Revamped Series Edit Completed: 31 July 2017

Toying With The Past Is What We Do
Chapter Twelve
So What's The Plan?

Two weeks after the ghost incident he caused, Obito casually says, "We totally need a hit list."

Kakashi is surprised his friend spoke at all with how focused he had been on Rin, though to be fair, he stares at the girl just as much. They are discreet, of course, since Obito is subtle – something the old Obito never was – and Kakashi wants to avoid attracting rumors. The last thing he wants are fangirls cutting their hair short and coloring it brown while painting their cheeks purple. Such was the case of his former student Sasuke, who had girls growing out their hair over a fallacious rumor.

He personally doubts the broody brat had preferences, considering his obsession with vengeance and Itachi.

The thought of Sasuke being with anyone is laughable, and noticing Obito's creeped out expression, he is probably making a weird, strangled giggle.

He thinks about Rin again, the likelihood of her dying a second time should they continue interacting with her. They had already decided to avoid becoming her teammates, in hopes to keep her safe from their most dangerous enemies.

"There are a few people we should consider taking out before they become a problem," Kakashi finally replies in agreement.

He realizes Obito was talking about something completely different when the Uchiha reiterates, "I meant a list of people to prank, but…" he pauses to grin maliciously, "if you want to start killing any future annoyances, I know just where to start."

Kakashi sighs, shaking his head. "We won't be killing any Uchiha in this village, got it?"

"I helped Itachi killed them all before," Obito pouts. He then smiles proudly, "It was one of the best days of my life."

"…You worry me."

"Fine, no killing," he promises, cruelty shining deep in his eyes.

Kakashi narrows his own eyes, deciding to add with caution, "And no maiming or dismembering. In fact, no blood spilling at all. Or burning." He didn't trust his friend to not pursue any loopholes, and death was perhaps the kindest fate Obito could inflict on someone.

From the other boy's deepening scowl, Kakashi had been correct about Obito's dark intentions.

"Besides," Kakashi tries to soothe, "you can do whatever you want to Uchiha Madara. You have more against him than anyone else."

Madara's manipulations had resulted in Rin becoming a disposable pawn, and he and Obito fell right into his trap. If Obito hadn't come along with him to the past, Kakashi would have planned to exact revenge on the bastard the moment he realized what had happened. He is not here alone, however, so Obito had more right to the man's life than he did.

...

Obito hunches and gathers a clump of his hair in a fist, looking off to the side. There was also Zetsu to consider. White Zetsu and Guruguru would be with Madara at this point, while Black Zetsu would still be in hiding. As long as Madara perishes and the plant pests are sealed away, they would have nothing to worry about on that end. Nagato and his companions, though, their wretched destiny was the result of Hanzō's paranoia and Danzō's influence. Without Danzō alive to cause needless trouble, the Ame trio would be safe and free to make peace with Hanzō.

Oddly, Konan's solemn, defiant expression stands out in his memories, his chest aching from a distantly familiar twinge.

He soon recognizes the feeling as guilt, but he swiftly wills it away. Had she just given him the location of Nagato's Rinnegan, her life would have been spared. He had been very kind in his approach, too. There was no way he would apologize for her own stubbornness.

"We have no choice but to get rid of Danzō. Not even Naruto could talk him out of his ideology."

Kakashi laughs at the mention of Naruto, but he seems hesitant to agree with the first statement.

Obito insists, "Trust me, Kakashi, Danzō is responsible for more tragedies than you can imagine. Better to off him now before he sinks his claws into the more influential players."

Kakashi ponders his words, then concedes. "He tried using me against Sandaime-sama once, so I can't disagree with you. Plus, we may not have to concern ourselves with Orochimaru if Danzō isn't alive to encourage his experiments."

Obito grimaces as he remembers the old man's arm full of Sharingan, an offensive sight that urged him to take Sasuke's place in the megalomaniac's demise. Then there were the two ROOT members he had eventually disposed of and… there is the guilt again.

His kill count is too high for guilt at this point though, and besides, every death was their own fault. And existing regrets were their own, as well.

(Obito figures he will believe his own bullshit over time. Kakashi would just cut in and tell him to stop being in denial.)

...

Kakashi watches as Obito begins smacking his forehead out of nowhere, frustration oozing from his conflicted form.

The Uchiha may have overcome most of his instability thanks to Naruto's supernatural talking abilities, but it was not enough to fix every ridiculous thing that goes through Obito's head.

Kakashi doesn't bother questioning his strange behavior because of this, saying, "We're not gonna get anywhere though if we keep going to the Academy. Maa… I forgot the lesson's lasted until late afternoon. And then there's the homework…" he trailed off, grimacing in misery.

Obito suddenly stops slapping himself. His head shoots up, hands in the air. "Duh!"

"What?"

These mood swings are giving him whiplash.

Obito leans forward, wrapping an arm around his shoulders and using his free hand to point a thumb towards them. He delays his answer for some effect, and then responds enthusiastically.

"Bakashi, I think it's time we graduate!"