shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 2: Consciousness Upload

Soon, various machines were pushed into the room one after another. The staff swiftly connected them to my head.

The machines hummed and beeped, as if they were trying to communicate with me.

Their surfaces flickered with dim lights, creating an aura that felt both mysterious and profoundly technological.

As the machines powered up, I could feel faint electric currents running through my scalp, sending strange sensations through my body.

One device resembled a massive helmet that fit tightly around my head, linked to countless thin wires connecting it to other equipment.

It seemed capable of reading my brainwaves and converting them into visual data.

Another device looked like a transparent sphere filled with flashing lights and intricate patterns.

This sphere appeared to simulate my thought processes, displaying them in an intuitive manner.

Several small sensors were attached to my scalp, monitoring my heart rate, blood pressure, and other physiological indicators to provide a comprehensive analysis for the research.

"Now, let me explain the details of this experiment. After all, you have the right to know what you're about to go through."

The researcher's expression was solemn as he spoke.

"This consciousness upload experiment is still in the theoretical stage. There have been no successful cases so far.

More importantly, the process of extracting consciousness causes severe damage to the brain, meaning that it's either success… or death."

Hearing that, I couldn't help but smirk bitterly.

"But, don't worry too much," he continued.

"We've made a major theoretical breakthrough. We've discovered the microscopic quantum structure of the human brain and developed a method to upload consciousness into a quantum computer. However, during the process, your consciousness will enter a quantum superposition state, which might cause it to be transmitted to other places in the universe through quantum entanglement."

"That being said, according to our latest theoretical predictions, the success rate is as high as 30%! Round it up, and that's basically 100%."

…What kind of absurd logic is that? Since when does rounding up 30% make it 100%?!

But whatever. Dead either way—I might as well take the gamble. Maybe this time, I could rise from the ashes.

"Do whatever makes you happy. Not like I have any other options, right? Might as well bet on this. Maybe I'll actually survive."

"You have quite the attitude. I hope you make it through," the researcher said with a forced smile, but I could see the worry and helplessness in his eyes.

He knew the risks of this experiment—there was a high probability that this would be the last time we spoke.

But with the challenge ahead, all he could do was offer encouragement and hope.

"The consciousness upload process requires us to perform a craniotomy to establish a deep link with your brain.

However, there's no need to worry—it won't be painful. The brain has no pain receptors. But please, do not move. Any sudden movement could lead to unnecessary accidents.

We also cannot anesthetize you. For the upload process to be successful, your consciousness must remain fully active."

"Got it. Just get on with it. My whole body already hurts from this nuclear radiation damage. I doubt I can last much longer anyway."

---

A few hours later, I lay on the operating table, watching as the final preparations were made.

Through the reflection of the surgical equipment, I could see my exposed brain.

It was an unsettling sight.

Surprisingly, I felt no pain.

"The experiment is ready. Are you prepared?" the researcher asked with a concerned look.

"I'm ready. Let's do this."

"Alright. Three… two… one…"

"Good luck."

That was the last thing I heard.

A sharp pain suddenly pierced my mind, and I felt my consciousness detaching from my body.

Even the agony from the radiation-induced genetic collapse faded away, replaced by an overwhelming sense of detachment from my soul.

I saw a universe filled with dazzling lights—an endless cosmic expanse.

My consciousness drifted aimlessly, lost in the vastness.

Then, I felt a pull—a direction, a destination.

My awareness locked onto it.

And then… I plunged into infinite darkness.

---

BEEP—BEEP—BEEP—

Vital signs lost. Consciousness successfully extracted. Uploading...

—Error: No consciousness data detected.

"Sigh… another failed experiment."

"I really hoped that optimistic young man would make it. The consciousness extraction succeeded, but why wasn't the uploaded data received? Could it have transferred somewhere else through quantum entanglement?"

"I must be exhausted. I'm starting to have ridiculous thoughts."

---

A New Beginning

Somewhere in the void, Rei Tsukiko's consciousness drifted through endless darkness, as if he had entered an infinite abyss.

Countless fragmented memories flashed through his mind, like pieces of a puzzle being rapidly reconstructed by an unseen force.

He felt as if he were being dragged forward, unable to resist.

Just as he was about to be consumed by the darkness, a blinding light burst forth.

His entire being trembled.

As if being pulled out from the depths of an abyss—

Rei suddenly found himself in an unfamiliar world.

---

A searing pain erupted in his mind, as if countless needles were stabbing into his nerves.

He gritted his teeth, cold sweat dripping from his forehead as his vision blurred.

Memories flooded his consciousness—

Some belonged to his past self, memories of his old world—his parents' faces, the laughter of his friends.

But there were also memories that were not his own.

He saw scenes of Konohagakure, ninjas training, intense battles—

His heart pounded as realization struck him.

These memories weren't just his.

They belonged to this body's original owner.

His soul hadn't simply materialized here—he had taken over someone else's body.

And that person…

Was a young ninja who had just begun his journey.

---

"What… is happening?" Rei clenched his teeth, trying to make sense of the chaos in his mind.

He knew that if he didn't adapt quickly, he wouldn't survive in this dangerous world.

As the memories settled, he pieced together the truth—

The original owner of this body was Uchiha Tsukiko.

Rei took a deep breath, forcing himself to remain calm.

Since he had taken over this body, he had no choice but to accept this new identity and adapt to this world's rules.

Looking down at himself, he noticed he was wearing unfamiliar clothing. A small pouch hung from his waist, containing several kunai and a scroll.

His fingers brushed against his abdomen, and he felt it—

A powerful energy coursing through his body.

Chakra.

---

Rei's mind raced.

"I was on an operating table, undergoing the consciousness upload experiment… How did I end up here?"

"Did something go wrong with the experiment?"

The thought sent a chill down his spine.

Sweat beaded on his forehead as a terrifying possibility formed in his mind.

"Did I… actually transmigrate?"

Rei struggled to organize his thoughts, but the chaotic mix of past and present memories made it difficult.

One thing, however, was certain—

He was no longer in his original world.