I do not own Naruto, Kishimoto does.
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Rin softly hummed as she watched the udon noodles boil in the water. She has spent the last couple weeks coming over and helping Kushina with dinner after her training. Kushina has taken a backseat with the spars, however she has instructed her on what to train on. Even sometimes bringing her a few sparring partners that include Maito Gai, Sarutobi Asuma, and Yuhi Kurenai. She was able to do well against Asuma and Kurenai, but when it came to Gai she was horribly outclassed. Even when she managed to create distance between her and Gai, he would appear before her in a green blur starting another onslaught of his furious taijutsu. Even though she spent the majority of her sparring session with Gai being turned into a black and purple version of herself, she could feel her own taijutsu getting better; and for that she was incredibly grateful. Kushina, Asuma, and Kurenai helped increase her ninjutsu, and her genjutsu defense. She knew she was a much stronger shinobi than she was a few months ago.
When she thought of it a lot of things have changed recently. First Kushina is pregnant, and Rin was ecstatic. She couldn't be happier for her Sensei and his wife, who she loved like an older sister. She was happy to have another member of her small family. This baby was going to have a support system that most children didn't have. Many people are going to love and spoil this kid, and Rin was dead set on being one of them.
Another change was Minato and Kakashi advancing in their career. Minato became the Yondaime Hokage and Kakashi joined the ANBU. She was proud of both of them. Minato has always had a Hokage attitude ever since she's known him. He was a great Sensei, strong and trustworthy. And incredibly kind, but fierce when he needed to be. He was the hero of the war; nobody was more deserving of becoming Hokage than him. And Kakashi joining the ANBU seemed par for the course, yet Rin believed that something was the cause for he his sudden change in jobs. Before her incident he was hell bent on fulfilling Obito's promise of protecting her, now she has only seen him in passing. The one thing she did wish for however, was that Obito was here to experience all these changes with her.
"Whatcha thinking so hard about?" Kushina asked sitting at the kitchen table.
Rin turned around with a startled look and an unknowing blush on her face, "I was just thinking about how fast life was changing around me." Rin responded.
"And?" Kushina asked, a knowing smirk on her face.
"That was all I swear." Rin answered.
"You were thinking about something else. Someone else." Kushina pushed.
"I was also thinking about Obito." Rin caved, looking at the ground in embarrassment, for reasons she didn't understand. "How'd you know?"
Kushina's smirk dropped a bit with the mention of his name, "You always get this dazed look when you think about him. You seem happy and sad at the same time. It's one of your many looks I have deciphered since meeting you." Kushina explained with a chuckle. "So why has Obito evaded your thoughts this time?"
Rin sighed, sitting down across the table from Kushina. "I was thinking that I wished he was here, experiencing everyone moving forward in their lives. I'm sure he would've been so happy about your pregnancy. I also like to think he would be just as overprotecting as Minato-Sensei." Rin finished with a laugh.
"I think so too. I hope my future kid is just like him, dattebane." Kushina said.
"Maybe." Rin whispered just loud enough where Kushina could hear. Her face softening to a frown.
"What's wrong?" Kushina asked noticing the change in Rin.
"I was also thinking about how even though I'm excited with everybody moving forward, I just feel that everybody is leaving Obito in the past. Even me. Life keeps going and it seems like I'm stuck in the past with him. I don't know how to move forward, every time I get a break between hospital shifts and training, I think of him. Even when I sleep, I dream about the day he died. Every day I wake up crying. I just don't know how to move on without him. I promised I'd always watch over him, and now he's not here to see these new things happening in our team's lives." Rin explained tears pouring from her eyes.
Kushina reached over putting her hand over Rin's, "We didn't leave Obito in the past, we keep him in our hearts. I go to his grave once a week and tell him about all the things I've done that week. We move forward with are lives bringing him with us. I know his death has been hard on you, but maybe you should think about moving on as well. Training to get stronger was one step towards that."
Rin took in a sharp breath as she mulled over Kushina's words. I can bring Obito forward with me? Rin asked herself. She already visited Obito everyday telling him about her day, was that the way to move forward with him. She would always carry him in her heart, no matter what she did. Then wouldn't that mean she has been bringing him with her, both of them moving forward slowly? Maybe they both weren't as stuck in the past as she originally thought. Thanks to Kushina, Rin knew the answer. The answer was yes. Even if Rin advanced in life, Obito will always be there, because she will always have him in her heart.
"You're right Kushina-neechan. And I think I know of a way to take another step." Rin said with a small smile.
"Oh, what would that be?" Kushina asked.
"I believe it's time I became a Jonin. I don't know who would recommend me, but even then, I can take the exams." Rin answered.
"I think that's a great idea. Rin I'll be happy to recommend you." A voice said from the hallway. Both Rin and Kushina looked at the entrance of the hallway when Minato walked into their view.
"Minato how long were you listening, its not polite to eavesdrop, 'ttebane!" Kushina yelled.
"I just happened to come in when Rin disclosed her big decision." Minato whimpered waving his arms franticly.
"Minato-Sensei would you really recommend me?" Rin asked.
"Of course, I've heard how much stronger you have gotten from Kushina." Minato answered thankful to the change of conversation.
"I think you'd be a great Jonin." Kushina added.
"Thank you guys so much, I promise I won't disappoint you!" Rin exclaimed. Rin smiled a real smile for the second time in as many weeks. For the first time since Obito died she was excited about the future.
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Obito dodged the paper butterflies that flew towards him, avoiding attacks from Nagato as he moved. He sensed Yahiko moving in behind him, Obito quickly contorted his body weaving signs he silently created a mud wall stopping Yahiko's attack. Obito kicked Nagato through the wall sending him into an unsuspecting Yahiko. It has been a few weeks since he found Nagato, and in those weeks he somehow managed to join the akutski and train with their three founding members. Obito quickly noticed that even sparring against three people, didn't pose much of a challenge for him. Therefore, he has been training by himself at night when everyone has fallen asleep. In that time he has also, with the help of Zetsu, learned the power of his mangekyo: Kamui. He hasn't been able to fully master it but he was making progress, he knew he'd be able to make better progress with the help of three Akatsuki members, but he figured he should keep a few tricks up his sleeve.
Obito quickly turned around and caught Konan's kick, flinging her away from him. Obito then summoned two shadow clones with kunai, the original and the clones ran up to the three downed teens pointing their respected kunai at them.
"I win. Again." Obito stated in his deep voice that he was surprisingly getting used to. At the beginning of using this Madara personality, Obito didn't like it, he didn't enjoy acting like someone he wasn't. However, seeing the effect his new commanding personality held he found himself starting to enjoy it. "Let us end for today, you three clearly don't have a chance against me. Maybe you should re-examine the basics of being a shinobi."
"Come on we weren't that bad, were we?" Yahiko asked.
"Yahiko, we didn't even land a hit." Nagato commented.
"That in itself should answer your question." Konan grunted.
"I thought you guys did great!" Asami exclaimed from the log she was sitting on to observe the spar.
Yahiko looked up with hopeful eyes, "really?" Yahiko asked.
"No sorry, Tobi-Sensei kicked your ass." She responded with laugh.
"I wouldn't be so quick to judge Asami, you are not any better." Obito said.
"But you said I was getting better!" Asami argued.
"I did, but your still not anywhere near their level." Obito explained.
"That's mean Tobi-Sensei." Asami grumbled with a pout.
"You know you don't really talk about yourself, why do you want to achieve peace withing this world?" Yahiko asked.
"Why would anyone? Is it not a goal that most would try to achieve, or are you asking for my story to get a reasoning behind my motivations?" Obito countered.
"Well yes. You know our motivation for peace, but we don't know yours. You want us to trust you, yet you rarely talk to us except to Asami." Yahiko said.
"I guess there is some reason to that. If you must know my life started in the shadows, became brighter, yet fell into the shadows once again. All because the five great nations decided their war was more important than the lives of others. That is the reason I want to change this shinobi system that is in place, take it out from its deep roots within our world and replace with a light of peace. So that others will not feel what I have felt," Obito motions to Asami, "what she has felt. This dark and war-torn world has only caused despair. It needs to be done away with, so that others may live the life they were intended." Obito finished.
"I want to change the world too, Tobi-Sensei!" Asami yelled.
"That is good, you're help is needed." Obito said.
"That's what we want too, but we want to start with Ame. Since the first war it has been a battle ground between the great nations. We want to change that by spreading peace throughout the country and then later to all nations. Would also like your help with that." Yahiko said.
"I believe we will help." Obito responded.
"Great! Well let's go get something to eat and then some sleep. Tomorrow we can start coming up with some plans to achieve our goals." Yahiko said.
A few hours later, Obito could here the soft rising and falling breaths of the people around him. Based off of the past several nights he knew they were all asleep. Obito rose out of his sleeping bag and stepped out into the cool night air. He turned his gaze to the sky annoyed that once again like every night he's been here the stars remained hidden behind the clouds. Obito was never one for star gazing until Rin had forced him to sit and look at the stars with her. Not really forced, Obito would've done anything she asked of him. Since that night Obito would look at the stars and think of Rin. At first, he would imagine what the future would be like if she loved him as much as he loved her; now however whenever he looks at them, he can only see the lightning jutsu piercing her chest.
Even then it still served as a reminder of what he was currently fighting for. He may not be able to see her again, but he will try to make this a world where nobody will go through what she did. Obito knew deep in his heart, that he might see her again if he went through with Madara's plan. If he were being honest with himself, he would more than likely be on board with the plan, if he believed that's what Rin would want. He could only guess that's what she would want, she enjoyed life so much that he felt that she wouldn't have enjoyed a dream more than she enjoyed living.
He was worried that if he did complete the Infinite Tsukiyomi that her smile wouldn't be the same as he remembered it. That her laugh would be different. The shine in her eyes, even the way she would scold him. He didn't want to live in a dream world where she was different than to the perfect picture he had in his mind. But there was the chance that he could see her again differences and all. Which was a reason was still confused on whether or not going through with it. There was also the plantlike being who won't stop pestering him about ways to complete the plan.
"Obito." A voice spoke from behind him.
Well speak of the devil. Obito thought, "What is it Zetsu, I'm about to train?"
"I'm curious to know on how you plan to manipulate Nagato and his companions into completing the Eye of Moon plan?" Black Zetsu asked.
Obito groaned, "I'm still figuring that out. They want peace, and I'm sure they have a way of achieving that. I just need to find some way of pushing them into our direction. And to find that way, I need to gain their trust first."
"Why not tell them of the plan before hand?" Black Zetsu asked.
"Imagine if you can that someone you don't know, or trust comes to you and says 'Hey come with me to capture all nine bijuu so we can seal it inside the husk of the jubi which can only be done with the eyes of Nagato. So whatta ya say?' I can see that really working in our favor." Obito retorted.
"I see. Keep in mind Obito, if you do not follow the plan that you may end up with much more concerning matters." Black Zetsu said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Obito asked.
"He just means that without the Infinite Tsukiyomi than all the bad stuff in the world will stay. Because even if you achieve peace another way, there will always be bad people to ruin it." White Zetsu answered.
"There's no reason to worry about that I'm following the plan." Obito lied.
"I'd hope so." Black Zetsu said before sinking into the ground.
Obito sighed before sitting down on the wet ground. He didn't like the threatening tone of Black Zetsu. Him being Madara's will, Obito had no idea what he had planned or what he was willing to do. Well maybe there is one way to find out. Obito thinks to himself. Obito took a meditative pose and began to delve deep into his subconsciousness past his own memories, into the ones that were implanted into him. Madara's memories. Obito focused on memories of Black Zetsu until he found one. He watched as an angry Madara fumbled around with a failed White Zetsu, trying to figure out where he went wrong. He tried pouring some of the chakra from the Gedo Mazo, to avail. Madara in frustration poured some of his own chakra. Once the chakra went inside the Zetsu, it began to darken. What was white turned into a pitch black. Interested Madara began pouring more of his chakra into the Zetsu, until it was fully black. Madara sat down on the stone chair-like throne set in the back of the cave, observing the new developments.
The new Zetsu began to move turning a full yellow eye towards Madara.
"Do you know what you are?" Madara asked.
"Yes. I am your will." The Zetsu answered.
"Oh, you are, are you? Is that why you are darker than your counterpart?" Madara questioned.
"I am, not only did you pour your chakra in my body, but it would seem I inherited your will as well." The Zetsu responded, "it seems interesting things do happen when Uchiha and Senju powers mix together. I am what I am thanks to you, therefore use me as an extension of yourself. I declare my undying loyalty and servitude to you, Uchiha Madara."
Madara looked at the Zetsu a smile on his face, "and what do I call you?"
"I think Black Zetsu is appropriate." Black Zetsu answered.
Obito backed out of the memory, "So that's how Madara made Black Zetsu." Obito whispered to himself. He was told Black Zetsu was Madara's will, but he didn't actually believe it to be true until now. Then to figure out what Black Zetsu was capable of, he needed to know what Madara was capable of to achieve his goals. Obito took a breath before returning back into Madara's memories.
Obito watched as Madara's life flew by infront of him. From his time in the Warring States Period, to befriending the Shodaime Hokage, the founding of Konoha, Madara's betrayal, his plan to get Hashirama's cells, his reading of the Uchiha Tablet after he awakened the Rinnegan, his accidental summons of the Gedo Mazo, giving his eyes to Zetsu to implant into Nagato, and then finally a conversation between Black Zetsu and Madara while Obito slept soundly in the bed at the far right of the cave.
"I need you to put this Curse Puppet Seal on her heart. It is the same as I put on Obito. It will conform her to my will. Here," Madara placed his hand on Black Zetsu's head, "Use this genjutsu on the Sanbi. It will force it to attack Konoha as soon as it crosses the gates. The Kiri nin I manipulated should be done sealing the Sanbi within Rin now." Madara glanced towards the sleeping Obito, "this is the push he needs to follow the plan even long after I am gone."
"What if he doesn't?" Black Zetsu asked.
"Then you will do whatever it takes to nudge him back onto the correct path. You are the incarnation of my will aren't you?" Madara answered.
"Yes, I only wanted to hear it from you." Black Zetsu responded.
The world around Obito swirled from the cave back to the rocky surface of the Rain Country. He felt the anger rising within his chest, He could feel the power of his mangekyo activating. He let out a low growl. He wasn't going to follow Madara's plan, he would do everything in his power to keep Madara from getting what he wants. He was no longer going to allow Zetsu to control him. He needed to get rid of Zetsu, but he didn't know how. But he will figure out a way. He wanted to make them pay for what the did to Rin. His first step was to find a way to rid him self of the curse seal placed on his heart and then to kill Zetsu. I will destroy all his plans. I will destroy the nexuses of this world to bring peace, I promise I will Rin. For your sake.
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Minato carefully watched Kushina as she swept their living room, ready to help her at any sign of distress. He has spent the last ten minutes arguing with her about not being so active, to no avail. He has been in constant state of worry about her, this was his wife and child. He hated the idea of something happening to them because he was not there. He has already failed twice with people he cares for. He wasn't there when Obito died, and he wasn't there when the Sanbi was sealed inside Rin. If he can help it, he'd never not be there again. He may be the fastest shinobi in Konoha but even that was unable to save his student.
Since he found out Kushina was pregnant he has spent most of his time right by her side, so much so he was neglecting his duties as Hokage, much to Shikaku's chagrin. It wasn't that he didn't care about being Hokage, he was more concern with his wife. Even though she complains about it, Minato will be there.
"Don't you have work, 'ttebane?" Kushina asked.
"I do, but this is more important." Minato answered.
"Minato, I'm only doing some light cleaning. I don't see how that requires the Hokage." Kushina chided.
"I've told you before Kushina, I worry about you." Minato replied.
"What are you worried about, I'm fine. I'm safe in the village, nothing is going to happen." Kushina said.
"Anything can happen even in Konoha. I have plenty enemies, especially from Iwa. And there's that masked Uchiha running around. He's already gone after those close to me, and he might try again." Minato explained.
"The last time you found information on him, he was all the way in Ishi no Kuni, by the border of Ame. That's so far from us. If anything, he seems to have a vendetta against Kiri, not us." Kushina said.
A week ago, Kakashi and his team brought him information of a group of Kiri nin that were killed by a mokuton jutsu. When the ANBU investigated they found that he saved a girl from being beaten, they also found that he wasn't wearing his mask. But the description that witness told them was all they could see was the long black spikey hair and a glowing red eye. Something Minato already knew. The one new piece of information that helps is that witness's say his voice sounded more like a teen than the man they saw.
Even with the new information, Fugaku wasn't able to come up with a name of who it could possibly be. Neither could Minato. The masked Uchiha was an enigma. Nobody within the Uchiha clan fits him. He was able to unlock a version of the sharingan that only a handful were able to do before him. He was strong enough to annihilate an entire ANBU platoon and avoid capture from Minato. All the while keeping his identity a secret. With such lack of information, Minato had no choice but to put such a blank description in the bingo book. But one thing was true, Minato was obsessed on finding this masked Uchiha. Almost as much as he was obsessed on protecting Kushina. He needed something, anything to take this enemy off the board.
"I'm sorry Kushina. You're right. I'm afraid of something happening while I'm not here. I hate that feeling, that helplessness." Minato said.
"You know I can summon you through your marker, right? There's no reason to worry. But if it will help you get back to your duties, then I'll allow a personal guard detail." Kushina compromised.
"Really?" Minato asked.
"Yes. Only if I can I pick my guards though." Kushina replied.
"Of course, that's fine. Thank you, Kushina." Minato said.
"Yeah, yeah." Kushina responded waving off Minato's bright face.
"Who are you going to choose?" Minato asked.
"Oh, I have a couple of people in mind…" Kushina answered with a large smile.
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Thanks for reading! I've rewritten this chapter a few times, and I'm still not really happy with it. I have three arcs planned for this story, as of right now the first arc ends at chapter eight. Next chapter many things will be set into motion for the climax of this arc, I think I've set everybody up well enough to establish them within this story. At least I hope I did. Anyways let me know what you think, and what I could work on.
Thank you guys so much for all the support on this story, you've made it worth my time to write this.
