Kirigakure.
Inside the Mizukage's office, Setsuna's eyes snapped open, a fleeting red glint flashing through her pupils. She quickly suppressed the anger threatening to spill over, her face settling into a mask of calm.
But inside, the flames of her rage only burned hotter.
These past days of silent investigation had confirmed her suspicions.
Her childhood friend's tragic death wasn't some random attack—it was orchestrated. Deliberate.
On that fateful day, several Kirigakure squads had supposedly been dispatched to completely unrelated locations. Yet those squads somehow ended up at the site of the ambush.
Not just coincidence.
It was impossible for those teams to appear there naturally—not when the locations they were assigned to were so far apart, practically worlds away.
Someone had planned this. Carefully. Ruthlessly.
And when Setsuna thought about how her friend's death ultimately drove her to join Madara's cause... Did the mastermind behind it all even need to be named?
It couldn't have been anyone other than Madara—or perhaps White Zetsu—who manipulated her.
Would she have "coincidentally" stumbled upon her friend, caught in the deadly clutches of Kiri-nin, without their machinations?
Damn you, Uchiha Madara!
She clenched her teeth, the image of his smirking face flashing in her mind.
If it weren't for Black Zetsu and White Zetsu keeping her in check, she'd storm back to incinerate that treacherous Madara right now.
But not yet.
Fine, Madara. Enjoy your moment of triumph while it lasts.
Her lips curled into a cold smile.
When I have enough power, I'll strip you of everything you hold dear. You'll finally understand what it feels like to lose it all.
...
Konoha.
The Hokage's office was unchanged, but the person sitting behind the desk certainly wasn't.
Obito stood with a mischievous grin, addressing the man before him.
"Minato-sensei—or wait, I should call you Fourth Hokage now, shouldn't I?"
"Tell us, Hokage-sama, what's the important matter that requires the presence of your beloved disciples?"
Minato chuckled, his expression softening with fondness at his cheeky student's antics.
"Well, Obito, the reason I called you three here today is to discuss your future plans."
"Future plans?" Rin tilted her head in curiosity.
Minato nodded, intertwining his fingers thoughtfully.
"Yes. Since I'm now the Hokage, I won't be able to lead Team Minato anymore."
"You have a choice: remain together as a team, request a transfer, or pursue other paths. I'd like to hear your thoughts."
Obito's grin widened knowingly.
Was Minato-sensei offering to pull strings for them?
In the shinobi world, they were already considered adults. Minato's question wasn't surprising—but the freedom to choose certainly was.
The three of them lowered their heads, deep in thought.
Rin was the first to speak.
"Minato-sensei, I'd like to stay in the village and train to become a medical ninja."
Minato smiled gently, as if her answer was exactly what he'd expected.
Rin had always been kindhearted, more suited to saving lives than taking them. Becoming a medical ninja seemed like the perfect path for her.
"I understand. I'll arrange for you to begin your internship at the Konoha Hospital tomorrow."
Rin beamed. "Thank you, Minato-sensei!"
Next, Kakashi spoke up.
"Minato-sensei, I'd like to join your personal ANBU squad."
Minato's eyes lit up in approval.
"Excellent. My squad has an open position, so you can join as soon as you're ready."
Given Kakashi's talents and sharp mind, Minato had no doubt he'd become one of his most trusted operatives in no time.
Finally, Minato turned to his last student, anticipation evident in his gaze.
"What about you, Obito? Have you decided?"
Obito scratched his head awkwardly but grinned.
"Actually, I'd like to join the Third Hokage's ANBU."
Minato blinked, clearly caught off guard.
"...The Third's ANBU?"
Even Rin and Kakashi looked at Obito in surprise.
Rin couldn't help but ask, "Why, Obito-kun? Isn't it better to—"
"I have my reasons," Obito interrupted, his tone deliberately vague.
He couldn't exactly admit he had other plans brewing.
Kakashi shot him a skeptical look. "You're just trying to avoid working with me, aren't you?"
Obito could only offer an awkward laugh.
After a tense pause, Minato sighed and gave a reluctant nod.
"If that's what you want, I'll discuss it with Third-sama. It'll be up to him to approve."
Though his words were supportive, the disappointment in Minato's expression was hard to miss.
Obito forced himself to smile, brushing off the tension.
"Thank you, Minato-sensei."
Minato gave a faint smile in return. "Alright, you're all dismissed. Remember to keep training and never let your skills grow rusty."
"Yes, Minato-sensei!" the three chorused.
As they exited the Hokage's office, Kakashi frowned at Obito.
"Why did you choose the Third's ANBU? Minato-sensei is obviously the better option."
Obito avoided the question, waving it off. "You'll understand someday."
Kakashi's sharp gaze lingered before he scoffed. "Hmph. You'd better have a good reason. I'm leaving."
With a curt nod to Rin and Obito, Kakashi walked away.
Since his last incident covering for Obito had made him the village laughingstock, spending time around Rin had become... uncomfortable.
Rin watched Kakashi leave before turning to Obito. Sensing his heavy mood, she gently took his hand and smiled.
"Obito-kun, do you think I'll make a good Medical-nin?"
Obito grinned, his earlier gloom evaporating. "Of course! It's a great job—stable, good hours, great pay. Plus..."
He trailed off, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
Rin tilted her head, curious. "Plus what?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all," Obito said, laughing to himself.
In truth, he couldn't help but imagine Rin in a medical uniform, ready to play along with some... creative doctor-patient scenarios.
What a dream come true.
Rin frowned suspiciously at his sudden change in mood. "Obito-kun, you'd better not be hiding something!"
Obito waved her off, still chuckling. "Nope, not at all!"
"Obito! Tell me!" Rin pouted, pulling at his sleeve.
"Never!" Obito declared, darting off with Rin chasing after him.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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