In less than ten minutes, a series of emergencies left the Mist Shinobi village in disarray. What exactly was happening? And what should they do next?
The sight of Three Tails, clearly out of control and wreaking havoc across the village, quickly united everyone around a single priority: subdue Three Tails at all costs.
"Tsk! Enough! Forget about Konoha's involvement—focus on stopping Three Tails!" Hozuki Mangetsu barked, gritting his teeth as he waved his hand to rally the members of the Hozuki Clan. The issue with Konoha Shinobi in Kiri could be dealt with later.
Meanwhile, Tatsuya spotted Konan amidst the ruins. He hoisted her onto his shoulders, turned, and began moving quickly toward the outskirts of Kirigakure. Along the way, he encountered Kakashi and Rin.
"Both of you, get out of here," Tatsuya called out.
Rin glanced back at Terumi Mei, who was fighting alongside Mist Shinobi's many ninjas, worry clear on her face. "Aren't we going to help Mei?"
After all, both of them were the students of Tsundae, and Rin was deeply concerned about Terumi Mei's situation.
"This is Mist Shinobi's problem to handle. They'll manage it alone," Tatsuya replied, steadying Konan on his back. "Besides, when it's over, that girl will be seen as a hero here. Taking over as Mizukage is likely just around the corner for her."
"Tatsuya, you're finally here!"
Just as Tatsuya returned to the village with Kakashi and Rin, Minato also arrived.
"Sensei, what happened with the Rinnegan user?" Kakashi asked.
"He suddenly retreated in the middle of the fight. Rinnegan's abilities are incredibly complex. Without knowing about all of his abilities, I had no confidence in defeating him," Minato replied, his tone a mix of frustration and humility.
Looking around, Minato frowned. "Where's Obito?"
Tatsuya gestured toward Shisui and Itachi. "Do they look like they've caught anyone?" he asked dryly. Shisui and Itachi sat curled up by a tree trunk, no longer shedding tears but visibly dispirited, their expressions saying, 'I'll never know happiness again.'
Minato gave a small, sympathetic smile. "Well, at least we've confirmed that Obito was behind the Nine Tails attack on Konoha six years ago. That's enough to clear the Uchiha's name, isn't it?"
"You're as naive as ever, Minato," Tatsuya replied with a slight shake of his head.
Tatsuya sneered, "Where exactly do you think you'll find proof? To the villagers, Uchiha Obito is already dead. Without bringing him back as evidence, just saying he's involved will only make it look like you're covering for the Uchiha."
"Besides, Obito is an Uchiha," he added, tone sharpening. "Even if we did bring him in, there's no guarantee it would help ease the rift between the village and the Uchiha."
Kakashi interrupted, "Couldn't you have come with us from the beginning? You could have defeated and bring him back to Konoha with us—"
"You don't get it," Tatsuya cut him off. "If you'd come along, Obito would have vanished the moment he sensed me and then used his Kamui. That technique is the best escape technique in the entire Ninja world today—almost impossible to trap." Tatsuya's frustration showed. "I planned to end it there, but as always, he slipped away."
Boom.
Just then, the ground trembled. In Kirigakure, the Three-Tails had finally weakened, and the relentless attacks from Mist shinobi were beginning to bring it down.
Turning back to Minato, Tatsuya spoke up, his voice calm and calculating, "Minato, I have another task for you."
Minato straightened, listening intently. "What is it?"
"Slip into Kirigakure and find the elder named as 'Maboroshi.' Kill him."
Minato's eyes widened. "You mean the one who controls most of Kirigakure's ninja forces?"
Tatsuya nodded. "Yes, the same. He's been around since the Sengoku era, serving as an elder since the Third Mizukage's time."
To have such immense power is nearly the same as holding the authority of one of Kirigakure's elders.
"...This…" Minato, whose heart was just as compassionate as his son's, hesitated.
"That girl, Terumi Mei, is about to take over as the Fifth Mizukage, and that old man is her biggest obstacle," Tatsuya explained impatiently. "Go kill him now, then claim he died in the chaos caused by the Three Tails."
Tatsuya's tone left no room for argument. It was clear he meant, Act now, or I'll make you.
"…Yes," Minato replied, and with a golden flash, he slipped back into the village.
"Tatsuya-san, do you think we still have a chance?" Shisui suddenly asked, standing up with an intense gaze that caught Tatsuya's attention.
Tatsuya studied the young shinobi for a moment before replying calmly, "Who knows what the future holds? But after this incident, Obito will be far more cautious."
"Obito…" Kakashi muttered, his emotions conflicted.
"Put me down."
Konan, who had regained consciousness while still slung over Tatsuya's shoulder, spoke up, her expression slightly embarrassed as she took stock of her position.
"It seems Nagato didn't bring you along. Was it for the reason I suspected?" Tatsuya set Konan down, studying her as he spoke.
Konan remained silent, but her expression gave away the answer.
So it's true—Nagato will be used until he is disposable, Tatsuya thought to himself.
In terms of raw power, Nagato with the Rinnegan may be a little stronger, but defeating Obito, who can use Kamui with both eyes, is nearly impossible. Obito understands the Six Paths abilities and knows the biggest weakness is Nagato's physical condition. Once the Akatsuki no longer needs to collect Tailed Beasts, Nagato is likely just part of Uchiha Madara's larger plan to use the Rinne Rebirth Technique to bring him back.
But Tatsuya kept these thoughts to himself and didn't tell Konon the entire plan of Uchiha Madara. After all, wasn't it better if it saved even one more life?
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