I do not own Naruto, Kishimoto does.
Obito watched the Tendo Pein slowly lift himself to his feet. The anger that bubbled inside him was trying to fight its way to the forefront of his mind. He had to keep reminding himself, that he is going to need Nagato for his future plans. That he does share fault in the current situation. He manipulated him; he couldn't really blame him that after learning the truth of his identity that Nagato would believe Zetsu. However, that didn't mean that he wasn't angry that he attacked the people he cared about.
"Obito," Kushina whispered to his left. He avoided looking at her. One of the side effects of losing the curse seal was that his guilt was amplified about the things he has done, all in the name of a dream world. He would have killed her and Minato-sensei if it wasn't for the shock of learning Rin was also a jinchuriki. That knowledge made him question if he could go through with his original plans.
"I did hold a small hope that I was wrong, but your appearance here has proven that you are conspiring with Konoha against the world." One of the Pein's said to his right.
Obito sighed loudly in annoyance, "I'm not conspiring with them." He was about to explain himself further when he felt a movement to his right. A quick glance showed him a rotating blade on a tail coming straight for him. Obito pushed chakra into his right eye, a small vortex sucked the offending appendage into his pocket dimension.
He returned his gaze to the Tendo Pein, "if you want to take vengeance on the person who manipulated events that led to Yahiko's and Asami's death then work with me to kill Zetsu."
"You say one thing, Zetsu says another. One thing is a fact, you have lied. Therefore, no words you say could be counted as the truth." Tendo replied. His eyes glanced to the group of Konoha shinobi to his left, "you will understand Yahiko's pain, by losing them."
Obito frowned, "I'd hoped not to destroy the bodies that you collected, but it seems that the only way to get you to a place to have a conversation is by talking to the real you."
"Obito what's going on?" Minato-sensei asked brushing the rubble from his Hokage cloak.
"It's none of your concern, Sensei. Just stay out of my way." Obito answered coldly. He was glad he had the wherewithal to continue the process to push them away. It was also needed for his plan.
He felt his sensei's eyes drilling holes into his back, "this man attacked my village, it is of my concern Obito."
"Ignore it. It's just a misunderstanding between him and me." Obito replied, keeping his tone harsh.
"I'd say that it is of concern for him, his life is on the line as well," Tendo commented.
"What concern does an insect have with the business of those far above it," Obito said raising his arms slightly in a way to show superiority. He hated the way he needed to act, but if he wants the world to unite against him, then even his sensei will have to believe he is against them.
"Obito don't say things like that! I thought with the curse seal off, you'd be more yourself!" Rin chided.
Obito ignored her. He quickly moved, faster than those without special dojutsu could comprehend. He grabbed Minato and Kakashi and tossed them with the group of Konoha shinobi. Five blue flames of chakra appeared on his fingers, he quickly slammed his hand down, "Uchiha Kaenjin!" A red ethereal rectangular barrier erupted around the Hokage and his friends. Obito then jumped back a couple of meters, once again slamming his hand down another larger barrier of the same make that was erected around the Hokage Tower.
"There now no one will interfere," Obito said as twelve Anbu appeared outside the second barrier.
"This barrier cannot hold me, Shinra Tensei!" Tendo Pein said raising his arms. Obito pumped chakra to his feet as the invisible force slammed into him. He felt the barrier strain but hold. He also noticed that none of the other paths of Pein were affected by the jutsu.
Obito seemed to disappear from his spot, as he struck the Shurado Pein, smashing it into pieces. Obito settled into a calm stance as the metallic pieces fell to the floor, "don't overestimate your own abilities, Pein."
Tendo frowned, as the Chikushodo Pein began to weave signs for a summons. Obito quickly used Kamui to remove its head. Gakido moved to grab Obito but he let the burly path of Pein phase through him. Rotating on his left heel Obito kicked the Pein into his barrier. Gakido let a groan of pain as his entire form was engulfed in red flames.
The two paths closest to Obito jumped into the air. Jigokudo landed at Tendo's right side, as Ningendo landed behind the two.
Obito blitzed towards the trio stopping in between the three, knowing their eyes are connected Obito made a move that appeared he was about to strike Jigokudo and Tendo. Predictably they jumped forward, Obito weaved signs for his jutsu, "Katon: Kamui Gokakyu no Jutsu!" Obito blew out a large fireball filled with black flames. The jutsu was fast enough that Ningendo was unable to dodge. The black flames overtook the path of pain. When the flames cleared there was no sign of Ningendo.
"I see. You are able to use your eye's ability in conjunction with your jutsu for a larger radius of effect. You truly are remarkable; with your power, it was easy for us to assume you were Uchiha Madara." Tendo said.
Obito clasped his hands together before branches tore from the ground stabbing into Jigokudo. Creating a wooden structure five meters high, with the mangled body of the fifth path as its centerpiece.
Obito felt Tendo gathering an alarming amount of chakra as he rose into the air, "don't. You continue then I'll be forced to destroy the body of Yahiko before you even have a chance to complete your jutsu."
Tendo looked to contemplate what Obito said, "I have no choice, but to gamble. You need to know pain. As does this world."
Obito frowned, he wanted to avoid defacing the body of a one-time comrade. A thought popped into his head, maybe he could. "Then I'll gamble as well. Ningendo as you know, is still whole. He is just stuck in my time-space. I'll allow him to remove my soul so you can see my memories. Then I'll leave it to you to decide whether or not to restore me."
Tendo actually looked surprised as he floated back to the floor, "why would you bet your life on this?"
"Because I've made mistakes when it came to both you and Konan. I want to rectify that and show you that I am telling you the truth: Zetsu is not to be trusted." Obito explained.
"Then I'll accept your offer," Tendo said.
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Rin along with everyone gaped in horror at Obito's offer.
"What the hell does he mean, having his soul removed, 'ttebane!" Kushina-neechan yelled.
"I don't know, if it's exactly as he says then it doesn't sound good," Minato-sensei replied.
"Just how much was he holding back against us?" Kakashi grumbled.
"I'm not sure, but I have a sneaking suspicion he still is holding back. I'm beginning to wonder if his true strength could even rival the real Madara." Fugaku answered.
"Well considering that we all believed he could have been Madara, it would make sense he holds enough strength to almost dwarf the Kage," Minato-sensei added.
A vortex appeared revealing the singed form of the man Obito hit with that strange fire jutsu. Obito nodded at the newcomer, "go ahead." He spoke in an almost whisper.
"As you wish," the man with the long orange hair said his hand shot out and grabbed a blue energy inside Obito. With a quick yank, he pulled a humanoid-shaped energy from Obito.
As Obito's body hit the ground, lifeless, Rin felt a sharp pain in her heart. Even though she heard what Obito had said about his gamble, seeing his still body reminded her of the day she thought he died. Tears began to stream down her face and her hands clutched at her chest, please let whatever you are doing pay off. I can't lose you again.
"Obito!" Kushina-neechan yelled as her fist were surrounded by the red chakra of the Kyuubi. She began to punch at the fading barrier Obito created.
Minato hugged his wife stopping her near rampage, "it's okay Kushina, Obito knows what he is doing. After everything that has happened, I'm sure he won't let this stop him."
The two barriers faded into nothingness before the twelve Anbu appeared surrounding the two orange-haired men.
"No, stay back." Minato-sensei ordered. One of the Anbu looked like she was going to protest but nodded. The Anbu then jumped back into the shadows.
The man with spikey orange hair began to frown. He looked down at Obito's body, "it seems you do know more about pain than I thought." As he finished his sentence his eyes glanced to Rin. He returned his attention to Obito's body as it began to glow green.
Obito stirred before his eyes opened. Red eyes met brown as it looked like his mind processed his surroundings. Obito sat up, "well that was an annoying experience." He said as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Your plan for peace, do you think it'll work?" The man asked Obito.
Peace? Rin asked herself. It was true that she didn't know what Obito had going on in his life, but peace. Was that what he was working towards? Was that the reason he didn't want to return home? If the answer was what she thought it was, she ground her teeth as anger washed over her, it meant that he was purposely pushing them away as he went on a path that would lead to peace. Alone.
When they were younger, he'd always talk about saving the world, but as Hokage with all the people he cared about helping him. This new plan whatever it was seemed to be going towards that same goal, but what would make him want to do it alone? Damn it Obito, what is going on with you?
"Short answer is yes. I'll go to where you are, and we can discuss things further away from curious ears." Obito said.
"Obito wait! Tell us what's going on!" Minato-sensei exclaimed.
"As I've said before sensei, this doesn't concern you," Obito replied vanishing into the vortex of his jutsu.
The man with the long orange hair began to lift the bodies of his dead comrades before jumping away. The Anbu made a move to follow, but Minato-sensei shook his head. "If we followed, I'm sure Obito would end up making us follow the wrong path." Her sensei said.
"You are intelligent." The spiky-haired man said.
"Why are you staying behind?" Minato-sensei asked with narrow eyes.
"To properly introduce myself. And apologize." The man bowed, "I'm sorry for attacking Konoha, I was given false information."
"If you are sorry, then please tell us what the hell is going on here." Minato-sensei responded.
"Yeah, and why would you even apologize, 'ttebane?" Kushina-neechan asked.
The man turned to them, "because when I saw the memories of Obito it made me remember what my friend Yahiko originally wanted, a world without fear, a world without pain, a world of peace. When he died, I became misguided in my view of what true peace was. It was clouded by my own sense of vengeance and my despair of once again losing someone close to me."
"Oh, I'm sorry about your friend," Rin said.
The man looked at her and smiled, "you truly are kind. It's one of the reasons Obito holds you in such high regard."
Rin blushed, before frowning, "then why won't he tell us what's going on?"
"Because he is lost. Even though he has a clear goal, the path he is setting himself on will be painful. And despite the drawbacks, I want him to accomplish this goal. With my jutsu that I used, I was able to see what he has seen, experience what he experienced, and feel what he has felt. I believe at this point I know Uchiha Obito better than he does himself." The man answered.
"Then please tell us what the situation is." Kushina-neechan pleaded.
"While it's not my place to tell you, I will explain a few things. Mostly because I know you all won't let things go, and just maybe you can help him find his own peace beforeā¦" The man stopped thinking about what to say next.
When a few moments passed without a word, Kakashi spoke up, "you are acting like you care about Obito, but just a few minutes ago you were fighting him. Why?"
"Because I can see if situations would have allowed that he and I would have been great friends. I could see that he truly did care for Yahiko, but unfortunately, he couldn't allow himself to show it." The man answered. "I think the first thing you should know is the truth about that cursed seal that was placed on his heart. It was given to him by Uchiha Madara."
"What? So Madara is still alive?" Minato-sensei asked.
"No, Madara is dead now. He finally allowed himself to succumb to old age after he set into motion for Obito to carry out his plan. Of course, with how loyal and stubborn Obito was it wouldn't have been that easy. Which is why he did three things. One was the curse seal that bent Obito to Madara's will even after his death. And the second was removing the one thing that kept Obito from seeing the darkness in the world." The man began.
Rin's eyes widened in realization, "me," she whispered.
The man nodded, "yes. Madara manipulated events that led to your supposed death."
"What was the third thing?" Fugaku asked.
"Before his death, Madara's will took a physical form, a sentient being that only works towards Madara's goals. The third was having this manifestation to continue to manipulate Obito." The man answered.
"I see, that must have been that black being that wrapped itself around Obito during our last fight with him. I believe he called it Zetsu." Minato-sensei commented.
"You are correct, Yondaime. Zetsu is Madara's will. He was also the one who manipulated me into attacking Obito and you all." The man said.
"Then it's good I managed to remove that cursed seal," Minato-sensei added.
"Yes, it is good. It has allowed Obito to have thoughts that are once again fully his own. However, by that point, he has already experienced the true darkness in the world. First when he believed that Rin has died. Then when Asami was killed. He spent some time wandering around afterwards, and he continued to see the darkness that plagued this world. Right now, he is moving to remove as much darkness as he can. That includes Zetsu and whatever Madara may have left behind. He is working towards establishing peace." The man said.
"Why is he trying to do it alone? We all would help him." Kushina-neechan asked.
"He doesn't want to include you all in his plan, he only wants you to keep the work he'll do intact after he accomplishes it. That is also the purpose he has for me. To play peacekeepers. Which is the reason I'm telling you all this. Since we are to work together once his job is done." The man explained.
"What's his plan?" Rin asked.
"That I cannot tell you, you'd only try to stop him. You are all incredibly kind and would stop someone you cared for from suffering even if it meant bringing peace to the world. All I want is for you all to respect Obito's wishes and let him do what needs to be done." The man said.
"What suffering? What is he going to do?" Minato-sensei asked.
"I've said all that I needed to say. I look forward to working with you in the future, Yondaime." The man said.
"Wait what's your name?" Kakashi asked.
"My name is Nagato, ask Jiraiya-sensei about me," Nagato answered before disappearing in a cloud of smoke.
"Was he a clone the entire time?" Kushina-neechan asked.
"I don't think so, it was probably a reverse summons," Fugaku answered.
Her little family began to discuss the new information they've learned. Rin however didn't pay attention, her thoughts dwelled on her raven-haired teammate. Nagato was right, she didn't care if Obito could bring peace, if it meant he was going to suffer she will stop him and help him find another way.
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Obito was sitting on the head of the statue of Madara, watching the water rush over the cliffside. He has just left from having a conversation with Nagato and Konan. It was as productive as he hoped, even though it was going to take Konan a while before she could trust him. Nagato was surprisingly trusting right away, it must be from the memories he saw.
They both agreed to help him with his plan to achieve peace. He was thankful for that. Nagato also told him that after Obito's death he'd get Minato-sensei's help to keep the peace. They were going to find people who could help be the guardians he needed them to be, while he searched for others who would help him spread terror throughout the Elemental Nations.
They decided that the group of peacekeepers would stay unnamed as a silent organization. Since Kakuzu was already a part of the Akatsuki, so that would still be the name of the group in charge of destruction and chaos. Nagato said he was fine with it since the name Yahiko came up with would still be a part of the peace that'll soon befall the world.
Despite the fact that Obito has managed to repair his relationship with Nagato and Konan, to a point where he was sure he'll be friends with them, he still had a frown on his face. This frown surprisingly wasn't because of his own actions, but because of a conversation, he had when Nagato's Ningendo path pulled his soul from his body.
Obito felt cold as he peered into the darkness that surrounded him. He was confused, he was expecting fire and brimstone. Not this. Not all this nothingness. He was going to have to wait for Nagato to revive him, so Obito sat on the ground, or what he thought was the ground.
"So, you failed." A familiar voice said as the world around him changed into a small room with an Uchiha fan on the far sidewall.
Obito frowned as he looked across from the small table in front of him. Uchiha Madara looked at him with an expressionless look as he took a sip of tea.
Obito glanced down seeing that he had his own cup as well, taking the cup he brought it to his lips and allowed the hot liquid to enter his throat. Obito returned his gaze to his ancestor, "no, I haven't failed. I betrayed you."
Madara's eyes narrowed, "did you now. And what of Zetsu he was supposed to keep you in line?"
Obito shrugged, "he tried. Luckily my sensei is better at fuinjutsu than you are."
"Ah, that would be Namikaze Minato correct?" Madara asked.
"Yes." Obito answered taking another sip of tea, "where are we?"
Madara smiled, "a place for those who wish to wait for their kin, before moving on to the afterlife."
"So, you get to wait here for any Uchiha who dies and then bother them before they get to move on," Obito groaned.
"Not any Uchiha, only those who are of my blood," Madara explained.
"Of your blood? Are you saying we are related?" Obito asked, shocked.
"Yes, Mizumi is the mother of my son, Uchiha Asahi," Madara answered.
Obito coughed at hearing the names of his grandmother and father coming out of Madara's mouth. "You are my grandfather?"
Madara nodded before taking another sip of tea, "after my final with Hashirama I spent some time trying to figure a way to continue the Infinite Tsukiyomi after my death. I happened on Mizumi and using a henge a courted her into my bed. Once she was pregnant, I left, and then I awakened the Rinnegan and was able to summon the Gedo Mazu. Keeping me alive until I was able to come into contact with you."
"Why?" Obito asked.
"Because your father or you were always meant to be backups I cultivated to finish the Infinite Tsukiyomi. However, your father was so weak, he and his wife were easily killed just after you were born. And then you were such a disappointment until I saw you awaken the Sharingan. Two tomoe, at the first awakening, is incredible. I finally saw some of my strength that was passed down. I knew then that my backup worked.
"I needed to get to you, thankfully that Iwa nin set up the perfect opportunity. Knowing how kindhearted you were I manipulated one of the falling rocks to hit that Kakashi boy's blind spot. And you predictably saved him at the probable cost of your own life. As the rest of that cave began to collapse on top of you, I had a Zetsu clone pull your body away before you were killed." Madara explained.
"You gave me your memories, why didn't I get those?" Obito asked.
"I only gave you memories on how to complete the Tsukiyomi and of training to make yourself stronger," Madara answered.
Obito then smiled, "oh, I guess you didn't mean to give me all your memories. I saw what you did to Rin. I was so angry when I saw that memory, I didn't touch your memories for years. It was the reason I wasn't going to bring you back when I moved to the final stages of the Infinite Tsukiyomi."
Madara frowned, "a stupid oversight on my part. Oh well, you are here now all I can do is wait for Zetsu to manipulate Nagato into reviving me."
Obito's smile widened, "I don't think that's happening 'Ojisama'."
"Why is that?" Madara asked.
"Nagato is the reason I'm here. He pulled my soul from my body so he can go through my memories. All of them, including the ones of you." Obito answered with a smirk.
Madara's face twisted to a scowl, and Obito enjoying that look on his face continued, "once he sees how Zetsu manipulated him and I, you will never be revived. You will stay dead, if I were you 'Ojisama' I'd move on. The world has no more need of you."
"So, you are going to throw away the prospect of peace, just for the sake of forsaking me?" Madara asked.
"I'm not throwing away the prospect of peace. Matter of fact your name is going to help me bring peace." Obito began to glow green, "it seems my time is done here, at least for now. Stay dead, 'Ojisama."
As Obito began to disappear Madara glared at him, "we will see if I do."
With those final words from both Obito woke up alive once again.
Obito looked to the sky, he was going to have to do something about Zetsu before anything else. He was confident that Nagato won't bring Madara back, but if there was another way, he was sure Zetsu would figure it out. Obito stood up and taking a deep breath he jumped off the statue. Opening a portal with Kamui, he fell in. Lucky for him he already had a plan.
He swirled into existence behind an unsuspecting Zetsu. As Madara's will turned around, Obito slammed an open palm at Zetsu's back. Red lines sprouted from his hand and wrapped around Zetsu.
"What are you doing?!" Zetsu yelled as the red lines began to seal his movements.
"I've come across many interesting things when I was looking for anything to remove the curse seal Madara placed on me." Obito began, Zetsu's form began to turn to stone from Obito's palm. "I found this interesting curse seal, that I planned to use on you once I removed my own curse seal."
"What's happening to me?" Zetsu asked.
"It's a cursed sealing jutsu created by the Uzikage, that he planned to use on the bijuu before the Shodaime Hokage collected them all. It restricts the target's chakra and movements, turning them into stone, while placing them in an infinite genjutsu. The genjutsu placed is dependent on the user of the curse seal. I choose one that'll put you in an infinite loop of nightmares. Thankfully there are only two people who know how to remove this seal. The Uzikage who is dead, and me." Obito explained.
"You will come to regret this." Zetsu said before he finished turning into stone.
"I doubt it." Obito then sucked the Zetsu statue into his Kamui dimension. Obito smiled, "I'm free." He whispered.
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I'm not sure if you can kill Black Zetsu but I know he can be sealed, so that's what I had Obito do. So yay, no more Zetsu lol.
Nagato and Konan are on board with Obito's plan. I'm going to enjoy writing friendly interactions with the trio, now that none of them are being manipulated. Also, the Konoha group has learned a bit about what Obito went through. They needed to know some and Obito is too stubborn to tell them anything at this point, so enter Nagato. I was going to have Obito show Nagato his memories with a genjutsu at first, but it was still possible that Nagato wouldn't believe him. So, using the Ningendo path's ability allowed for more believability from Nagato and allowed Obito to talk to Madara once again. I thought it would be funny if Madara was Obito's grandfather, so I added it in lol. I know there is some debate on the specific word Obito used for ancestor that could be taken as him saying that he was related to Madara, but its my AU so now Madara is, at least in this fic lol.
I also am not going to do a ten year time skip, I'll be doing short ones. I actually thought of a few things I can do.
Well let me know what you guys think of the chapter and how I'm doing. I always look forward to hearing from ya'll. Thanks for the support.
