AHHH HAPPY NEW YEAR'S IN ADVANCE, TOO

Let's be honest, I'll probably be sleeping through it

Thank you all so much for your support! It's really fun to read all your thoughts, they make my day!

As always, beta-read by the spectacular Sanatoria!

(Chapter title from Coldplay's "God Put a Smile Upon Your Face")

Chapter VII – draw the line

''And here I had hoped I'd retire quietly.''

Hiruzen gazed upon his village from out the window. It was bathing in the sun's last rays, serene after a long, quiet day. The war was nearly over—its effects would linger for a long, long time, but for now the people were simply relieved. After living in constant unease and feeling the looming danger for years, no wonder they would be enticed by the prospect of peace, however shaky it may be in this world. Konoha had always been, even during conflict, rather quiet—only now calmness accompanied it.

''Do you believe him, Minato?''

A beat of heavy silence.

The village's tranquil atmosphere didn't reach the Hokage's office.

''He doesn't seem to have a reason to lie,'' Minato answered, his voice level. Truly, whenever he wanted, he could control his exterior marvelously.

Hiruzen turned from the window to look at the other occupant of the room. Minato was standing tall in front of the Hokage's desk, his shoulders a bit tense, but otherwise it was difficult to read what the man was thinking. Perhaps it was nothing, perhaps it was too much.

Perhaps he was deliberating how to keep the student he had regained.

''That's not the question I asked.''

Hiruzen wanted to determine what kind of dangers his village could be facing—he doubted Obito was one of them.

Minato's lips formed a grim line.

''Yes, I do,'' he stated. ''However impossible it may seem, more bizarre things have happened. At times like these an open mind may be the deciding factor between life and death, and this is a matter that shouldn't be taken lightly. Besides.'' His look darkened a bit. ''Madara being alive would make sense.''

The Hokage hummed thoughtfully. Indeed, he was no stranger to outlandish events. Nevertheless, to think that one of Konoha's founding fathers and greatest enemies might still be among the living… It caused concern beyond measure. The crease between his eyebrows deepend.

Hiruzen nodded.

''I shall trust your judgment, then,'' finally, he answered finally, observing his subordinate closely. ''However, others might not. Until further investigation proves the veracity of his story, Obito may be regarded with wary, even suspicion. Some might suggest that a more direct way should be used to extract information.''

Minato's eyes hardened. This issue had evidently been troubling him. Hiruzen wasn't surprised—he had seen the boy's state himself.

Minato had probably perceived even more.

''That won't be necessary,'' he responded, a tad of coldness leaking through—it was aimed at the circumstances more than anything. ''His mind is already shaken, it would only harm him if it was probed, and there's no guarantee we would learn anything significantly new. It's a risk that needn't be taken. With your permission, Hokage-sama, I personally will watch over Obito and gather any possible information from him.''

It would be logical. If the case was any different, people wouldn't be completely satisfied, given that Minato might appear biased. However, the situation was in his favor.

Hiruzen nodded. ''Consider this an extension to your mission, then. Treat it with the utmost delicacy.''

''Of course, Hokage-sama.''

Minato was only ever this directly bold when the wellbeing of the people he cared for was concerned. To those with Hiruzen's title, that care extended to everyone in the village. He would have made a fine Hokage, he thought regretfully.

But as it was, Minato already had enough on his plate. While, sure, he had a team, the assignment he was tasked with was no laughing matter, and the toll it was taking on him was obvious to anyone with a sharper eye. And now his students. Just recently he had lost one, another was on the verge of breaking, and finally Obito. Returned from the dead, scorched, mutilated, and with such grave claims that it chilled everyone who would believe them. Minato certainly had his work cut out for him, and yet the man stood tall, unwavering. Awed by his charisma and unbreakable confidence, people tended to follow him without hesitation, and that was one of many reasons why he was fit to be a leader. Under his care, Konoha would thrive, Hiruzen had no doubt about it. If only the timing had been better.

But now there was no point to wallow in what-ifs, because the present demanded their full attention.

''Tell me, Minato, what was your impression of him?'' Hiruzen decided to ask out of the blue. He was genuinely curious, but more than anything wished to confirm something.

Minato pursed his lips and allowed his gaze to wander off. His expression was mostly unreadable, but he appeared thoughtful. With an underlying shade of concern. It made Hiruzen wonder.

''He seemed grief-stricken,'' he answered carefully after a short while. The Hokage nodded—that was only natural. Something about Minato's tone peaked his interest, though, but unfortunately, he didn't elaborate on that part further. ''And as if… he was repressing himself. Perhaps that's understandable, given what he must have lived through, but... ''

Minato trailed off. Judging by the small frown, he must have lost himself in his thoughts. Or perhaps he didn't wish to indulge in his observations any further. Most likely both. Hiruzen didn't pressure him—he trusted the man, and if Minato didn't find a need to state his thoughts vocally at the moment, then so be it.

In any case, this conversation would have be to continued at a later date.

Not a couple of moments later a series of polite knocks rang through the room. After Hiruzen expressed permission to enter, the door opened and the person of the hour walked in, bowing at the elder.

''Ah, Obito, it's pleasant to see you,'' the Hokage nodded. ''How was your outing?''

The boy tugged his lips upwards into a mild grin.

''It was nice,'' Obito answered, a bit of warmth leaking through his voice. His gaze flickered to Minato for a split second. ''Konoha hasn't changed all that much.''

Minato flashed a smile in return. There was a tinge of sadness behind it.

''I'm glad to hear that,'' Hiruzen commented and moved to his desk, taking a seat. He glanced meaningfully at his subordinate and Minato wordlessly placed a privacy seal. ''Now then, I believe it's due time we discussed your future.''

''If I may, Hokage-sama,'' Obito spoke up immediately, only barely not cutting off the other. Hiruzen nodded. ''I would like to be reinstated.''

Hiruzen arched his brows a bit at the declaration. It was true that he had considered it, but there was truly no rush to throw in a shinobi with Obito's predicament back into action, not when peace was upon them. One look at Minato told Hiruzen that he was having similar thoughts.

Besides, there were other, more delicate issues.

''I don't see why not,'' the Hokage spoke after a short pause. He took out his pipe and ignited it. ''But there's no need to be hasty. You should first focus on resting and re-accustoming yourself with the village. Perhaps indulge in some peaceful activities. When you're fully recovered, you'll be reinstated if you still wish so.''

Obito's exterior showed a small amount of frustration seeping through at the statement. He shifted on his feet, lips pursing, fingers twitching. Quickly, though, he stilled himself.

''I understand, but with all due respect, Hokage-sama,'' he started a bit forcefully. He clenched his hand into a fist. ''Madara is still out there. I can't rest knowing that he's planning something and that someone could end up in the same situation as I did.''

Hiruzen straightened at those words. He surveyed the boy before him carefully, tapping the end of his pipe against his the mouth. In the corner of his eye he noticed Minato's attentiveness rising as well.

''Could you elaborate on that, Obito?'' Hiruzen inquired calmly, eyes not for a second leaving his. ''Are you suggesting Madara may take in another person?''

Obito shrunk back slightly at the question. His eye shifted to the ground for a couple of moments and he nibbled on his lower lip. He appeared… conflicted.

''I think—'' he began slowly, lifting his gaze up. ''—that's very possible. I don't know why, but I think he needs someone, and I do know I didn't react the way he had expected, so...'' Seemingly a realization dawned upon him and his expression twisted. ''If he does get his hands on someone else, he will probably approach them differently, seeing as how I didn't work out, and, uh, I don't think—'' He took a rather shaky breath. ''I don't think it'd be any better. I can't just—I can't just do nothing.''

Hiruzen hummed thoughtfully as he pondered on the new information. Obito's words raised considerable concern. Then again, everything about him warranted worry.

He was looking forward to his retirement.

''I understand your frustration, but you needn't bother yourself with this matter anymore. Rest assured, it will be handled accordingly.''

Obito opened his mouth to speak, most likely in the form of a protest, but Hiruzen lifted his hand to silence him.

''If you wish to contribute, the most you can do is relay any additional, however seemingly insignificant, information to us. After you've recovered sufficiently, you'll be put back on active duty, but that does not mean any of your work will be connected to Madara. Do I make myself clear?''

Obito pressed his lips into a tight line and nodded curtly.

''Yes, Hokage-sama.''

It was interesting—Obito exhibited similar patterns of behaviour as prior to his "death", but he was also different. Quieter. More level-header. More mature, Hiruzen mused. He cast a quick glance at his subordinate. Minato's expression was mostly unreadable—he most likely noticed some other changes, and apparently they bothered him if he had closed off in such a way. It was no wonder. Minato had been Obito's sensei for years, while Hiruzen never personally knew the boy. He could only imagine what must be going through Minato's head at this moment.

''But I can do more than just tell what I know,'' Obito suddenly added, just as determined as before, albeit with a hint of desperation. Before Hiruzen could interject, he continued hastily: ''I can show you where he held me.''

Hiruzen blinked. That… hadn't yet occurred to him. Why hadn't it? It seemed like a logical proceeding in this situation. He scrutinized the boy. Obito really was committed to being of use. This issue apparently bothered him greatly.

But Hiruzen was no fool, contrary to the belief of some. He could see Obito had ulterior motives to this preposition.

''That would be helpful,'' the Hokage nodded. He took a drag on his pipe and let the smoke rise, looking at Obito intensely. ''But tell me truthfully. Why do you want to go back there?''

Differently from Hiruzen's expectations, Obito didn't shrink away or appear uneased. Instead, his expression morphed into… mildly sheepish?

He cast his gaze to the side while his hand traveled to twiddle with the hem of his jacket's empty sleeve on the other side. After shifting on his feet a couple of times, Obito finally spoke:

''I do really think that perhaps you could find something useful in that place.'' His words were quicker than before, and he still failed to shift his eye back from the wall. Hesitance laced his voice. ''But, uh… I had a prosthetic, y'know. It was made from the same material as, uh, the rest of...'' He vaguely gestured to his chest. ''Yeah. But I accidentally destroyed it while escaping, I didn't really know how strong it was, really. And it would befine, I'd live with it, but, um, I know that—that Madara had spare ones, in case I somehow lost mine, he had said. And I just, uh… I just thought that maybe, um, y'know, I could...'' Obito twisted the loose material between his fingers, his eye flickering between the ground and Hiruzen. He lightly bit his lip. ''Get a replacement?''

It was truly wondrous to witness how Obito could change from a confident young man, being able to stand his ground, to a timorous boy in a matter of seconds. Obito had always been one to shift his mood quickly and unpredictably, and Hiruzen was strangely comforted by the fact that that much hadn't changed.

Before he could respond, however, Minato moved towards his student and placed a hand on his shoulder. Obito flinched mildly at the unexpected contact, shooting up to look at his sensei, something akin to surprise playing on his features. For a short, fleeting moment anguish shadowed his eye, but the emotion disappeared just as quickly, and Hiruzen decided he must have misread it.

''I see no harm in that,'' Minato spoke for the first time, a small, soothing smile pulling at his lips, though it appeared slightly strained. He shifted his eyes to look at the Hokage. ''The tests showed the material used to repair his body posed no danger, and only served as artificial tissue. If the prosthetic was indeed made in the same way, then it really should be fine. Besides, no matter how skilled a shinobi, having only one arm puts them at a great disadvantage, and if Obito can avoid that, I believe all measures should be taken that he does.''

Hiruzen sighed. Of course Minato would take his student's side. After everything the boy had been through, it would be strange if he didn't. Hiruzen almost found amusement how protectiveness radiated from the man in waves. Minato stood in a way that challenged anyone who would dare to even think about harming his student, as if he were one of his own. It wasn't surprising at the slightest—Hiruzen knew Minato blamed himself for not being there when two of his students had faced death, even though he couldn't have been, couldn't have known Obito would be buried beneath rocks and Rin's chest would be teared apart. Now that he regained one of them, of course he would do everything to prevent anything similar from happening again.

Besides, Hiruzen clearly understood the deeper meaning behind Minato's words—someone, be it Madara or someone else, had tried to murder Obito, but, obviously, had failed. If they had decided that development was unsatisfactory, the boy could be facing great danger. It would indeed be terrible if Obito couldn't protect himself from them simply because of this.

''Alright,'' Hiruzen conceded, surveying be pair carefully. ''I'll allow it, but only after it's confirmed it indeed is not dangerous. Before that, a team will be assembled which will escort you. You'll be informed when that will take place. In the meantime,'' he took another drag. ''I trust you won't act on your own accord?''

Obito brightened at the decision, a grin stretching across his lips. He bowed at the elder.

''Of course. Thank you, Hokage-sama.''

Hiruzen chuckled lightly at him. It was pleasant to see the endearing thirteen-year-old boy was still inside of him. Scarred, maimed, scorched, but still there.

Then, Obito sobered and his expression morphed into a thoughtful, almost concerned one. He straightened and spoke:

''If I may ask, what will happen to Kakashi?''

Hiruzen was aware that during Obito's last mission, something had happened between the two boys, and that Obito's "death" had shaken Kakashi to the core. Obito had always appeared jealous of his teammate, but perhaps it had been much deeper than that, and only now was it clearly showing.

''While Kakashi is still an active jounin, I'll take him off duty for a while, given what had occurred,'' he stated after a short pause. Seeing Obito open his mouth, Hiruzen continued before he could speak. ''Don't misinterpret me—I only have Kakashi's best interest in mind. He is not being blamed for what had happened, and I simply believe it would be best for him to rest and collect himself. There is no rush anymore, after all.''

Obito's shoulders slumped, a pained expression washing over his features. He nodded stiffly.

''I see. That's… That's good.''

Truthfully speaking, Hiruzen wondered. He knew Obito and Rin had been very close, and seeing the girl's demise must have been absolutely devastating. And yet, Obito appeared far calmer than even Kakashi, not that the latter was anywhere near peaceful. Only when the topic drifted to her in particular did Obito show signs of sorrow, and even those were considerably repressed. Hiruzen never imagined Obito being one to conceal his emotions, but apparently he was choosing to suffer quietly. If anything, he seemed more concerned about Kakashi's wellbeing rather than his own. It was an admirable trait, but Hiruzen knew all too well what grieving in silence lead to.

''In any case,'' the Hokage spoke up again, growing a bit more serious. ''We have one more matter to discuss. It's regarding your Mokuton.''

Obito didn't display any nervousness—he merely nodded.

''This certain technique is extremely valuable to Konoha, since it has the potential to restrain a Bijuu, mainly the Kyuubi, if such a need arises,'' Hiruzen explained. ''So after you've recovered, it will be expected of you to start honing that ability. Would that cause any problems?''

''No.'' Obito shook his head. ''I was going to do that anyway.''

Hiruzen nodded and continued:

''Naturally, you'll be assigned someone who will oversee your progress, but since it's mostly an extinct skill, you will need to learn from scripts left behind by the Shodaime. I don't advise you trying anything on your own.''

''Okay, I'll keep that in mind.''

Interesting choice of words.

''That'll be all for now,'' Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke. ''Since it has remained unoccupied, will you be returning to your apartment now?''

Obito deflated a bit at that question, his expression growing somewhat grim. The prospect of going back to his previous living quarters seemingly didn't sit too well with him. It was understandable.

Who would want to return to a cold home?

Before Obito could respond, though, Minato spoke up:

''Why don't you have dinner with me and Kushina tonight?'' he offered brightly. ''She'd be overjoyed to have you, she wouldn't shut up about how much you probably missed her delicious meals.''

Again, something akin to distress flashed across Obito's stare, but in a second it had receded. He tugged his lips into a small smile and nodded.

''I did, actually. It would be...'' His breath hitched for a moment, but he quickly gathered himself. ''...Nice.''

Minato beamed at the boy. Warmth dominated his gaze, and Obito appeared shaken by it.

''And why don't we invite Kakashi as well?'' he added. ''We shouldn't leave him out.''

Surprisingly enough, Obito huffed.

''Yeah, sure, if he'd agree,'' he muttered. ''You know him and his… complexes. I swear, that bastard was ready to dart the moment I took my eye off of him.''

Minato's smile turned somber and he momentarily clutched Obito's shoulder tighter.

''I'm sure he'll come around eventually. All we can do now is support him.''

To bystanders those words might have appeared rather strange, since anyone would assume Obito himself would rather receive support than give it, but in reality that didn't seem to be the case. From what Hiruzen gathered, Obito was more than ready to jump at the first opportunity to help his friend.

''Right, and I'll make sure of that.''

It really was admirable.

''I won't hold you two anymore,'' Hiruzen spoke up, a soft smile on his lips. ''Give Kushina my regards. You may leave.''

The pair bowed at their leader and soon enough he was left alone.

Hiruzen exhaled a deep sigh and turned to look through the window. He brought his pipe to his mouth and hummed lowly. It certainly was time to retire.

I feel like I'm moving the plot along as quickly as pushing a boulder. Oh well lmao

Hey, at least it's somewhat moving, soooo

The next chapter will be... slightly strange. I myself have a love-hate relationship with it, so. Don't really take my word for it, though:D Hopefully it won't throw you off too much hah

Okay, okay, I think I should talk a lil bit about the timeline here, 'cause... Well, I'm not gonna follow the show's timeline, because we all know there's basically no timeline to follow, especially concerning this time period. Alright, there technically is, but it's just so all over the place that gah, I'm not gonna try. So here's some info on the timeline in this story - the Kannabi Bridge mission happened around a year a go, and at the moment it's the beginning of autumn. So Naruto would be born not this year, but the year after that. Obito himself is, at the moment, 13. I don't think anything else is relevant at this point, so.

I'll see you next week, or, uhhhh, year (I'msorry)!