However, when the Chimera Technique fused bloodline users, it had to fuse not only their flesh but also their souls.
This meant the Chimera Technique had a weakness beyond bodily rejection: spiritual rejection, which couldn't be solved with White Zetsu's traits.
The soul was far more complicated than the body, and Neji had no idea how to solve this flaw yet.
That was only natural.
The Chimera Technique was a forbidden jutsu that defied the laws of nature. It couldn't possibly be perfect.
Neji had gotten Hiruko to work on the Chimera Technique so that Hiruko could serve as a test subject.
The flaw of spiritual rejection—
just how serious was it?
He had to find out.
After leaving the laboratory, Hiruko went to the central tower in Amegakure and, under Konan's guidance, met Deva Path Pain.
Hiruko looked at the Rinnegan in Deva Path's eye sockets, and genuine awe flickered in his eyes.
Of the entire Akatsuki Organization, the only person Hiruko truly trusted was Deva Path.
On the one hand, Deva Path supported his work on the Chimera Technique, satisfying Hiruko's deep-seated need for validation after a childhood spent feeling inferior.
On the other, Deva Path possessed the legendary Rinnegan.
Deva Path asked calmly, "Hiruko, when will you be able to fuse bloodlines?"
Hiruko replied respectfully, "On the ninth of next month, the Land of Rain will experience the celestial phenomenon known as the Solar Eclipse. Performing the bloodline fusion that day will give us a better chance of success."
Deva Path glanced at Hiruko indifferently and nodded. "Don't disappoint me. You may leave."
After Hiruko left, Konan looked at Deva Path and asked, "Do you think Hiruko's experiment is reliable?"
Deva Path's voice was cold. "It's child's play. Let him tinker with it."
Nagato possessed the Rinnegan,