Ch. 161We've Finally Fused!
Chapter Summary: “We’ve Finally Fused!”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Orochimaru begins an experiment to fuse Uchiha Madara’s and Senju Hashirama’s cells.
- Madara willingly cuts flesh from his arm, which Orochimaru and Tobirama analyze before transplanting it into Hashirama.
- The cells fuse successfully without rejection, and Madara’s tissue is absorbed into Hashirama’s body.
- A remarkably lifelike image of Madara’s face, complete with developing hair, appears on Hashirama’s chest. The result is even more detailed than the Hashirama face that appeared on Madara’s body after his earlier transplantation.
- Ito Hirofumi speculates that Naruto and Sasuke, as reincarnations of Asura and Indra, might similarly produce visible manifestations and potentially awaken the Rinnegan through cell transplantation.
- Ito also reflects on his own powers: his Mangekyō Sharingan appears to function like an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan, while his Sharingan and Byakugan are mysteriously beginning to merge into a possible new eye type.
- Despite the successful cell fusion, Hashirama does not awaken the Rinnegan. He gains more chakra and senses a new chakra nature, but his eyes remain unchanged.
- Orochimaru determines that Hashirama’s Yin and Yang chakra have not fully combined, suggesting that an essential component is missing.
- Madara considers obtaining Nagato’s Rinnegan for Hashirama if the experiment fails.
- Ito proposes that Hashirama may first need a pair of Sharingan as a “vessel” or catalyst before the Rinnegan can awaken.
Character Developments
- Senju Hashirama: Remains comically nervous and naïve about the experiment, but is thrilled by the appearance of Madara’s face on his chest. Although his cells fuse perfectly with Madara’s, he fails to develop the Rinnegan.
- Uchiha Madara: Calmly contributes his own flesh and shows concern over Hashirama’s incomplete transformation. His protective affection is revealed through his willingness to find another solution, even considering taking Nagato’s eyes for Hashirama.
- Orochimaru: Displays intense scientific excitement and carefully monitors the fusion. His confidence turns to confusion when the expected Rinnegan awakening does not occur.
- Senju Tobirama: Assists Orochimaru with the biological analysis and experimentation.
- Ito Hirofumi: Demonstrates growing insight into chakra and ocular powers. He theorizes about the missing Sharingan component and reveals that his own Mangekyō Sharingan and Byakugan may be evolving into an unprecedented eye.
- Madara and Hashirama’s bond: Their familiar relationship continues, with Hashirama’s exaggerated complaints provoking Madara’s irritation and physical reprimands, while Madara still acts protectively toward him.
Significant Themes
- Scientific experimentation and supernatural biology: The chapter treats chakra, inherited abilities, and cell fusion as subjects of experimental investigation.
- The conditions of power evolution: Successful genetic fusion alone is insufficient to awaken the Rinnegan; the chapter suggests that specific ocular or spiritual components are also necessary.
- Inheritance and reincarnation: The connection between Indra, Asura, Madara, Hashirama, Naruto, and Sasuke emphasizes how power can be passed through chakra, cells, and reincarnated lineages.
- Unintended transformation: The faces appearing on each character’s chest symbolize the strange and unpredictable consequences of merging their bodies and powers.
- Comedic friendship amid dangerous experimentation: Hashirama’s childish fear and Madara’s exasperation contrast with the serious risks and extraordinary potential of the experiment.
- Evolution beyond established limits: Ito’s possible fusion of the Sharingan and Byakugan hints at powers that may surpass the known Rinnegan and Tenseigan.
Important Character Interactions
- Hashirama nervously complains to Madara about Orochimaru’s unsettling gaze, prompting Madara to hit him and tell him to be quiet.
- Madara cooperates with Orochimaru by donating his flesh without hesitation.
- Orochimaru and Tobirama work together to monitor the fusion and investigate why Hashirama’s Rinnegan does not awaken.
- Hashirama excitedly points out Madara’s face on his chest, while Madara compares the result to his own earlier fusion.
- Madara questions Hashirama about changes in his eyes, and Hashirama reports only increased chakra and a new chakra attribute.
- Ito challenges Orochimaru’s assumptions by suggesting that transplanting Sharingan into Hashirama might provide the missing element needed to unlock the Rinnegan.