Chapter 269 – The Turning Point
"You're here already," a man wearing a straw hat said inside a damp cave, his back turned to the person behind him.
The newcomer wore a long blue cloak. A massive war fan was strapped to his back.
A white mask covered his face. Behind it were a pair of eyes—one was a Sharingan, the symbol of the Uchiha clan, while the other was the legendary eye of the Sage of Six Paths, the Rinnegan, said to possess the power of both creation and destruction.
"Hmph. Enough nonsense. You already know why I came this time," Obito said coldly.
"Of course I do. I can explain the secrets of Edo Tensei to you, and I can also help you strengthen those one hundred thousand White Zetsu," the man said as he pushed up his glasses. "However, I have a condition."
"You're not qualified to bargain with me," Obito replied, his tone icy.
"In that case, there's nothing left to discuss," the man said casually.
"Hmph. Say it. What's your condition?" Obito asked, his gaze fixed on him.
"I want Uchiha Sasuke," the man said.
"Hmph, Uchiha Sasuke?" Obito narrowed his eyes. "Fine, I agree. But I've already promised someone that I won't lay a hand on him."
"That's fine. As long as you don't interfere with me," the man replied. "I'm very curious about Uchiha Sasuke. Isn't he someone Orochimaru-sama has always coveted?"
The man revealed a face resembling that of a snake. Though he had changed a great deal, anyone familiar with him would recognize him instantly—this was Yakushi Kabuto, who had disappeared long ago.
"I advise you not to covet the power of the Uchiha clan. Otherwise, your fate won't be any different from Orochimaru's," Obito said, his gaze cold.
"That's not something you need to worry about," Kabuto replied.
"Oh, right," Kabuto continued. "I'm curious—how do you plan to deal with Hatake Yusuke?"
"This is the strongest ninja tool left behind by the Sage of Six Paths," Obito said as he took out a box. "It's called the Heavenly Lock."
(If the name is wrong, I'm sorry—I forgot it :v)
"Oh? Something left behind by the Sage of Six Paths?" A flash of greed flickered in Kabuto's eyes.
"But can this thing really kill Hatake Yusuke?" Kabuto asked. "According to the data I researched from Orochimaru-sama's legacy, Hatake Yusuke is someone who cannot be killed."
He had never personally faced Hatake Yusuke, but based on his research into Orochimaru's records, he understood just how terrifying that existence was. Even if he didn't completely believe it, his cautious nature compelled him to warn his partner.
"Of course I know that," Obito replied coldly. "This thing isn't meant to kill him—it's meant to seal him."
"To seal him… that's certainly a good method," Kabuto said, adjusting his glasses. "But you should know that sealing him is almost impossible for ordinary people."
"Exactly. That's why I came here today," Obito said.
His meaning was clear—he wanted Kabuto to revive Uchiha Madara. Perhaps there was still a sliver of hope.
Although Obito was reluctant to resurrect Madara, in the current ninja world, perhaps only Uchiha Madara could restrain Hatake Yusuke.
"Uchiha Madara?" Kabuto frowned.
"Yes. The only one who might be able to rival Hatake Yusuke is him," Obito said.
"No," Kabuto replied as he pushed up his glasses. "I have a better option."
"Hmph," Obito snorted coldly.
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Meanwhile, the Hatake family was holding their usual meeting before dinner.
"Yusuke, are you leaving for the Land of Lightning tomorrow?" Tsunade asked.
"Why?" Naruto asked, confused.
"Because Killer Bee of Kumogakure is a Perfect Jinchūriki," Kakashi said. "For you right now, learning to control the power of the Nine-Tails will give you rapid growth in a short time."
"I understand, Aunt Tsunade," Naruto said, nodding obediently.
"Kakashi will be appointed Captain of the First Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces," Tsunade continued. "Because of that, you'll need to go to Sunagakure to carry out the handover."
Kakashi nodded.
"In that case, what about me and Kurenai's father? Do we need to help as well?" Sakumo asked as he looked at Tsunade.
Tsunade thought for a moment, then glanced at Yusuke, who had lowered his gaze, as if he had no intention of getting involved.
"Of course," Tsunade said. "If the two of you want to help, then join Kakashi."
After all, both of them were Kage-level ninja, and Hatake Sakumo was even at the peak of that level. Tsunade would never waste such power.
"Konan will stay by my side for now to help relay information. Rin will join Sakura and work in logistics, taking care of the wounded," Tsunade said.
Konan nodded obediently.
In the entire room, only Kurenai, who was pregnant, and Yusuke had not been assigned anything yet.
Someone seemed as if he hadn't heard a word of the discussion, calmly continuing to eat, even occasionally picking dishes for Tsunade, Konan, and Kurenai.
"Huh? Why are you all staring at me instead of eating?" Yusuke said as he dramatically removed his glasses and touched his face. "Is there something on my face?"
"Nii-san," Kakashi said, "the war is about to begin. Are you really not going to get involved at all?"
"Oh, about that," Yusuke replied while continuing to eat. "I won't get involved. The enemy is too weak. I'm not motivated at all."
"Konan, is the food good?" Yusuke asked, looking at her.
"Y-yes… it's very good," Konan replied, her face slightly red. "I've never eaten food this delicious before."
Tsunade and Kurenai didn't pay it much mind. They knew Yusuke well—if he didn't want to act, there was definitely a reason, and it was never that simple.
"You brat," Sakumo said with a serious expression. "This isn't a game. It's war. If you can resolve it, you should help. Otherwise, a lot of people will die."
"Father," Yusuke said, "I really can't help in this matter."
"Why?"
"There are two reasons," Yusuke said, a faint smile on his lips.
"First, if I intervene, someone will definitely stop me. Second—and this is the most important one—haven't you noticed, Father, that this unprecedented war is a crucial turning point that will change the entire order of the ninja world?"
"Stop you?" Kakashi asked.
"A turning point?" Sakumo echoed.
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