Chapter 173 - Kazane's Scheme
Obito thought back to the bashful look on Sonoko's face when she left, and he knew deep down—after everything that happened today—she probably wouldn't be coming back tonight.
The thought that the wonderful life he'd enjoyed these past few days was now gone for good made his heart ache. Without thinking, he snatched the apple from Kazane's hand and took a fierce bite.
From the way he bit into it, you'd think the apple was Kazane.
"You bastard, Kazane! Give me back my Sonoko-chan!"
Kazane chuckled, pretending to feel regret for Obito's loss—but for some reason, he felt oddly pleased deep down.
Still, knowing he was the one who caused this, Kazane quickly changed the subject. "Obito, I heard from Orochimaru-sensei that while I was away, you ran into Uchiha Makoto."
At the mention of that name, the lightheartedness on Obito's face vanished, replaced with a cold seriousness.
"That's right. His appearance has changed a lot, and he was wearing a mask—but there's no mistaking his voice. It was him. Not only is he alive, he's awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan... and he had mastered Wood Release."
As he spoke, Obito lifted his sleeve, showing Kazane his emaciated, nearly skeletal arm.
"This body... is his doing."
His voice was laced with bitter hatred. He never imagined that a reunion with an old friend would turn into a nightmare.
If he hadn't awakened the Mangekyō at the last second, he would've died in that alley.
Even now, though he survived by sheer luck, the doctors told him he might live out the rest of his life with this half-dead, ghost-like body.
After experiencing something like this—no matter how bright and sunny Obito's personality once was—how could he not hate?
How could he not want revenge?
Kazane could hear the venom in Obito's words. Truth be told, Kazane himself was furious with Makoto's actions.
He didn't care how Madara had manipulated Uchiha Makoto, or what reasons Makoto had for opposing Konoha.
All Kazane knew was this: Makoto had killed his comrades—Konoha shinobi—and that made him an enemy.
And it wasn't hard to guess what Makoto's ultimate plan was. Most likely something to do with collecting the Tailed Beasts and becoming the Ten-Tails Jinchūriki.
Coming to Konoha? Obviously for the Nine-Tails.
Running into Obito? Just bad luck.
But that didn't mean Kazane was going to let him off.
He had already formulated a plan on the way here. His only concern had been whether Obito would cooperate—but clearly, that worry had been unnecessary.
Kazane patted Obito's shoulder. "So... Obito. Want revenge?"
Obito blinked, momentarily stunned. But then a sharp, cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
"I want it more than anything. I dream of seeing Makoto pay for what he did. Kazane, if you have a way—any way—I'll do whatever it takes."
Who would've guessed that just moments ago, this same Obito had been smiling so brightly?
Kazane, however, wasn't surprised at all.
Anyone who could awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan... their mind was bound to be a little unstable.
The Sharingan might grant immense power, but it was more a curse than a blessing.
Just look at the original Uchiha Itachi. Faced with the village's pressure, he had the power to stop everything—but he stubbornly followed Danzo's orders and wiped out his own clan.
Then comforted himself with the idea that he was protecting Sasuke.
Then there was Uchiha Fugaku. After awakening the Mangekyō, he had the power to dominate the clan—but chose to hide his strength and couldn't even manage his own people.
The clan leader with overwhelming power ultimately compromised with those under his control. That alone was a miracle.
Even knowing the village planned to strike the clan, he still hesitated to act. And when his own son came to kill him, he chose not to fight back.
Probably thought sacrificing himself would somehow protect someone...
And don't even get started on Shisui. That guy was just a walking joke.
At one point, the Uchiha clan had three pairs of Mangekyō Sharingan—Shisui, Fugaku, and Itachi.
Meanwhile, Konoha was a mess: the Legendary Sannin were away, Minato had died sealing the Nine-Tails...
The only ones worth anything left in the village were Hiruzen and Danzo—two old geezers.
It should've been an easy victory.
Yet somehow, they turned it into a complete wipeout.
Even worse? Hiruzen and Danzo both survived, while Itachi "defected" to the Akatsuki and became Konoha's embedded spy.
Anyone thinking clearly would've realized how insane that was.
So no—Kazane wasn't surprised by Obito's current attitude.
In fact, it only strengthened his resolve to involve Obito in his plan.
He leaned in close and whispered by Obito's ear: "*********～"
(‵▽′)ψ
"Hehehe!" x2
As Kazane finished speaking, the two of them looked at each other—and burst into matching evil grins.
---
Rear Mountains
Two silver-haired boys stood facing each other on an open field.
Not far away, a dark-skinned, muscular man had a blazing campfire going, roasting skewer after skewer of juicy lamb meat.
Beside him, a curvy blonde woman holding a bottle of sake was stealing skewers fresh off the fire—grumbling with each bite about how the meat wasn't tasty enough.
Behind her, two bright green kappa-like creatures were locked in a fierce arm-wrestling contest, their red faces straining with effort.
When the smaller kappa finally won, the two embraced each other with tears in their eyes, shouting about youth at the top of their lungs.
A short distance away, a black-haired boy stood near a tree plastered with paper targets, looking on with disdain.
But the moment the busty blonde woman shot him a cold glare, he quickly began punching the targets with all his might.
Though his face screamed rebellion, his earnest effort screamed youth.
That's right—this was Konoha's rarely gathered Body Training Task Force.
After discussing his revenge plan with Obito the day before, Kazane had paid visits to both Orochimaru's lab and Uchiha Fugaku's home.
Now, with everything in place, he had finally organized this long-awaited BBQ feast.
What he didn't expect was that as soon as he arrived, Kakashi challenged him to a duel.
The last time Kakashi had this much fire in him was three years ago, during the early days of the Third Great Ninja War.
Since then, he'd never brought up sparring again.
What's gotten into him?
Did he have some kind of breakthrough and decide he's ready to fight again?
Has he forgotten that compared to two years ago, his big brother here has made just a "tiny" bit of progress?
Seeing Kakashi so full of confidence, Kazane decided—eh, might as well keep quiet about it.
He pulled out the tiny tanto on his waist, more ornament than weapon, and pointed it at Kakashi with mock drama.
"Come then, Kakashi! Let me witness your resolve!"