.

.

Somehow, Madara gets wind of the whole Itachi debacle, cornering him at the training grounds and threatening to eyeball him into tiny little pieces should he keep harassing his stupid apprentice. Kakashi has to talk him down, helpfully reminding him that should he vaporize Itachi's body, it would simply reconstitute itself since Itachi was still Undead.

Against all odds, they come to a trade agreement. Obito and the civilian minister stand outside and shake hands, signing the treaty, and civilian news photographers crowd around them, capturing the moment.

"Hokage-sama! Will you wear the hat for the photograph?"

Obito looks up. The civilian press is waving at him, gesturing toward the hat. He throws a glance at Kakashi, who's holding the hat like a bomb. The minister smiles.

"Yes, we've all heard about the famous Hokage hat! We would love to see it." The delegates from the civilian side chuckle - they think their ninja uniforms are cute, old-timey and anachronistic, like something from a cosplay convention.

Kakashi starts, "Actually, minister-"

"No," Obito says, and he smiles. "It's okay. Hand me the hat."

Kakashi blinks. "O-okay..."

Obito sets it on his head. Outside, the wind rises. For a moment, he keeps his hand on the crest of the hat, his eyes hidden and the white flaps of the cap moving like banners. His mouth stretches into an enigmatic smile.

"That's a great picture!" the photographer says, and he lifts up the camera.

Flash.