To Shinji's surprise, Mei Terumi actually bought all 1,500 explosive tags at thirty times his original purchase price!
After completing the transaction and counting the money, Shinji promptly left. Since Mei didn't ask him to stay longer, he didn't see the point in lingering.
…
Ao, the loyal Jonin of Kirigakure! A man who, by the time of the Boruto series, had seen the true nature of the world and transcended petty interests. Despite recognizing that ninjas held no inherent value, even this worldly-wise figure succumbed to the inherited "traitor syndrome" of the next generation's 'Boruto-head.'
After a nonsensical tirade by a child, Ao lost his way, filled with the Will of Fire, and once again became a traitor. In a story of redemption, Ao sacrificed himself with a smile during the Boruto series to protect Boruto.
Thus ended the life of a loyal strategist.
…
Back at Mei Terumi's residence, after hearing her story, Ao remained silent for a long time before speaking.
"Why did you spend so much money on so many explosive tags?"
Mei's eyes grew distant as she walked to the window, gazing out at the fog-covered village where nothing could be seen clearly.
"It's a tumultuous time. I'm just preparing for the worst..."
Ao sighed heavily, rubbing his forehead. "Fine. But why didn't you buy all of them?"
"We didn't have enough money."
This reason left Ao silent again. After a moment, he spoke up, "And why didn't you detain that merchant? If he could produce 1,500 explosive tags so easily, he probably has more. Letting him roam Kirigakure is dangerous. Do you understand what could happen if other factions buy his tags during these turbulent times?"
Mei laughed softly, interrupting Ao. "Ao, only our faction has enough money to buy that many explosive tags. Don't worry; other factions don't have the funds."
Ao's eye twitched, and after a long pause, he clenched his fist in frustration. "Do you think I meant buying with money?! Even if they have no money, they could just rob him! The only fool who would pay such a high price and let him go is you!"
"Eh?" Mei was stunned, staring blankly at Ao.
"Forget it. I'll go find him."
Ao left, leading a team to search for Shinji, who had disappeared.
From this experience, Ao learned never to entrust the faction's finances to Mei again.
…
Of course, Ao couldn't find Shinji. Besides a brief encounter with Mei Terumi, there was nothing to keep him in Kirigakure, so he had already left.
After making a small profit, Shinji promptly set off for the last stop on his ninja world tour—the Rainbow Country, a nation without ninjas.
…
While Shinji was busy planting relics in the Rainbow Country, the Hokage's office in Konoha was in an uproar. An exhausted Kakashi reported to Tsunade, excitedly speculating that Obito might still be alive!
Hearing this, Tsunade raised her eyebrows. Could the masked man be Obito? The records on Uchiha Obito didn't match.
"Lady Tsunade! Let me investigate! If it's Obito, I'll bring him back!"
Kakashi almost pleaded. After losing his teammates and mentor, hearing that a friend might still be alive reignited his spirit.
"Don't rush. Take a rest first. I promise we won't let anyone else in the village know about this for now."
Tsunade said, putting down Kakashi's report and looking at him. She could see that Kakashi was in bad shape.
His breathing was uneven, and his face was pale. He was standing purely on willpower.
He had no strength left.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade!"
Expressing his gratitude, Kakashi finally felt relieved. He staggered out, supporting himself against the wall.
After Kakashi left, Tsunade pondered for a long time before picking up Obito's file again.
"Could it really be this kid?"
A month later...
"Are you... Obito?"
Obito, who had been lurking in the Land of Fire to ease Konoha's population pressure, was shocked to hear Kakashi, who lay on the ground, ask this question.
How was he exposed? Why was Kakashi interfering now? Did he figure it out on his own?
Could he be smarter than me?
Impossible, absolutely impossible!
"Obito? Who's that? I'm just an old enemy of Konoha."
"Obito, why... why not return to the village? Why do this?"
Kakashi muttered.
Seeing Kakashi insist on believing he was Obito, Obito was conflicted. Should he kill Kakashi?
If he didn't, Kakashi might confirm his identity. But if he did, it didn't seem like the right time...
Shush!
"Kakashi-san!"
The sudden appearance of a person and their shout saved Obito.
"Hmph! Lucky..."
Obito muttered, sinking into the ground and disappearing.
"Shisui, he... he is Obito. He still denies it, but he held back against me. It must be him, Uchiha Obito…"
Kakashi said to his rescuer before passing out.
"Uchiha... Obito…"
Shisui murmured, staring at the spot where Obito had stood.
…
When Shinji heard that Kakashi had identified the masked man as Obito, he admired Black Zetsu's grand scheme for revenge!
A single hint about the Sharingan had put Obito in a tight spot. Kakashi was relentless, digging up an entire hill to find answers!
Now Obito was truly in a dilemma.
If he stayed away from Konoha, it would confirm their suspicions. If he lingered, he risked exposure, especially with Shisui around, who could use Kotoamatsukami.
After considering everything, Obito decided to stay in Kirigakure and wait for the situation to calm down.
Simply put, he planned to lie low and resume his anti-Konoha activities later.
Instructing White Zetsu to erase all traces, Obito returned to dealing with Kirigakure's overpopulation and resource distribution problems.
But Obito didn't know that White Zetsu, instead of erasing his traces, was creating more to lead Konoha to Kirigakure!
Black Zetsu was determined to push Obito to the brink!
…
Shinji's ninja world tour had reached a satisfactory conclusion. Now it was time to wait patiently for the seeds to sprout and grow. He decided to return home.
After giving instructions to his loyal White Zetsu underlings, Shinji prepared to leave.
"System, take me back."
…
Nasuverse, July, during the summer vacation.
Fuyuki City, a seemingly peaceful night.
Tonight, the residents of Fuyuki City were united in their efforts to collect the eighth card.
However...
The eighth card was beyond anyone's expectations!
Above the large crater, Shirou, Saber, Rin, Archer, Bazett, Lancer, Illya, Berserker, and Luvia all looked exhausted, as if they had fought a fierce battle.
Before them stood a giant who had taken on a physical form and a young Gilgamesh standing on the giant's head.
Together, they formed the eighth card—Heroic Spirit Gilgamesh!
"What does she have to do with the Holy Grail War?"
Young Gilgamesh laughed joyfully and looked at Shirou, who had just used Unlimited Blade Works but was wounded and bleeding from the mouth after EA broke through it.
"That's an interesting question, big brother. Since you want to know, I'll be kind and tell you."
"No!"
Held tightly by the giant's hand, Miyu struggled, trying to stop him with a burst of magical energy.
But it was useless; the giant's other hand easily blocked it without a scratch!
"Actually, it's not her connection to the Holy Grail War you should be asking about, big brother. Because... the Holy Grail War was created for her. She was born as the completed Holy Grail."
Hearing this, everyone except the sneering Gilgamesh and the mindless Berserker widened their eyes in shock!
"Miyu... she's the completed Holy Grail?"
Saber, nearly out of mana and barely standing by leaning on Excalibur, frowned. For Saber, who had pursued the Holy Grail relentlessly, this information was explosive!
Gilgamesh turned and smiled. "Neither the cards nor I matter. She is the root cause and destination of everything! That's her!"
"The Holy Grail…"
Rin, almost out of mana and sitting on the ground with her face covered in dirt, looked stunned by the revelation.
Saber was the most affected, stopping her thoughts entirely, repeating "Holy Grail" while staring at the object of her quest right before her.
Even Shirou was at a loss, standing still in shock.