.
.
There is a meeting discussing who will succeed Tsunade as the Sixth Hokage. A few names float around: Might Gai. Hatake Kakashi. A scribe writes their names on a white board while the council discusses the formal nominations.
"What about Uchiha Obito."
They turn. Madara is leaning against a wall at the entrance of the conference room, arms crossed and covered in shadow.
"Madara." The elders look at each other. "You were not invited to this council."
"I had a hand in the founding of this village. Well. You invited neither myself nor Hashirama, so I suppose I can't be too insulted."
The elders frown at each other. "Uchiha Obito has committed many atrocities. He was an S-class nin and kage-level threat. He was the one who put in motion the Fourth Shinobi War."
"And it was my understanding he sacrificed himself to end it," Madara says. "Well. I am not surprised. Council idiots would never put an Uchiha to power."
"Madara-sama, a moment-"
But Uchiha Madara is already gone.
xXx
.
Obito is coming back from a mission. It's dark now, and he slowly walks up the metal grate steps to his apartment. He's tired and his body hurts, and all he wants to do is go to sleep after a long, hot shower.
"Obito," Tsunade says, and Obito stops, surprised.
"Tsunade-sama?"
Tsunade smiles. She holds out some papers.
"I have need to speak with you."
xXx
.
"Hokage?" Kakashi turns sharply. Obito is hunched over the bar, a drink in his hand and staring at his glass. "They've nominated you for Hokage?" Obito nods. "Obito...congratulations."
Obito lifts his eyes. Kakashi is beaming beneath his mask. Obito looks back down at his drink.
"I think I'm going to refuse it."
"Why?" Kakashi says, and Obito swirls his drink. He watches the amber liquid swirl, his reflection distorted in the glass.
"Whoever is Fire Shadow is sworn to protect the people of this village." Obito sets down his drink. "I was the one who set the Kyuubi loose. I was the one who nearly destroyed it."
Kakashi falls silent for a moment. And then, "Have you told Sensei?"
"I am too ashamed. I don't want him to know about it." Obito's voice is soft. He doesn't look at him.
Kakashi frowns. "I think you should talk to Sensei," Kakashi says. Obito hunches over the bar, not saying anything. Kakashi shifts forward.
"How long did they give you to make a decision?"
"Until the end of the month," Obito says. His eyes flick upward. "I was told if I refused, the title of Sixth Hokage would go to you."
Kakashi blinks. Obito pours himself another drink. "So," Obito says. He sets down his bottle. "Do you still think I should take it?"
There is the clinking of glass in the background, the sound of a wooden fan turning above them. Kakashi considers.
"Yes," Kakashi says, and his eyes meet Obito's.
"I really think you should."