Chapter 84. Obito’s blockade

Dream space.

Haku's body was covered with runes and spells, rendering him immobilized.

Natsuki hadn't anticipated Bai's swift attainment of full loyalty.

Upon initiating the force template, he was pleasantly surprised to discover that he could already simulate dreams.

Since Haku placed complete trust in him, he decided to utilize the dream space for ninjutsu practice.

The strength of the dream space characters correlates with reality, making him a novice in this realm.

Although Haku possessed knowledge of the kekkei genkai, his proficiency was limited to a few basic moves, making him susceptible to Natsuki's control.

And he began practicing in this space.

The first technique he focused on was water release.

Mastering water release would make finding water sources much easier during their travels, reducing the need to carry large quantities of drinking water.

Although there were several team members proficient in water escape, Natsuki recognized the importance of acquiring this skill himself for future work.

Recognizing the limitations of his energy, he aimed to diversify his combat abilities without deviating from his preferred fighting style.

With a glance at the Uchiha's ninjutsu collection, he felt a pang of embarrassment.

The Uchiha clan had limited water attribute techniques, and most of their repertoire consisted of other release ninjutsu.

Realizing this deficiency, Natsuki thought of Kisame. Why not seek Kisame's guidance?

However, there's no rush for him right now, so he'll set that aside for the moment.

The variety of ninjutsu that individuals can master is limited, mainly due to the difficulty of practicing ninjutsu.

Besides mastering the seals, practitioners must meet strict requirements for the chakra pathway.

In the ninja world, slight changes in attributes don't pose significant challenges. With diligent practice, one can still achieve mastery.

On the other hand, if your attributes undergo substantial changes, but you lack talent and your training is incomplete, the lethality of your ninjutsu will be compromised.

Each attribute change demands big energy, talent, and a substantial arsenal of ninjutsu to learn.

Beyond the academic setting, civilians must invest significant money and merit to acquire their preferred ninjutsu.

Among the current experts in multi-attribute transformations, Natsuki noticed the presence of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Natsuki had never used Lightning Release because it was a secondary attribute and not as compatible with his primary Fire attribute.

Previously, he focused on Fire Release to avoid spreading himself too thin.

However, with his combat intuition and physical prowess, he considered learning Water Release, especially after discovering his newfound water affinity.

Exiting the dream space after a swift defeat of Haku, Natsuki found himself sitting cross-legged on the deck.

Having located all the people, Natsuki had no intention of prolonging his stay in the Land of Water.

He wasn't particularly welcomed there. Natsuki had little interest in understanding how Terumi Mei had stabilized Kirigakure and secured her position as the Fifth Mizukage.

Anticipating that Terumi Mei would retain her position without offering any reward, Natsuki expected the Fourth Mizukage to meet a fate similar to the previous timeline, ending his own life.

Natsuki's priority was to swiftly send Kimimaro to Orochimaru, recognizing that early intervention held a greater chance of curing Kimimaro's illness.

Aware of the complications that could arise as Kimimaro's disease progressed, Natsuki strictly prohibited him from utilizing the Shikotsumyaku, cautioning that overuse could lead to severe illness.

To Kimimaro, who had not fully comprehended the nature of his illness, Natsuki explained that the Shikotsumyaku had inherent defects, and excessive use would be detrimental to his health.

Despite his lack of understanding, Kimimaro complied with Natsuki's directives, especially since everyone else in the team, except for him and Haku, possessed remarkable skills, and Natsuki wielded a powerful Mangekyō Sharingan.

Natsuki's arrival in the Land of Water had been swift, utilizing Sasuke's space teleportation technique.

However, returning posed a challenge due to Obito's interference disrupting the presence of large merchant ships in the vicinity.

Originally planning to take a boat to the Land of Hot Water and then proceed to the Land of Sound, Natsuki discovered that long-distance ships were insufficient, with only ones bound for the Land of Whirlpools available.

The Land of Whirlpools, however, existed in name only, having been destroyed in the past.

A piece of land, strategically located between the Land of Fire and the Land of Water, serves as the largest port in the region.

Natsuki, always vigilant against Obito's potential sneak attacks, had already disrupted the layout of the Kingdom of Water in anticipation of his revenge.

Despite Obito's smaller-than-his-asshole mindset, he hadn't taken any action in the Land of Water, possibly due to fear after the previous defeat or an inability to detect Natsuki's traces.

Now, as Natsuki and the team boarded a ship, the potential danger from Obito remained, especially on the ship itself.

Taking precautions, he utilized his financial ability to hire a boat, ensuring the deck was cleared and most of the ship's crew remained below. Only the vast sail adorned the otherwise empty deck.

Natsuki, anticipating Obito's approach, stationed himself on the deck, ready for any confrontation.

True to his expectations, Obito was on the way, although Zetsu was not currently in the Land of Water.

Natsuki diligently searched for someone throughout the area, but his elusive presence made it challenging for Obito to trace him.

Despite his best efforts, Obito couldn't find any trace of Natsuki.

Stationed near the port, Obito patiently waited for Natsuki, seeking an opportunity to eliminate him once and for all.

Natsuki's continued existence posed a threat to Obito's plans, potentially hindering the rise of the Uchiha clan.

For Obito, Natsuki was the only formidable force capable of directly challenging his divine power.

Individuals with the potential to sabotage his plan needed to be eliminated, and obtaining Natsuki's mangekyo would be a bonus. 

A ripple in space heralded the arrival of a figure, slowly materializing in the air as if emerging from the void.

"You seem to be aware that I'm not dead," Obito remarked, folding his hands as he landed on the deck.

"Heh, a maggot like you must have a long life."

"I simply stopped your plan; naturally, you'd come seeking me," Natsuki replied with a nonchalant yawn.

"Why are you here? I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Obito, annoyed by Natsuki's dismissive tone, withheld his response for the moment.

"What? Aren't you playing the role of Uchiha Madara today?" Natsuki taunted, wearing a sarcastic expression and a mocking smile.

Obito's exposed eyes narrowed slightly, "You seem to have known for a long time that I am not."

Natsuki waved his hand, "You can only deceive those not from the Uchiha clan."

"We Uchiha have always recorded that Uchiha Madara's Sharingan Eye Technique is not a time and space ninjutsu."

"Based on this?" Obito inquired with surprise.

"Isn't this enough?" Natsuki replied, also expressing disbelief at such a significant oversight.

"The Sharingan's pupil technique cannot be altered at any time. If you could use time and space ninjutsu, you would definitely not be Uchiha Madara."

"So, your facade is filled with flaws and can only intimidate outsiders."

Obito fell silent. He had been communicating with Nagato and others in the Akatsuki organization under the guise of Madara.

Nagato and Konan feared him due to his time and space ninjutsu abilities and formidable eye power, both believing him to be Madara.

Unexpectedly, Natsuki saw through the deception at a glance.

Does the clan still have records of Madara's Mangekyo? Didn't Madara take it away? Something is still missing.

Obito opened his arms, saying, "I know you don't like Konoha Village and advocate Uchiha leaving Konoha, so why don't you choose to cooperate with me?"

"I ruined your plan in the Land of Water, and you still want to cooperate?" Natsuki replied calmly.

Obito stated indifferently, "The Land of Water has reached its final stage. I have almost obtained everything I want. It doesn't matter if it's a little early."

"You, the instigator of the Nine-Tails Attack, how can you have the dignity to propose cooperation with me?"

Natsuki was curious to see how Obito intended to convince him.