Chapter 21: A Scene of Crisis

Obito set down his chopsticks, his chest tightening with a twinge of bitterness.

The girl he adored—right in front of him—was openly concerned about another guy.

Are you kidding me?

This is breaking me!

Ryoko tilted her head slightly, her expression indifferent. "I don't know."

Shikayu leaned back, resting his arms lazily behind his head as he glanced at Obito.

"If you're so curious about Kakashi, why not just ask him? He's sitting right there," Shikayu said, motioning toward Obito.

"After all, he's the one in our class who's closest to Kakashi."

At Shikayu's comment, Rin turned to Obito with wide eyes, a flicker of hope lighting up her face.

"Obito, do you know how Kakashi's doing right now?"

Obito hesitated, grumbling under his breath before reluctantly answering.

"That guy's either on a mission or training nonstop. He's got no free time."

"I did hear him mention he wants to participate in this year's Chūnin Exams. He's probably preparing for that now."

Ayako's jaw dropped in shock. "The Chūnin Exams! If Kakashi passes, he'll set a new record in Konoha, won't he?"

Shikayu nodded.

"Yeah, he'd become the youngest Chūnin in Konoha's history."

Rin's eyes sparkled like stars.

"Kakashi is amazing…"

Obito frowned, his annoyance barely contained.

He hasn't even passed yet, and you're all acting like it's a done deal!

...Though deep down, he knew Kakashi would pass. But still! You've never even seen his face!

"I'm going to create a world without Kakashi," Obito muttered irritably, jabbing at his barbecue with his chopsticks, no longer participating in the conversation.

The three of them soon shifted their discussion back to themselves, talking about their plans after graduation.

Ryoko spoke up first.

"Well, after graduating, I'll probably become a sensory-type ninja."

Shikayu propped his chin on his hand, his tone unenthusiastic.

"Honestly, I don't really want to be a ninja. It's too troublesome."

"But it's not like I have much say in the matter..."

Rin laughed softly, her eyes curving into cheerful crescents.

"Shikayu, with your intelligence, it'd be such a waste not to become a ninja!"

"As for me… I want to be a medical ninja. Saving lives has always been my dream."

"What about you, Obito?" Rin asked, turning toward him with a curious smile.

The others followed her gaze, waiting for his answer.

Obito scratched the back of his head shyly.

"I… I want to become Hokage."

"…"

The silence was deafening.

Shikayu, Ryoko, and Rin exchanged looks, their expressions saying, Just… stop talking, Obito.

After dinner, the four parted ways.

Shikayu and Ryoko headed home in different directions, while Obito walked Rin back to her house, holding her hand as they strolled side by side.

The cool night breeze carried a gentle chill, and moonlight spilled through the trees, casting a silvery glow over everything. Rin's presence made everything seem serene and perfect.

Obito wished this walk could last forever.

But unfortunately, it took only ten minutes to reach her doorstep.

Reluctantly, he let go of her hand.

"See you at Academy, Rin."

Rin tilted her head, hands clasped behind her back as she smiled sweetly.

"Mm, Obito, make sure to stay safe on your way home."

Obito grinned foolishly, nodding as he turned to leave.

Humming to himself, he walked down the road.

"Today was a great day~"

But suddenly, an indescribable sadness swept over him.

His chest throbbed with an excruciating pain, so intense it brought him to his knees.

"What… is this?" Obito gasped, clutching his chest in confusion.

A radiant light appeared before him, spreading outward and enveloping him completely.

When his vision cleared, Obito found himself in an unfamiliar world.

"Where… am I? Why am I here?"

He stood cautiously, scanning his surroundings. He appeared to be in a desolate alleyway. The buildings were low and dilapidated, their walls painted a stark, lifeless white—nothing like the architecture in Konoha.

"Was this place abandoned? It feels… dead."

Rain drizzled from the overcast sky, the drops forming ripples in the puddles below.

Raising his hand, Obito realized the raindrops passed right through him. He also noticed he cast no reflection in the water.

"I'm not… really here," he murmured, realization dawning.

But before he could make sense of it, a familiar figure stepped into view.

"Sakumo Hatake!"

Sakumo looked terrible. His clothes were drenched in blood, his body riddled with wounds, and a gaping hole marred his side.

Obito's eyes widened in shock.

"What happened to you?!"

Sakumo turned toward Obito, his gaze sharp and feral, like a beast ready to strike.

The killing intent radiating from Sakumo was suffocating, crashing over Obito in waves.

Obito struggled to breathe under the pressure, his voice trembling as he said,

"It's me, Sakumo-sensei. I'm Obito!"

But Sakumo's cold gaze didn't waver, and he raised his blade, pointing it directly at Obito.

"You pick this moment, of all times, to show up?" Sakumo's voice was low and dangerous.

"It's hard not to think this was planned."

"Planned? By who?!" Obito turned, and his heart sank.

Behind him, a dozen figures had appeared, surrounding Sakumo in a tightening circle.

The leader stepped forward, a cold smile on his face.

"Sakumo-sama, don't misunderstand. We're here under orders from Danzo-sama… to assist you."

Sakumo snorted. "Assist me? Is that what you call it?"

The man nodded. "Of course. We're here to help you…" His smile twisted cruelly.

"Help you die."

----------------

For every review, I'll add +1 more chapter. Once this story gets 10 reviews, I'll start posting 2 chapters per day!

Read 10 chapters ahead for free on my patreon, read pinned message!

+70 chapters on patreon.com/Jixo