[Regarding the issue of Kirigakure: The author considered switching to a different village for narrative purposes. However, from both a background and character perspective, Kirigakure is indeed the most suitable choice. Rest assured, the upcoming actions of Setsuna and Obito will take a completely different approach.]
The dessert shop.
Itachi took a bite of the tri-colored dango in his hand, his entire being immersed in its soft and chewy texture.
The sweet but not overly rich caramel sauce, the delicate aroma of glutinous rice, and the finely chopped nuts inside...
Obito nearly burst into laughter at the sight.
Although Itachi tried his best to hide it, Obito could clearly see the joy in his eyes.
Even though Itachi had already seen blood, deep down, he was still just a child!
While Obito observed Itachi, Itachi was also observing him.
Shisui had often mentioned Obito in front of Itachi, speaking of him with great admiration.
He described Obito as a guiding light, someone he aspired to emulate.
Thus, Itachi had etched the name Obito firmly in his mind.
To him, Shisui was his role model.
If Shisui held his cousin Obito in such high regard, then Obito must be someone extraordinary!
But after watching for a while, Itachi found himself slightly disappointed.
The man named Obito in front of him… no matter how he looked, seemed so ordinary!
"Another round?"
"Huh?"
It wasn't until Shisui's voice broke the silence that Itachi snapped out of his thoughts. He gave a slightly apologetic smile.
"Sorry, you two. I was lost in thought just now."
Shisui patted him on the shoulder with a grin.
"It's fine. No need to be so formal around me and Obito."
"My cousin was just asking if you'd like another serving of dango?"
Itachi glanced at the table in front of him, realizing only then that while deep in thought, he'd unconsciously finished all the dango on the table. His face flushed slightly.
"No, thank you, Obito-san."
The three of them chatted, though most of the conversation was between Shisui and Obito.
Itachi listened quietly from the side, occasionally chiming in.
He started to notice that there was indeed something unique about Obito.
For instance, his thought process was entirely unconventional—so much so that Itachi couldn't quite figure out what he was thinking.
After a while, Itachi found an excuse to stand up.
"…I'll take my leave for now. I don't want to disturb the two of you, Shisui-san, Obito-san."
Itachi could sense that there were some topics Shisui and Obito were hesitant to discuss in his presence.
Obito smiled at him and offered, "Take a dango set with you for the road."
Itachi hesitated for a moment but shook his head. "There's no need, Obito-san."
Obito's smile deepened.
"Take it. It's not every day I treat, so don't hold back."
Shisui nodded in agreement.
"Exactly! You don't know how rare it is to get Obito to treat anyone."
Though Itachi's heart leaped with joy, he maintained a calm and composed expression as he nodded.
"Then, thank you for the treat."
After Itachi left, Shisui nudged his cousin with a teasing grin.
"You must really like Itachi, huh? To actually treat him."
Obito rolled his eyes.
"Go away. Since when did you start poking fun at me?"
"But," he admitted with a smirk, "that kid Itachi is pretty good—respectful, intelligent… a good kid all around."
A few minutes later, Obito and Shisui left the dessert shop as well.
Walking side by side along the street, they eventually reached a quiet, secluded area.
Shisui turned to his cousin and softly asked, "Obito, do you know about the Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Obito's body tensed slightly, and he gave Shisui a complicated look.
Could it be…?
Without a word, Obito pulled Shisui into a hug and whispered, "I'm sorry, Shisui."
Shisui let out a long sigh.
"So, you too…"
The sun slipped below the horizon, and night enveloped the land.
In the eerie silence of a dark forest, Shisui's quiet voice echoed.
"…I could only watch as he was consumed by the jutsu…"
Obito gave a bitter smile, his thoughts drifting to a certain someone.
"Ha… this is what war is."
After a brief silence, Obito asked, "What ability did your Mangekyō awaken?"
Shisui's eyes revealed a black, four-pointed shuriken pattern.
"I can manipulate reality to some extent, based on my will. I call it Kotoamatsukami."
He paused, his voice tinged with regret.
"I felt at the time that if I had enough power, I might have been able to rewrite a friend's death."
Obito's heart skipped a beat.
Isn't Kotoamatsukami supposed to be a genjutsu that alters others' wills? How did it become a reality-altering dojutsu?!
In myths from another world, Kotoamatsukami was associated with divine creation, capable of altering existence itself.
Obito's mind began to piece things together.
Was it because Shisui firmly believed that they, as brothers, could change everything?
Could his unyielding resolve have shaped his ability?
That must be it.
Shisui looked at his silent cousin and asked, "Obito, you've awakened the Mangekyō too, right? What's your ability?"
Obito chuckled softly, leaning in and whispering one word.
"Classified."
Shisui: "???"
"That's not fair, Obito!"
Obito shrugged nonchalantly.
"That's the lesson I wanted to teach you: life isn't fair."
"How about this," he suggested with a sly grin, "if you beat me in a sparring match, I'll tell you."
Shisui immediately stood up.
"Deal! Don't you dare back out, Obito!"
Obito smirked confidently.
"I, Obito, always keep my word."
Not that it matters if I lose—I'll just refuse again anyway.
Under the moonlight, the two figures wrestled playfully, their bond shining brightly in the night.
...
Land of Water, outside Kirigakure.
Uchiha Setsuna cast a sidelong glance at Zetsu beside her.
"Are you sure the intel is accurate?"
Black Zetsu gave a seemingly earnest smile.
"Of course, Madara-sama. I guarantee that Kirigakure's latest defensive setup matches the information I provided."
"With your newly awakened dojutsu, taking Kirigakure will be a breeze."
Setsuna snorted.
"If your intel proves accurate, then naturally. But if you're wrong…" Her voice turned icy.
"You'll have no reason to exist."
With that, her bare feet moved silently as she made her way toward Kirigakure.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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