Chapter 187: Flowers of Remembrance at the Memorial Stone

Chapter 187: Flowers of Remembrance at the Memorial Stone

"Fugaku, do you remember the thing we discussed a few days ago?" Haneda asked.

"The thing?" Fugaku thought for a moment, quickly recalling what Haneda had told him last month. "About the Sealing Team and the Police Force?"

"Yes." Haneda nodded, activating his Three Tomoe Sharingan as he approached Fugaku. The two naturally walked to the edge of the lake, chatting as they went.

"The Uchiha clan's sealing techniques are only second to the Uzumaki and Senju clans, and when it comes to genjutsu and fire-style, the Uchiha clan is unmatched in the ninja world." Haneda stopped here, looking at Fugaku. "I hope that on the day of the Nine-Tails incident, you'll lead the Police Force and the Uchiha members in the Sealing Team to prevent the disaster."

"To prevent the future I foresaw."

Fugaku understood what Haneda was referring to. In fact, three months ago, Haneda had "revealed" his Mangekyo Sharingan ability to him — the ability to foresee future events.

Of course, this "foresight" ability was a lie, created by Haneda to gain Fugaku's trust and that of the clan. This had already been shared with the clan council.

Using this fabricated power, Haneda had convinced many people and successfully led the Uchiha clan to integrate further into the village.

"I'll take care of it, and the Elders will help me. Don't worry," Fugaku assured.

Seeing that the elders would support him, Haneda felt more at ease. The Uchiha clan, as Konoha's largest family, had a deep foundation. In the original story, some Uchiha members were confident enough to push Fugaku to attempt a coup, showing the clan's potential strength.

Besides, Haneda's plan for the Nine-Tails incident was thorough. Even if the Uchiha side slipped up, there was still backup with Tsunade, Jiraiya, the Root, the Third Hokage, Minato, Guy, Kakashi, and himself.

With at least six Kage-level shinobi on their side, Haneda was sure they'd prevent the Nine-Tails disaster. His only real concern was whether he could persuade Obito.

Itachi approached, holding Sasuke in his arms, and asked, "Father, Haneda, is the village going to war again?"

Haneda glanced at Fugaku, then smiled at Itachi. "It'll be a disturbance, but it's an adult matter. You should make sure to stay far away and protect your little brother."

Haneda then looked at Yamato and added, "You should protect yourself too, and look out for Itachi and Sasuke."

"I will!" Yamato nodded firmly, resolving to protect Itachi and Sasuke.

Wanting more power to protect his brother, Itachi asked, "Haneda, can we train together this afternoon?"

"Sorry, I'm a bit tied up. Maybe next time." Haneda tapped Itachi lightly on the forehead, then turned toward the direction of Konoha. "I have some matters to take care of with Kakashi this afternoon."

"Yamato, I might not be home tonight. You can keep training with Fugaku for now."

"Okay," Yamato replied reluctantly, watching Haneda leave. Recently, Haneda had been busier and hadn't had much time to teach him Wood Style.

Still… only he knew that Haneda could use Wood Style. Yamato smiled.

As for Itachi, he decided to look for Shisui that afternoon. Although Haneda's Fire Style, kenjutsu, and genjutsu skills far surpassed Shisui's, it was still nice to spend time with Shisui.

---

Leaving the Uchiha district, Haneda went to the Third Training Ground, where Kakashi often trained alone since Sakumo's death, avoiding the Hatake family's training grounds.

Sure enough, Haneda found Kakashi practicing alone. Haneda created a dozen shadow clones to train nearby, while he stood on a large rock, watching Kakashi's progress.

Kakashi was practicing Flying Thunder God, but his teleportation speed was slow. Haneda noticed Kakashi was sweating, his Sharingan visible from under his headband.

Seeing Kakashi nearly exhausted, Haneda approached with a water bottle, handing it to him. "Still no progress on Flying Thunder God?"

Kakashi took a large gulp, wiped his mouth, and replied, "You know how tough it is. Without the talent, all I can do is keep grinding at it."

Haneda sat down beside him. "Yeah, only Minato-sensei has fully mastered it in the village."

Both of them had been practicing Flying Thunder God for nearly two years, yet even when they teamed up, their speed was far from Minato's level.

"Maybe I'll get it someday," Kakashi said, looking up at the sky with a hopeful expression.

A soft breeze swept over them as they sat there in silence. After a while, Kakashi suggested, "Shall we visit the Memorial Stone to see Obito?"

"Alright."

Haneda knew Kakashi was going to bring flowers for Obito again, and he silently clenched his fist. This time, he'd finally talk to Obito properly.

They went to a flower shop, bought flowers, and headed to the Memorial Stone, placing them at the graves of Sakumo, Obito, and Rin.

"Still feeling guilty?" Haneda asked, seeing Kakashi gently cleaning Obito's grave. "I heard it was her choice — for you, and for the village."

After cleaning the grave, Kakashi responded softly, "I know."

"And I know you understand that feeling."

"That's why I honor the past, carry the pain, and move forward step by step, to prevent it from happening again."

Haneda stood beside Kakashi in silent remembrance. After a long time, Kakashi turned to him and asked, "What now? Training?"

Looking up at the sky, Haneda smiled. "Let's get lunch first."

---

After Haneda and Kakashi left, Obito emerged from the shadows under a nearby tree. He looked at the two flowers by the memorial stone, a stillness settling over him.

After a moment, he yanked Kakashi's flower from the ground and tossed it aside. "What's the point of this strength if you can't protect what you care about?"

As he started to leave, he glanced back at Haneda's flower at the grave. After a brief pause, a vortex appeared, and Obito disappeared into it.

From the Hokage Rock, Obito gazed out over Konoha, his gaze resting on the Hokage building.

"How long now?" he asked quietly.

Zetsu emerged from the ground to answer. "Twenty-seven days. Tsunade and Jiraiya have returned to the village, and it seems Uchiha Haneda already knows about our plan to target the Nine-Tails."

"They won't stop me."

"And Haneda?"

After a long silence, Obito replied, "Him too."