As the first Explosive Tag detonated, more hidden Explosive Tags were triggered one after another, creating a continuous roar of explosions that shattered the tranquility of the mountain forest.
Smoke and dust scattered everywhere, and a row of large trees groaned and collapsed, stirring up even thicker clouds of dust that swallowed nearly half of the forest.
On a nearby unharmed tree, Obito slowly materialized. He calmly watched the aftermath of the explosions spread and uttered a name, "Raiden Hattori..."
He had come all this way, initially thinking it would take considerable effort to uncover any clues about the secrets Itachi was hiding. To his surprise, it didn't take long for a discovery to fall right into his lap.
'It seemed this trip had been worth it.' Obito felt a secret joy, like a stern teacher catching students reading novels or playing on their phones during an unannounced inspection, giving him a sense of accomplishment.
With careful calculation against an unsuspecting target, he had sensed Logan's unusual Chakra presence well in advance. Reacting swiftly, he set up a trap and hid, waiting.
When he saw Logan, Obito was momentarily stunned but quickly made up his mind.
When Logan met Itachi alone, Obito couldn't be sure what they discussed.
But given their relationship, there were only a few possibilities. If it was about persuading Itachi regarding Sasuke's impending battle, then Obito couldn't just stand by.
He and Itachi were teammates in name only, and given the chance, he wouldn't hesitate to kill the other.
Obito understood that Sasuke's revenge against Itachi worked greatly to his advantage. Once Itachi was dead, he could freely advance his 'Eye of the Moon' Plan.
'If handled properly afterward, Sasuke could even willingly work for me… Hattori, you're just too much of a nuisance.' Obito thought to himself.
The crackling of broken branches and leaves gradually settled, and the thick smoke began to thin. Activating his Sharingan, Obito tried to see through the dust.
The sound of metal shifting was heard and a kunai was placed around his neck.
"Masked man, what are you trying to do?" Logan's cold voice came from behind Obito.
The sudden reversal of the situation didn't faze Obito. After only a brief pause, he replied, "As expected of a first-rate Lightning Release user. Your speed is impressive."
"Is that so? To be honest, I can go even faster. I'm just worried it might scare you."
Obito's breath hitched, 'Why did this guy talk so differently from other Ninja? Who just casually escalated like that?'
Steadying himself, he began to understand where Itachi had picked up his shamelessness from.
"Heh… Raiden Hattori, it's been a while."
"Sorry, but lately everyone's first words to me are the same. It's getting annoying." Logan's retort left Obito speechless once more. Then, the hand holding the kunai moved, pressing the blade closer to Obito's skin, "So cut the crap. Those Explosive Tags were your doing, right? What's the meaning of this?"
Logan's voice was cold, filled with a hint of killing intent. He knew the man before him was Obito but couldn't reveal it outright.
Obito had recruited him but had never disclosed his true identity. Intelligence was a crucial factor in the Ninja World, and Logan wasn't about to recklessly expose his foreknowledge.
From Obito's perspective, it was the same. At most, Logan only knew his self-proclaimed identity as 'Uchiha Madara' through Itachi. Beyond that, he knew nothing else.
"The Explosive Tags were mine," Obito admitted freely, completely unfazed by the kunai at his neck, "But I didn't expect it to be you. I was following the direction Itachi came from, thinking it might be someone with ulterior motives."
"..."
Logan realized Itachi must have slipped up when leaving, "Oh, is that so? Well, I'm not someone with ulterior motives. You got the wrong guy."
The sheer audacity of saying something so blatantly unbelievable left Obito somewhat impressed.
The back-and-forth directions made it clear… conflict and distrust were inevitable.
"I'd like to believe this is just a misunderstanding. But you'll have to come back with me and face the leader's judgment." Obito said, invoking Pain's authority, though his true intention was to fight.
"The leader just had a heart-to-heart with me and praised me for being dedicated to Akatsuki, a role model for all members," Logan also began spouting nonsense, "More importantly, don't forget your current situation."
With his vitals under threat, Obito nonchalantly turned his head, revealing a Sharingan through the opening in his mask, "You can try."
Logan raised an eyebrow, 'Such a request couldn't be refused… I am a straightforward guy after all.'
His hand suddenly exerted force…
A black flash streaked through the air, the kunai moving like lightning, slicing across Obito's neck.
There was no squelch, no blood, the sharp kunai passed through as if cutting nothing but air, meeting no resistance.
Obito sneered.
'Raiden Hattori… this guy talked weirdly, kept a low profile with a hint of mystery, but in a fight? At best, he was just fast and had powerful Lightning Release...'
The kunai, which is now a shadowy blur, was still whistling through the air...
"So, what's it like shifting your body into another dimension? I've always wanted to know." Logan said casually.
It was like dumping a bucket of cold water on Obito. His expression changed before he could even process the words, and instinct kicked in… he had to get away from this dangerous proximity.
Lightning erupted, and crackling, roaring currents exploded outward in an instant, blue-white arcs of electricity scorching everything in their path.
Intangibility!
Thanks to years of combat experience and mastery of his ability, Obito dodged the sudden assault.
A figure shot backward, putting distance between them.
After retreating a dozen meters, Obito allowed his tense nerves to relax slightly as he looked over. The chaotic, terrifying lightning wreathing Logan's body dissipated at will.
Recalling Logan's earlier words, Obito was shocked and confused, 'Did this guy know the secrets of my Dojutsu? No, he had dodged the attack unharmed. Maybe he just learned some of its characteristics from somewhere...'
"Well? Answer me." Seeing that his Chidori Current hadn't worked, Logan sighed slightly in disappointment.
"...None of your business." Though his face was hidden behind the mask, the casual arrogance in Obito's tone was gone.
He needed to approach this fight with caution.
"Wow, you're so stingy. No fun." Logan spun the kunai around his fingers before stowing it away. His tone was light, but his eyes were serious.
Fighting Obito used to be a losing battle, but with the Flying Thunder God Technique, things were different now.
Kamui was powerful, but Logan's foreknowledge was an even bigger advantage, as he knew the weaknesses of most Ninjutsu.
While intangible, Obito was immune to all attacks and Logan couldn't hit him, but that state was purely defensive. The moment Obito attacked, his body would materialize.
"So, still planning to drag me back to the leader for punishment?" A faint smirk tugged at Logan's lips as he reached into his pouch, fingers brushing against the cold, specially crafted three-pronged kunai.
The touch reminded him of the Yondaime Hokage's legendary counter against Obito's proudest technique.
"It's only just begun. Don't get ahead of yourself." Obito said darkly, eyeing Logan suspiciously, "What are you smiling about?"
"Hah, nothing. Just picturing the moment your face gets pounded into the dirt later." Logan waved his hand and replied honestly.