Konohagakure.
In Uchiha Itachi's home.
Obito set down his teacup, a mix of gratitude and relief in his voice as he spoke.
"It's a good thing you were there that day, Itachi. Otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable."
Itachi, holding his own cup, nodded slightly but said nothing.
Obito, well aware of Itachi's reserved nature, pressed on with another question.
"Itachi, are you certain that Orochimaru will die from your ocular technique?"
Itachi nodded again, his calm response exuding unshakable confidence.
"Amaterasu will not extinguish until it consumes his soul. Orochimaru is doomed."
Obito's thoughts were less certain.
Though Amaterasu was touted as the "strongest ocular attack" in the original storyline, its actual performance left much to be desired. Across the 720 episodes of Naruto, Amaterasu hadn't exactly racked up a stellar kill count. Initially, techniques like Sealing Jutsu and Substitution Jutsu had been enough to counter it. Later on, simply wearing a few extra layers of clothing—or taking them off in time—was sufficient to escape its effects.
It was no wonder Amaterasu had earned the nickname: "The Flame That Can't Kill." It was on par with the Fireball Jutsu, which might as well have been called "The Ball That Can't Kill."
Even if this differs from the original story, Obito muttered internally,I still think Amaterasu isn't lethal enough. And against a slippery foe like Orochimaru? The odds are even slimmer.
Besides, the sages of Ryūchi Cave could likely extinguish Amaterasu—if Orochimaru pays the price.
A calculating glint appeared in Obito's eyes as he considered his next move.
Maybe… he should visit Ryūchi Cave himself. If luck was on his side, he could capture Orochimaru or at least gather some useful intelligence. If not, he could scope out the place.
Yeah, Obito thought with a smirk. Worth a shot.
Standing, he announced, "I'll be heading out now. Keep holding the fort, Itachi."
Itachi stood as well, his voice steady. "I'll see you off, Obito-san."
As they walked out, Obito's gaze fell on a corner of the yard, where Mikoto was training Sasuke. A small smile tugged at his lips.
This world has changed—because of me.
Following the trail in Orochimaru's memories, Obito used Kamui to arrive at a dense forest.
This was the same spot where Orochimaru had found his way into Ryūchi Cave.
"So, they say it lies between illusion and reality, accessible only to the sincere," Obito muttered as he walked. "What a load of mystic nonsense. It's just hidden in an alternate dimension, letting in people on a whim."
He chuckled to himself. "When I get back, I'll create my own Kamui Realm. Entry requires bowing a hundred times and calling me 'Dad.'"
Though Kamui could likely force open the cave's alternate dimension, Obito refrained. Such an approach would alarm the Snake Sages and push any neutral parties into hostility. Plus, the chakra cost of breaching another dimension would leave him at a disadvantage for any follow-up "operations."
Better to play along for now.
As he pressed forward, the fog around him grew thicker, obscuring the path ahead and the way back.
Unperturbed, Obito marched on.
Unseen by him, three figures in white robes floated in the mist, whispering among themselves.
"Oh? He's still walking forward. He must not be just a lost traveler."
"Hmm, I'd love a little snack, but it's too soon to decide."
"Haven't eaten a live human in two weeks. Looks like it's finally feast time! Heh heh."
Their eerie voices wove through the fog, unsettling and seductive. An ordinary person would have already succumbed to the influence, their mind unraveling.
But Obito?
He was internally rolling his eyes.
"These three are floating above me like I can't see them. Do they think I'm blind?"
"And their voices are so grating—ugh, it's like listening to a monkey's soundboard."
Even with the mist obscuring vision, his Sharingan could faintly discern their forms. Yet the trio seemed oblivious to their exposure, continuing their chatter.
"Oh, he looks so delicious. I'm drooling just thinking about it."
"Hehe, I feel a special connection with him. I'm sure he'll be my meal."
"I disagree. Let's see who gets to eat him first, shall we? Keh keh keh."
Obito stifled a groan.
These three idiots really think they can eat me? I swear, I'll stab them if they keep this up.
Before he could stew any further, a golden light pierced through the fog, revealing a grand and opulent mansion ahead.
"More smoke and mirrors," Obito muttered, unimpressed. To his eyes, it was clearly a dark and eerie snake den.
"Fine. If they want to play, I'll play along."
As he stepped into Ryūchi Cave's domain.
"Let's hope the White Snake Sage behaves herself. Otherwise, I'll be calling in backup—and it won't be pretty."
Deactivating his Sharingan, he approached the massive doors.
They creaked open slowly, revealing a pale, graceful maiden with a golden crown. She bowed elegantly.
"Welcome, honored guest. I've been expecting you. I am...—"
Before she could finish, Obito nodded in approval.
"Good service. I'll leave a five-star review."
The snake froze mid-sentence, her smile twitching. "...???"
Without waiting, Obito strode past her, hands behind his back, exuding an air of complete nonchalance.
Behind him, the snake's face twisted with fury for a brief moment before regaining her composure.
Most visitors to Ryūchi Cave treated her with utmost respect. But this man? The audacity!
Oh, how she wanted to devour him.
Yet the rules dictated that she could only consume a guest if they failed the trials. Suppressing her rage, she donned a smile and caught up to him.
"Honored guest, you must be weary. Please, enjoy the feast I've prepared for you."
She gestured gracefully toward a banquet table laden with delicacies.
Obito glanced over, his expression skeptical.
If memory served, that spot should have been covered in bones.
This girl's got quite the innocent look. Who'd guess she's this devious?
"I'm not interested in food," Obito said, waving her off. "Got any… other services? You know… hehe… those kinds of services?"
Her expression cracked slightly.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +80 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo