Two days later, on a small road leading to the Land of Rain, Kakashi and Obito stood facing each other.
"Kakashi, you can escort me this far. I need to walk the rest of the way alone."
Obito wore a black hooded cloak, pilfered from Uchiha Madara's base, with a mask hanging on his back.
At this moment, Obito exuded a feeling of sudden maturity, as if he had grown up overnight after experiencing great hardships. The sunlight seemed to have softened around him, revealing a more composed demeanor.
"Obito, you... take care!"
Kakashi had many unspoken words for Obito, but in the end, only a simple "take care" escaped his lips. His heart was a complex mix of reluctance, sadness, resolve, and worry.
Kakashi took a deep breath and was about to turn away when Obito suddenly said, "Kakashi, hold onto these for me!"
Obito took out a slightly damaged orange pair of goggles and... a Konoha forehead protector from his chest, handing them to Kakashi.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment before extending his hand. They clasped foreheads protectors and goggles, a gentle breeze ruffling their clothes and hair, carrying away their youthful innocence.
"I'll hold onto these for now, until we meet again properly."
They exchanged a knowing smile, and then the space around Obito rippled. His figure vanished before Kakashi's eyes.
"He's gone."
Lin Yu walked up to the silent Kakashi and gently patted his shoulder.
"Yeah, he's gone."
Kakashi carefully put away Obito's goggles and forehead protector, glanced one last time at the spot where Obito had disappeared, and then headed back towards Konoha without looking back.
From this day on, Konoha would have one less "dead last" named Uchiha Obito, and one more prodigy Jonin – Hatake Kakashi!
"Hey, Kakashi, the teacher has a date later, so you can head back on your own!"
Lin Yu waved at Kakashi with a smile, but Kakashi completely ignored him, quickening his pace instead. With a few leaps, he disappeared into the forest.
Lin Yu muttered to himself, "All I did was break up you two lovebirds, and you're going to be so tsundere! Besides, there's still Might Guy waiting for you in the village. Heh heh heh, if Obito doesn't leave, how will Guy get his chance?"
Lin Yu tilted his head and smiled. A flash of crimson flickered in his eyes, and he vanished from his spot.
On a distant mountaintop, Obito watched Kakashi's figure recede until it completely disappeared into the dense trees. Then, he removed the spiral mask from his back and gently put it on.
From this moment on, his name would no longer be Uchiha Obito, but... Wait? Teacher Lin Yu didn't even tell him what to call himself!
Maybe he should borrow the name of that deceased elder. He was called Uchiha... Madara!
...
In the Land of Rain, Nagato had returned to the Hidden Rain Village with Yahiko's corpse. The colossal Gedo Mazo had already been placed inside the tall tower.
Ten years had passed. Without Hanzo, the Land of Rain was entirely under the control of the Akatsuki. However, due to Yahiko's existence, strong-arm tactics had not been employed in several towns that refused to surrender, causing a prolonged stalemate.
But now, the Land of Rain had to be unified, even if it meant a lot of bloodshed! Nagato intended to achieve peace in his own way!
"Nagato, do we need to recruit more people? Many of our members died in the Land of Water."
Konan's fair face was etched with a cold expression; Yahiko's death had also greatly saddened her.
Nagato said in a cold voice, "No need. From now on, our Akatsuki will only recruit elites. Those individuals will be relegated to the outer circle."
Konan hesitated, "Nagato, the organization's funds are running out. If we only recruit elites, I'm afraid..."
"You don't need to worry about that. I've already selected a qualified, free laborer for you!"
Lin Yu suddenly appeared beside Konan, looking at her with a smile.
"Lin Yu!"
Konan's heart fluttered upon hearing Lin Yu's gentle voice. She had thought Lin Yu might stand her up again, not coming to see her for two days.
Lin Yu ruffled Konan's head, apologizing, "I'm sorry, Konan. Something delayed me for two days. I..."
Konan shook her head and rubbed against Lin Yu's hand, saying, "It's okay. I'm just happy you're here, Lin Yu!"
"Ahem!"
Nagato, standing not far away, couldn't help but clear his throat. He looked awkwardly at their "public display of affection." Could you two please be mindful of the occasion!
There's someone here who just lost their "spouse"! Can you at least consider their feelings!
Lin Yu withdrew his hand and said, "I'll come find you later. I need to talk to Nagato first."
"Okay!"
Konan nodded obediently, and her graceful figure disappeared up the tower.
After Konan left, Lin Yu walked to Nagato's side and looked with him at the country that was perpetually shrouded in rain. The drizzling rain landed on Lin Yu's face. He spoke,
"What are your plans for the future?"
Nagato's eyes flickered, then he said resolutely, "In my own way, I will fulfill Yahiko's dream!"
"Are you going to stop me, Lin Yu... senior!"
Lin Yu shook his head and said, "I never intended to stop you. But what method will you use to achieve peace?"
Nagato paused, then said, "From Yahiko's actions, I've learned a valuable lesson: those who haven't experienced pain firsthand will never understand the beauty of peace. I will make them experience this pain themselves!"
Lin Yu spoke softly, "So, you choose slaughter? Or to stop war with war?"
Nagato shook his head, "I won't slaughter small countries, but I won't let the five great nations off the hook easily. They caused the war, and I will fight until they are terrified, thereby deterring other nations and making them profoundly understand pain!"
"At that time, even if it means becoming an enemy of Lin Yu senior, I will not hesitate!"
Lin Yu looked at Nagato's earnest gaze and sighed, "You should know that your current strength is not enough to face the five great nations."
"I have a method: capture the tailed beasts!"
Nagato was confused, "Tailed beasts?"
Lin Yu explained to Nagato the significance of capturing tailed beasts to create an "ultimate weapon."
After listening, Nagato murmured, "The power to destroy a country with a single blow? This would indeed serve as a deterrent!"
However, in an instant, Nagato reacted, "But I remember, Lin Yu senior, your childhood friend is the Nine-Tails jinchuriki. Wouldn't that mean..."
Lin Yu smiled, "So this is just an excuse. To some people, tailed beasts are nothing more than toys. Relying on these things to achieve peace is simply impossible!"
If some "monsters" were removed, tailed beasts could indeed deter the ninja world, bringing a period of peace.
"Nagato, in the next few days, a masked man might approach you. He will explain things to you. Whether you ultimately agree with my approach depends on you."
Nagato let out a breath. He thought the previous plan of creating an ultimate weapon with tailed beasts was good, but then he recalled the battle between Lin Yu senior and Uchiha Madara, and sighed.
Tailed beasts are indeed merely toys!
Nagato said, "Is that person special to be favored by Lin Yu senior?"
Lin Yu looked at Nagato meaningfully and said, "Of course! You two are... kindred spirits!"