It was the right thing to do and she hates it. But given the circumstances, Rin has little freedom to choose between the lesser of the two evils.
Her morals stand strong. Her belief in the significance of memories is what brought her here today. But she has no rights to meddle with other people's memories.
It was the right thing to do.
Perhaps her action runs deeper than simply erasing one's memories? Deidara may not be in sync with her own values, but they were comrades. In the ninja world, comrades are the crux of a shinobi's existence, and for that reason, her motive to protect extends beyond her impression of someone who does not see eye to eye with her.
The cascade of guilt flows, yet her instinct applauds her action. No matter how her logic reasons, the element of her emotions sit raw and heavy.
Though she was careful to keep components of Deidara's memory intact, and erase all traces of her existence, she still cannot shake the feeling of sabotage.
But such sensation ends abruptly.
Standing a fair distance from her is the familiar black stallion. The horse's presence may evoke sudden feelings of fear, but its slow and meek approach is perhaps more of a gentle reminder.
"That's right," she whispers.
Only when it stands close that the sudden memories return - from her final encounter with her master to the revelation of her fate back in those woeful dungeons.
"I am going to make use of time," she whispers, "I need you."
The horse stares, but she understands it. Not through words, but through a strange connection she call feelings.
"My existence in this world for the past seventeen years has become more of an impediment than anything. I feel this opportunity would make things right."
She steps close so her shadow is swallowed by the stallion's greater silhouette.
"Their memories. Everyone that knew me after my resurrection. I want you to erase my existence from their world. I have never existed beyond my death."
The silence lingers, but astonishingly, there is a component of relief and acceptance.
"Those two. Leave those two to me, okay?"
Deidara, she knows she has to.
But Tobi? The permanent wastage of their precious moments together, no matter how little, or how badly things have ended between them in the last few days, is what she would deem an atrocity.
Even if it goes against her plans to erase her existence from this world, she cannot bring herself to tamper his memories of her. Perhaps it stems from the more selfish desires, that his memory of her is an indicator that she existed in his world.
When she turns from the escalating guilt-ridden thoughts, the stallion suddenly piques, as if it read her mind and is disapproving of her impending actions with Tobi. But it knows her emotional turmoil, and though sceptical, it seems to accept her actions with no more than a low sounding neigh.
"I can't let him go…I don't want him to forget me. Please make an exception, and then, I won't defy it anymore," she continues softly.
Then, it disperses into the air, and returns when time allows.
And the time is here, albeit Rin is unfazed by its presence. As if calling from another world, the horse is a soft beckoning light that will guide her into the warmth.
Towards the horizon, that beautiful mass of ocean glistens back at her. And atop the mysterious expanse is the familiar looking island. It exudes a strange yet familiar aura she has once succumbed to on her first encounter with the ocean.
When her watch returns to the stallion, it is gone. In that moment, she knows of its intention. In its place is Obito, who is observing her with that reticent look she has long given up trying to decode.
"Is everything okay?" He asks.
There is a look of blandness that accompanies his question, and Rin is still unsure whether he knows more than he lets on.
"Yes," she answers.
A rough silence stretches between them, yet she struggles to hear her own thoughts.
There is a large knot of consternation that tightens from within, but one look at Obito and the action halts. No constriction, no dilation. Stalled.
"Where are we going?" He asks.
It takes her several seconds to process his question. Yes, she did mention they rendezvous here, on the very outskirts of the inn's territory.
"I need you to take me there," she says.
Her fingers lightly brushes the air in front. It is a solid indicator of her intentions with the island. But when she looks to her beloved, he is staring blankly in that direction.
"That's right, you cannot see it," she continues softly.
Tentatively, she steps forward, until her toes are dangling off the cliff's perimeters and the sounds of ocean is so loud, she is sure those from miles away can hear.
"Hey," Obito suddenly takes her arm.
"It's okay, I can take us there," he continues quietly.
The fleeting expression of sadness and resignation is brief, but its emanation is so strong, she feels it like a jolt of lightning.
"You can?"
He steps forward and presses a light kiss to her forehead.
"Anywhere you go, I'll follow."