Chapter 164 - With One Slash, I Severed My Sorrows
Now that the situation had grown this dire, Uchiha Fugaku had no more time to hesitate.
After instructing Shizune to take good care of Obito, he immediately set out in search of Kakashi.
Late Night — Outside the Hatake Residence
Fugaku arrived at the Hatake residence in a hurry, just in time to run into Kakashi, who was about to escort Nohara Rin home.
Fugaku felt a bit surprised—he had come at the perfect time. He came looking for Kakashi but ended up getting Rin as a bonus. Even better.
Upon hearing the news that Obito was comatose, both Kakashi and Rin became visibly distressed.
Without a word, they followed Fugaku back to the hospital.
The night-shrouded hospital was eerily quiet. The hallway lights flickered softly, casting a dim, peaceful atmosphere.
Swish! Swish! Swish!
Three black shadows flashed down the corridor, their passing gusts causing the desk lamps to sway.
The flickering fluorescent lights added a strange hue to the otherwise pristine hospital.
Bang!
The door to the hospital room slammed open. Fugaku, with Kakashi and Rin in tow, burst into Obito's ward.
It was already deep into the night. Shizune, having completed the surgery, had dozed off beside Obito's bed.
The sudden noise startled her awake.
She was just about to scold them for disturbing the patient's rest—until she saw what happened next, and decided to let it slide.
As soon as the door was opened, Kakashi and Rin caught sight of the thin, skeletal figure lying on the hospital bed—Obito.
They rubbed their eyes, unable to believe that this withered body belonged to the same teammate who once stood proudly by their side. That energetic Obito... was now reduced to this.
Drip. Drip.
Kakashi held it in, but Rin—gentle and emotional—couldn't.
Her eyes welled up with tears, which quickly began to fall like rain.
She stared at Obito with heartache, then rushed to his bedside, trembling as she spoke:
"Obito... how did this happen to you?"
"Obito, wake up! It's me, Rin. Kakashi and I came to see you."
Sob… sob… sob…
(┯_┯)
Although Obito was in a deep coma, his consciousness was still aware of his surroundings—he just couldn't move.
The sound of Rin's voice, especially her sobs, made Obito's heart ache.
Even though Rin was now with Kakashi, Obito had loved her for so many years—it wasn't something he could simply let go of.
Some people… love too deeply.
Like those who adore silently… like Obito, who loved her with all his heart.
At that moment, he wanted so badly to comfort her—but no matter how hard he tried, his lips wouldn't move.
Seeing Rin cry, Obito was convinced—Rin still loves me too.
If she was with Kakashi, it must be because she was unhappy.
He desperately tried to regain control of his body, to hold her tight and show her that he was still here—that his love hadn't changed.
Damn it!
He even felt like, in a twisted way, this might be a blessing in disguise.
Just wait, Rin. I'll save you from Kakashi's clutches!
Dopamine surged through his body, nerves awakening and reclaiming lost ground.
Soon, the fingers hidden beneath his blanket twitched ever so slightly.
That tiny movement felt monumental to Obito.
He was so close—he could almost embrace Rin and declare their love.
But just then… Kakashi stepped forward and did the one thing Obito had always dreamed of doing—but never could.
Kakashi gently embraced Rin from behind. Rin, in turn, leaned her head weakly on his shoulder, softly sobbing.
Kakashi gently stroked her silky hair and whispered reassuringly:
"Don't worry, Rin."
"Obito's strong. He'll wake up."
Obito, who had just begun to regain control of his body, froze.
His thoughts blanked.
(▼皿▼#)
Wait… am I getting cheated on by Kakashi?
But then reality hit him.
(╥ω╥`)
Right… Rin is Kakashi's girlfriend. I'm just a lonely dog…
Obito's awareness began to sink into the abyss. He didn't want to see any more. He just wanted to be alone for a while.
Take your lovey-dovey stuff somewhere else…
(┯_┯)
And so, Kakashi held Rin as they sat by Obito's bedside, sharing stories of the past—funny moments, childhood mischief, memories they all shared.
Sometimes they laughed.
Sometimes Kakashi gently patted Rin's head with affection.
They stayed there a long, long time—until dawn broke and the first rays of sunlight pierced the horizon.
Night had passed completely.
But Obito still didn't wake up.
Looking at the unmoving body in the bed, Kakashi held Rin close and glanced apologetically at Fugaku.
Fugaku, who hadn't slept at all, had stayed with them throughout the night.
From the hope in his eyes at the beginning… to the despair at the end—he had expected this outcome long ago.
He waved his hand and said to Kakashi:
"It's alright, Kakashi. I saw everything you did. I'm sure Obito felt it too. You've done enough."
"Come on. I'll walk you out. Let Obito rest alone for a bit."
Kakashi gave Obito one last glance, regretful, then turned to Fugaku and said:
"Sigh… Thank you, Clan Leader Fugaku. We'll come visit often. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
The night had drained Fugaku—physically and mentally. He didn't say anything else, simply waved his hand and escorted them to the hospital entrance.
Back in the ward, once Kakashi and Rin left, Obito finally relaxed.
After a night of emotional torment, he felt like his heart had turned to steel.
From now on, he would never fall in love again.
With this blade, I severed all ties of affection. When I awaken, only the clan will remain in my eyes.
I am the future of the Uchiha clan. The future Fifth Hokage of Konoha.
Though his body still couldn't move, Obito was mentally sharper than ever. Now that he had awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, the ideals and ambitions he once abandoned surged back stronger than ever.
---
Outside the Hospital
Fugaku walked Kakashi and Rin to the front gates.
Seeing that Fugaku intended to go even further, Kakashi stopped and turned back:
"Clan Leader Fugaku, you don't need to send us off. Obito still needs you."
TN/ Poor Obito, that's just cruel.