The Melody of Rin

by Iestyn

It is the 3rd Shinobi World War. Obito had just died. Devastated, Rin must move on with her life with the help of her love, Kakashi. Replacing Obito is the serene Kurenai, and together their team must face the dangers of legendary ninja. This is Rin's adventure: her melody. Can she find herself, love Kakashi despite Obito's sacrifice, and learn to defend herself from future danger?

1. The Memory

Prologue

The tears build up in my throat as I try not to cry. Minato-sensei, Kakashi, and I are at the Memorial Stone, looking at Obito's engraved name. We left flowers and his goggles at the base. I stand there, hugging my shoulders, angry at myself. Angry that even my skill in medical ninjutsu proved worthless against Obito's fate. I can still see the boulder smashing his right side, all in sacrifice to save Kakashi, the boy he knew I love, all because he himself loved me.

Guilt pours through me. Obito Uchiha loved me. But I paid no attention to him; oblivious to all his tactics until now. I was too captivated by Kakashi and his prodigious skill in the art of the ninja. But things cannot be the same now. Kakashi himself told me that he cannot return the love I have for him, because he believes Obito's death would all be in vein. And he is obviously correct about that. But even so, I have lost the two boys I cared about the most, regardless of relationship.

As the sun sets, I lay in the Third Training Ground's grass, deciding to sleep here by Obito's name. I think of all the times we had together, Team Minato, at Ramen Ichiraku, going on missions—especially the one when we went to the Land of Candy—all of us just having a good time despite the constant disputes of Obito and Kakashi I would have had to break up.

From now on, every time Team Minato goes on a mission, it will be just the three of us. It will feel empty without Obito's upbeat demeanor. It will especially not be the same from now on. And the Third Shinobi World War is still among us. Things may happen, we might change by the end of the war. If any of us are still alive, that is.

But no matter. I am ready to sacrifice my life if I have to. Obito did it for me, so I will do it for Kakashi if the time calls for it. There will be no hesitation.

No, not anymore. Thank you, Obito. You have opened my eyes, even if I do not possess your Sharingan. Right now, I turn and see Kakashi walking home; Minato had already left. I see Obito in Kakashi, I see the eye I transplanted. I see the boy I love, and the boy who loved me.

If only I had loved him back.