"The mission is already halfway done..." Obito mused to himself.
Now, only four tailed beasts remained: the Two-Tails, Five-Tails, Eight-Tails, and Nine-Tails.
Once they were captured, the Gedo Statue could be fully unsealed, summoning the Ten-Tails into the world.
That meant many of the perks promised to him by the [System] were just around the corner.
Thinking about this, Obito couldn't help but grumble in his mind:
"System, you're so lame!"
"Other systems just hand over rewards for daily logins, but with you, I have to grind through missions]"
The [System] retorted coldly:
"… (╯^╰) Then go find another system. Stop wasting my time!"
Obito chuckled inwardly, thinking, If I could find another system, would I still be stuck here listening to your nonsense?
Out loud, he replied with exaggerated affection:
"No matter how great other systems are, they're not mine. You're my one and only treasure."
The [System] responded in a sultry, teasing tone:
"Oh, please, stop. I can hear your thoughts, you scumbag."
Obito froze, utterly stunned.
"Wait, you can use a voice like this?! System, can you keep using this voice? Pretty please?"
The [System] growled in annoyance:
"If you keep being this gross, I'll switch to Chiyo's voice instead."
"Alright, alright, I yield!"
After some playful banter with the [System], Obito stretched and stood up, feeling refreshed. Turning to Madara, he spoke:
"Grandpa Madara, if there's nothing else, I'll be heading out now."
He gestured to the three jinchūriki nearby.
"I'll leave them here with you for now, just like last time."
Madara gave a slight nod and turned his back to Obito.
"Ahem. Next time you come, bring me some more books…"
Obito replied cheerfully, "Got it, Grandpa Madara!"
Truthfully, Obito had a hidden agenda.
The main reason for delivering the tailed beasts in one trip was to use the downtime between Akatsuki's operations to return to Konoha and spend a few days with Rin (those who know, know).
Bringing Madara a few boxes of books? That was just a convenient excuse. And if it helped raise Madara's favorability, all the better.
After all, if this whole scenario were a game, Madara would be the final boss. When the story reached its climax, the two of them were destined to face off—one living, one dying.
But before that happened, if Obito could max out Madara's favorability and "fully unlock" him...
Who knows? Maybe there'd be a new route, a new way to resolve things without bloodshed.
The thought made Obito chuckle.
For now, the plan was clear:
More grandpas, more opportunities.
With his thoughts running wild, Obito activated Kamui and disappeared, heading straight for Konoha.
...
Konoha
Kakashi stepped out of his house, visibly tired. He sighed, a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion on his face.
"Obito wasn't lying… this kind of joy really is a hundred times better than reading."
Still, his body was paying the price.
"Seven or eight times a week… I'm about to turn into Kakashi-thin…"
He groaned.
"Ugh, I really need to take better care of myself."
Pulling out a book from his pouch, he walked along, enjoying the quiet.
But after a while, Kakashi stopped abruptly, his expression sharp.
"Hm?"
He sensed something unusual—that guy was back in the village.
Frowning, he muttered, "How did he find out so quickly…?"
Without wasting any time, Kakashi used Flying Thunder God Technique to locate Obito.
He had to intercept him before he met Rin. Who knew how long that would take otherwise?
...
Konoha Hospital Entrance
Obito scratched his head, puzzled as he looked at the battered ground and exhausted Earth Release ninjas.
"What's going on here? Urban renovation?"
It didn't even occur to him that Konoha might have been attacked.
In his eyes, Konoha was untouchable—a village with deep roots and countless powerful shinobi. Who'd be dumb enough to stir up trouble here?
Shrugging it off, Obito was about to head inside to meet Rin when a familiar silver-haired man appeared and grabbed his arm.
"Obito, come with me. We need to talk."
Before Obito could react, Kakashi teleported them both to a secluded forest.
Pulling his arm free, Obito sighed in exasperation.
"Kakashi, what the hell are you doing?"
Kakashi studied Obito carefully, noting his relaxed demeanor.
With an odd tone, he asked, "So… you're not here because of the message I sent?"
Obito blinked, genuinely confused.
"Message? What message?"
Adjusting his headband, Kakashi got straight to the point.
"Orochimaru resurrected the First and Second Hokage, then attacked Konoha with them. He tried to kidnap Rin."
Obito froze, his expression darkening instantly.
"Orochimaru… that bastard!"
He clenched his fists, his anger palpable.
Using Orochimaru had seemed like a smart move at first—a way to create chaos and further his plans. But this... targeting Rin?!
"Clearly, I underestimated him. I should've dealt with that snake long ago."
Obito's eyes burned with resolve.
"Since I now have the power to crush him… it's time to eliminate this wildcard."
He turned to Kakashi, his voice cold.
"Tell me everything that happened, in detail."
Kakashi nodded.
"Alright."
As they walked, Kakashi filled Obito in on the events. By the time he finished, Obito had made up his mind.
"I understand. I need to find Itachi next."
Kakashi placed a hand on Obito's shoulder, his voice steady.
"Be careful. And if you need my help, just ask."
Obito was touched by the sentiment and smiled.
"You too, Kakashi. Take care of yourself. You're looking a bit… drained."
Then, with a teasing grin:
"Maybe go eat some goji berries or something, old man."
Kakashi's face turned red.
"You little—!"
Before he could retaliate, Obito laughed and disappeared.
"Catch me if you can!"
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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