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Chapter 17: Madara's Recognition? A New Plan!
Oborotsuki had seriously considered leaving Akatsuki outright.
Obito had already shown clear suspicion and murderous intent toward him.
This last mission had obviously been designed to use the Fourth Mizukage Yagura to kill him.
The only thing Obito hadn't anticipated was that Oborotsuki would return alive and well.
After brief reflection, Oborotsuki decided to go back and give Obito a surprise.
He was already looking forward to seeing the look on Obito's face when he learned the "dead" man had returned.
Moreover, with his current strength, Oborotsuki had no need to fear anyone.
Even against Pain's Six Paths or Uchiha Obito himself, while victory wasn't guaranteed, escaping unscathed was well within his capabilities.
Returning posed no real danger.
Of course, another major reason for staying was Konan.
He had already used the Pregnancy Card on her.
It wouldn't be long before her physical changes became visible.
Leaving with Konan now wasn't ideal—the timing wasn't right.
Nagato would never allow her to go.
And Obito certainly wouldn't agree.
The only option was to remain in Akatsuki, bide his time, and wait for the perfect moment.
Oborotsuki already had a preliminary plan in mind.
The key would come the instant the Nine-Tails attack erupted!
…
The journey from the Land of Water back to Amegakure normally took three or four days.
During this time, Oborotsuki slipped away to visit the Hōzuki clan grounds in Kirigakure, checking on Mayumi and Kurenai ("Red") and bringing them small gifts—cosmetics, rouge, and the like.
Girls naturally loved such things and were overjoyed.
"You're so thoughtful, Oborotsuki."
"I love these gifts!"
Red's eyes sparkled as she thanked him, then eagerly hurried back to her room to try them out.
She wanted to look her best while he was still around.
Oborotsuki shook his head with a smile and turned to Mayumi. "What about you? Don't you like them?"
"Of course I do… I just don't know how to thank you properly, Oborotsuki…"
Mayumi gently touched her belly.
She was eating his food, living under his roof, and though she had verbally agreed to be his, nothing physical had happened yet.
She couldn't help feeling guilty.
"The baby's growing bigger every day… getting more active too, right?"
Oborotsuki seemed oblivious to her inner thoughts. Smiling softly, he crouched down and gently placed a hand on her swollen belly.
"Don't overthink it. I said I'd take care of you—both of you—and I meant it."
"Let Red help more with the housework from now on. You should rest as much as possible. Don't tire yourself out."
He stood up and lightly stroked her long red hair.
"Tonight… will you stay?"
Mayumi nodded shyly, then asked in a soft voice.
"Afraid not."
Oborotsuki felt a rush of heat, but shook his head firmly.
He had only slipped away briefly. Disappearing for an entire night would be hard to explain to Konan.
"Then… when will you come back next…?"
Mayumi's cheeks flushed a delicate pink—truly pitifully lovely.
Oborotsuki felt his heart race again.
How could he not catch the implication? It was almost torturous…
"Let's talk about that after Karin is born."
Oborotsuki gave a playful smile, leaned close, and whispered something in her ear.
Her face instantly turned scarlet. She turned away, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.
"Alright, tell Red I'm leaving."
"I'll come back to see you both in a couple of days."
With a hearty laugh, Oborotsuki activated Flying Thunder God and vanished from the courtyard.
…
Konan and Oborotsuki returned to Akatsuki headquarters together.
They found the place quiet—other members were still out on missions and hadn't returned yet.
"Looks like we're the first to complete our mission this time!"
Oborotsuki casually planted the Decapitation Greatsword into the ground and stretched lazily.
But the next instant, his eyes narrowed slightly. His movements paused.
Casually retracting his limbs and straightening up, he looked upward—where a figure had suddenly appeared.
"You're…"
"An intruder?"
Oborotsuki lifted his greatsword, pointing it at the newcomer—Uchiha Obito—his expression one of feigned surprise.
"Wearing our organization's cloak, too…"
His gaze fell on the black cloak with red clouds Obito wore.
Konan was also taken aback by Obito's sudden appearance.
"Oborotsuki, stand down. He's one of us."
Though puzzled, she quickly intervened.
Obito, inwardly shocked, kept his face impassive. His sharp eyes scrutinized Oborotsuki carefully.
"Both of you, come in."
Without explanation, he turned and walked into a small chamber.
"Who is this guy, Konan-senpai?"
Oborotsuki sheathed his blade, pretending ignorance.
Konan immediately followed Obito. "He's Uchiha Madara."
"Uchiha Madara? The name sounds familiar…"
"Wait—you don't mean… the legendary founder of the Uchiha clan from Konoha, do you?"
Oborotsuki stopped in mock surprise.
"Exactly. Come, I'll explain slowly…"
Konan felt a mix of nervousness and quiet anticipation.
In her view, "Madara" personally appearing to meet Oborotsuki meant he was finally beginning to trust him.
Inside the small room, Konan gave a full report of their mission in the Land of Water.
She placed special emphasis on Oborotsuki's spectacular battle against the Fourth Mizukage.
Her goal, of course, was to make "Madara" recognize Oborotsuki's strength and increase his trust.
What she didn't realize was that her earnest praise only deepened Obito's wariness.
The Sharingan naturally suppressed tailed beasts, making control effortless.
The Mangekyō was even stronger—so defeating Yagura, the perfect Three-Tails Jinchūriki, made sense in theory.
But Yagura was still an undisputed Kage-level powerhouse.
Most people wouldn't even escape him…
Oborotsuki's victory was completely beyond expectation!
Looks like I really underestimated this kid!
Obito stared at Oborotsuki in silence for a long while, eyes burning.
Finally, a new plan formed in his mind.
"Well done, Oborotsuki."
"And you too, Konan."
"You're both key talents in Akatsuki. Go rest for now."
"In a few days, I'll assign you a new mission."
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