloting her form, crossed her arms in a thoughtful pose—though the truth was far less intellectual.
Inside her mind, Konan observed everything silently, a little exasperated.
Really? Are those so fascinating to him?
Alex was brilliant, dependable, and loyal—but sometimes, he gave off a rather… hungry energy. Perhaps she was imagining it.
Still, seeing how genuinely delighted he seemed by her—she couldn't bring herself to mind.
If touching her made him happy, then… so be it.
They'd already shared everything, body and soul. What harm was there in letting him play a little?
After a moment of "reflection," Alex finally straightened up and sighed. "Konan, the fusion's complete. No complications at all. I'm handing control back to you."
As she regained her body, Alex slipped free from her chest and hovered before her once more.
Konan smiled faintly. "Well? Are you satisfied with my body?"
[Don't get the wrong idea. I was only analyzing your physical condition carefully.]
Konan chuckled softly. "Whatever you say. If you ever want to 'analyze' again, my body's always available."
Her voice carried an unmistakable teasing lilt. "We share everything, after all."
Boom.
Alex nearly short-circuited at her words. Heat surged through his paper form—a flare of pure, hopeless frustration.
He was a sentient piece of paper, for crying out loud. What could he possibly do?
Having been close to Konan like this, he knew just how dangerously perfect she truly was. And yet… so far beyond reach.
He could only sigh in silent torment. If only I had my body back…
Konan, noticing his sudden silence, didn't comment. She was too busy marveling at the power flowing through her veins.
"Amazing! My chakra has tripled—and my body feels so much stronger."
Joy and disbelief danced in her eyes. Alex hadn't lied—he truly could make her stronger, far faster than she ever imagined.
If a single bloodline could grant such power, what would happen when she fused more?
For the first time in years, Konan saw hope—hope of vengeance, and of reviving her fallen comrades.
"Alex… you're incredible," she whispered, eyes shining.
Overcome by emotion, she suddenly pulled the floating paper form into her arms, holding him close.
[H-Hey, Konan, what are you—]
She only smiled in response and carried him toward the bath.
If he admired her body so much, perhaps she could reward him a little.
It was, after all, the only way she could think of to thank him properly.