After showering, Konan looked at her closet not knowing what to wear. It was surprising because she didn't care for the most part, but she felt like she needed to wear something snappy and casual for Madara, Tobi, or whatever he wanted to go by.

She had a couple of blouses she liked but she felt like maybe they weren't casual enough. She finally pulled out a dark purple dress, she usually wore it under her Akatsuki cloak. There were no sleeves just like some of her other shirts. Mostly because she preferred to have her arms out.

But then Konan remembered the yellow kimono Tobi bought for her, she hadn't worn it since she tried it on at the store. She wondered if maybe he would like to see her wear it, it wouldn't be anything romantic. It couldn't be anything romantic, Tobi made his intentions clear.

But that didn't mean that Konan couldn't still think about the thought of them being together as a couple.

Konan put on some undergarments before putting on the kimono, she looked at herself in a full-body mirror. It wasn't very often that she wore something as formal as a kimono, and the more she thought about it the more it made sense to wear it. She would wear it during Tobi's award ceremony to show her support.


Konan stepped out of her apartment and over the broken down door, she saw Tobi leaning over the railing and gazing out over the morning village.

"Are you ready, Tobi?" Konan asked.

Tobi turned around and was silent, his eye seemed to be avoiding her. "Yeah." It was his normal voice.

When Obito saw Konan wearing the yellow kimono he was surprised but that was not the only thing that surprised him. Konan's body was on full display, from her hips to her breasts. It made Obito's whole body heat up, which meant she was truly a beauty.

"If I had known the dress code I might've worn something more formal," Obito said with his Tobi voice, but he was desperately trying to avert his eye from her.

Konan smiled lightly, "It's perfectly fine. I wanted to wear this kimono to show my support for the ceremony later. After all, you bought it for me."

If Konan could see his face then she'd see that it was as bright red as an apple. "Very well then, let's begin the day." He said trying to focus his mind on something else, literally anything else.


Kakashi arrived at Anko's apartment and knocked on the door, he waited for about a minute or two until he heard moderate amounts of stomping. The locks came undone and the door swung open.

Anko was still wearing pajamas, she barely had her eyes open due to having been woken up by Kakashi. "What'd you want?" She asked a little groggily.

Kakashi smiled from underneath his mask, "I need your help with something special."

Anko glared at him, still a little upset at being woken up. "You do know that I sleep in on my days off, right?"

Kakashi opened his eye and understood from Anko's body language that she was angry. "Sorry, but this matter is a little important."

Anko opened her eyes fully, a little intrigued at what the silver Shinobi had to say. "How important?"

Kakashi looked up to the sky, "Very. It's regarding love."

Anko's heart fluttered, she was unprepared for this moment. "Kakashi!?"

Kakashi scratched the back of his neck, "Can you help me get Konan and Tobi together?"

"..." Anko's brain registered his words but due to immense disappointment, she was out of order.

"I was hoping you could help because you're the only person who I know understands things like this," Kakashi said knowing full well that Asuma and Kurenai were a couple but the likelihood of them helping was none due to both of them being on missions. Anko was his second choice for this matter.

Anko finally sighed, "Alright, let me get dressed." She turned around and headed for her bedroom.

She came back a couple of minutes later wearing her coat, fishnet shirt, and shorts. Though her hair was still a mess, it wasn't as long as most girls' but it was still long enough she needed to tie it up.

There was something about Anko's hair that gave Kakashi some sort of feeling, but he couldn't quite place it. "You ready now?" Kakashi asked.

Anko shrugged, "Ready as I'll ever be." There was still some tiredness in her voice.


Obito and Konan walked down a simple street, they were on their way to do... Well, neither knew exactly what they were going to do. Hanging out was a very broad term.

"We could go see one of those shows they have at the theater," Konan suggested.

Obito having the memory of when Madara went to the Uzumaki theatre made him worry if it was going to be anything like that. "Umm, would it be fun?" He spoke as Tobi.

Konan wondered, "Well I don't know I've never been."

Obito decided to give it a chance, "Alright, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to try."


The theatre was quite boring to Obito, but Konan seemed to enjoy it, which caused him joy for some odd reason. It was a story about a young slave boy being recruited into a space monk society, but his sensei was killed by some dark being and was then trained by a young monk who was trained by the same man who was going to train the slave boy. It was intriguing but the story clearly wasn't finished because it was obvious there would be a sequel.

They began walking down the street once more, but this time something caught Obito's eye. A group of three adults were surrounding a child outside of Ichiraku. Normally Obito wouldn't have cared but when he heard what the adults were saying he had to step in.

"Get out of here, freak." A woman said.

"Monsters like you don't deserve the same treatment as us," another man said. The boy they were berating was Naruto Uzumaki.

"Leave the boy alone," Obito called out to the group of adults.

The adults turned around, and one of them scrunched their nose in disgust. "What you actually sympathize with him, after what it did?!"

Obito stepped in between Naruto and the group, "l said leave the boy alone." Obito repeated as Madara.

The group seemed slightly frightened but one braved to ask, "You know what it did don't you?"

Obito glared at them, "Yes. But that doesn't mean you take your anger out on a child. You know that don't you?" The sarcasm that left his tongue stung the three, they felt that arguing with the masked man was futile. "Whatever, freak..." One of them muttered under their breath.

Obito stood protectively in front of Naruto, watching as the adults dispersed with disgruntled murmurs. He turned to the young boy, his demeanor softening behind the mask. "Are you alright?"

Naruto wiped his tears from his eyes, he didn't understand why he was being treated so poorly. Naruto's big blue eyes blinked up at Obito, a mix of surprise and confusion evident. "Yeah, I'm okay. Thanks... Mr."

Obito felt bad for the poor boy, somehow the villagers knew that he was a jinchuriki of the nine tails. Obito knelt down to Naruto and looked him in the eyes, "It's okay, you don't have to be bothered by them. Their ignorance blinds them and clouds their judgment. If you ignore them and press on, then someday they won't have a reason to diminish you." It was his normal voice.

Naruto looked deeply at the orange mask, "Can I call you Mr. Swirly?" The boy questioned.

Obito chuckled at the nickname, "I quite like that name." He ruffled the boy's hair while offering a faint smile. "Don't let them get to you. You're stronger than you think." He glanced at Konan, who observed the interaction quietly, a thoughtful expression on her face.

Konan walked over unsure how to feel about the situation. Here was Tobi interested in protecting a young boy being mistreated by others. But Tobi had a special interest in that boy, in particular, the boy that she saw had a sense of loneliness and supposedly reminded Tobi of his former self. But maybe there was something more going on that Tobi wasn't talking about, Konan assumed that Tobi might've had something to do with killing the boy's parents with how he acted toward the boy. Regardless of why, Tobi was doing the right thing.

Naruto looked up at Konan, "Pretty lady is Swirly's friend?" His eyes were still a little bloodshot from crying.

Konan nodded, though she wasn't surprised by the young boy's flattery. "Yes, I am. But Swirly doesn't have a lot of friends to begin with." It was a minor jab at Tobi.

Obito didn't bother getting worked up over Konan's words, he knew it was a joke. "What's your name?" Obito asked already knowing the answer.

Naruto hesitated for a moment, "Naruto. Naruto Uzumaki."

Obito smiled from underneath his mask, "My name's Tobi, but you can keep calling me swirly."

Naruto let out a small giggle followed by a smile. The smile seemed to melt Obito's ice-cold heart. It gave Obito an idea, "Hey Naruto, do you want to get some ramen?"

Hope seemed to brim from the boy's eyes, "Really?! Ramen?!" He seemed to be excited, maybe a little too much, specifically for ramen.

Obito tried thinking if he'd ever been so excited for something but nothing came to mind. But regardless Naruto loved ramen which Obito and Konan would supply him with such.


The trio ate some ramen which was a lot faster than anticipated because Naruto scarfed it down like an animal. Obito found himself enjoying the simple pleasure of the boy's company, feeling a warmth he hadn't experienced in a long time.

Unfortunately for Konan, she had to reschedule her lunch with Jiraiya to dinner. She promised him tonight and now that meant tonight, no ifs ands or buts.


Kakashi and Anko watched as Konan and Tobi exited ichiraku with a boy. The boy was tugging at Tobi's pant leg and then Tobi slumped his shoulders, the boy then celebrated for some reason. Konan just giggled at the two.

Anko thought the scene was cute, a man surrendering to a young boy. It made her want him more, but that wasn't in the cards. Though maybe Kakashi was still on the table...

Kakashi looked closer and realized that the boy looked awfully similar to Minato, "Is that his and Kushina's son? If it's true, he looks just like his father."


Naruto had triumphed in getting Mr. Swirly to agree to take him to the playground. He ran fast to try and beat them there but when he reached the playground Mr. Swirly was already there sitting on a swing set.

"What took you so long, whiskers?" Obito said jokingly.

Naruto's mouth was wide open, "But you were behind me, how'd you beat me?"

"It's all a matter of perception because you didn't perceive me running past you."

Naruto couldn't believe that Swirly was so fast and strong. He sat on a swing to Tobi's left and started swinging back and forth, giggling at how high he was swinging. Unbeknownst to Naruto he was being pushed higher than normal due to an outside force.

Konan sat on Tobi's right, she watched Naruto swinging high. She had a smile on her face.

Obito noticed two paper birds pushing Naruto's swing, "That's one way of doing it." He thought to himself.

Naruto seemed to be enjoying himself, there were finally people who seemed to care for him. He wished every day could be just like this one.


As their time with Naruto came to a close, Naruto beamed up at his new friends. "Thanks, Mr. swirly and Miss Konan! Today was awesome!" Naruto waved energetically before darting off to his home, leaving Obito and Konan standing there, watching him disappear into the distance.

Obito couldn't shake the feeling of contentment that lingered within him, a subtle shift within his heart. It was a day he hadn't expected but one that left an unexpected impression.

As they continued their stroll, Konan nudged Obito gently. "That was an unexpected turn of events. You surprised me back there."

He was quiet, "Yeah well, even goofballs have their serious moments." The words reflected past Obito, always being the goofball screw-up until that day at Kanabi Bridge. That day marked a change for him maturing from a goofball into a true leaf Shinobi, up until he lost his right side.

Suddenly Obito felt something hit him in the back, it was soft. He turned to see what it was and to his surprise, it was a blue colored rose. He bent down to pick the flower up, "Strange..."

Konan suddenly felt something at her feet, she looked down and saw a shoe box. Konan used her paper jutsu to cause it to float up to chest-level. She was curious about what was inside but she wanted to show Tobi first.

Obito turned around to Konan who was holding a shoe box in the air with paper doves. "What's that?" He asked as Tobi.

Konan had the same question, "I don't see you as the type of guy to buy flowers, so what's the story?"

"I asked first," Obito said.

Konan relented, "I found this shoe box by my feet."

"Seems awfully convenient if you ask me."

"What reason would I have to lie about a shoe box?" Konan asked not understanding the scepticism.

Obito shrugged, "I can't think of any but that's probably the point."

Konan was slightly annoyed, "And what of your flower?"

Obito looked at Konan and to the flower, he tried coming up with something that didn't sound as stupid as her answer. But the only answer he had would incriminate himself in a different light. "It's for you." He extended the blue rose to her.

Konan was surprised at his answer, she'd not ever seen him as a romantic. She accepted the blue rose, "Thank you, Obi-" she almost said the name of the boy she thought was under the mask.

"It's nothing. It just reminded me of you." Though the idea was made on the spot some of it was true.

Konan now felt off guard, she'd never expected him to be so forward, well at least when it came to romance. Konan didn't want to ruin the atmosphere so she held the shoe box out for him.

Obito assumed it was going to be another mask, "How creative could she be?"

His eye went wide, but thankfully Konan couldn't see his face to see his angry expression. "What use would I need of goggles?" They were his goggles, but they were in front of the fire shrine in the cemetery last he checked. How and why would she know who he was? Did Kakashi tell her? No, if he did she would have said something already. The only alternative was that she did her own research.

Konan watched as Tobi pulled out goggles, but she thought they looked familiar. Realization hit, "They're the goggles Obito wore in his photo." But if Tobi didn't know anything about the box then someone who knew who Tobi was left the box. Konan wondered who it was and the answer was obviously Kakashi, but why? What did he gain from having her confront Tobi about his identity.

Konan knew that if it truly was Obito then she had to say something now or else maybe he would no longer speak about himself. "Are you Obito?" She almost whispered.

He was silent for a moment, he then looked around. "If you want that answer then I'll only answer it in private."

It was a reasonable request, "I understand."

Obito sucked away his old goggles into his dimension and began walking away, confirming that he would finally tell her the truth. Konan followed, she was concerned about his calm demeanor which meant that he was being honest or he was planning on doing something else.


Kakashi assumed his operation was a success, though he couldn't hear what Konan asked, it seemed that Obito was positive about it.

Anko was happy that Kakashi was happy about the whole thing. It seemed her idea of using the kid to bring them together was a great move, it showed that Tobi stood up for what was right. What girl wouldn't want that in a guy?


Obito returned to his apartment with Konan, she expected him to answer any of her questions which Obito would hold onto his side of the bargain.

"Are you certain it's wise? To reveal yourself to a woman and let her have all of your secrets? Next, you'll find yourself being suckered into a relationship. "

Obito was annoyed, of course out of all the times he could appear now was the time to annoy him. "It's too late for me to change my mind. And besides, maybe that'll make things easier for the eye of the moon plan."

Madara wasn't so sure, "It's never too late to wipe her memory, but that decision is up to you."

"I won't violate her mind like that, I respect her too much."

Madara chuckled, "So you confirm it. You love her. But what tragedy would await you and her if you two joined."

However much Obito wanted to try and deny it, he couldn't. Madara knew everything about Obito, the only thing he didn't know was how he was feeling. But Obito wasn't the most complex when it came to emotions. Obito had three modes, stoic, depressed, or annoyed. "Whether or not I do is inconsequential. I think maybe I should try and live a normal life, up until-"

"The infinite Tsukoyomi?" Madara finished. "Are you sure that's what you want? You once said that nothing in this world mattered, are you going back on that?"

Obito still agreed with the statement to an extent but Konan was an exception. "If you're worried about not getting revived, I'll keep my word." Obito lied.

Madara ever the skeptic didn't fully believe Obito but if he was lying then that's what contingencies were for. "Very well. Just know that I'll be watching if you two ever..."

"I get it!" Obito said annoyance in his voice.

Konan watched as Tobi put his key into his apartment door, and in went the two of them.

Obito closed the door and sighed, he was actually going to reveal himself. "Konan, do you truly wish to know who I am? If you're ever captured then you'll be a liability to me." It was more of an excuse to not reveal himself than anything.

"If you do tell me then maybe whatever burden you've had hide yourself will be lifted," Konan said placing her hands behind her.

Obito sighed again, "Alright then." He took a deep breath and looked at Konan. "My name was Obito Uchiha, as you no doubt figured. But I am no longer that boy. I am what Madara made me to be." Obito averted his gaze.

Konan felt the pain that lay beneath the mask, on one hand, she wanted to console him but on the other hand, she didn't want to be selfish and start a relationship. Last of all with a coworker. But was it really selfish if she could help heal someone else's pain.

As the intricate thoughts bashed against each other one won out. She stepped towards Obito, and Konan reached for his mask. He sheepishly tried to back away and turn away, but Konan touched his shoulder which caused him to freeze up. She used her free hand to touch Obito's mask and make him look at her. She could see the uncertainty in his one eye.

The more Obito looked into Konan's eyes the more he felt the world stand still, like nothing mattered besides her. "I don't deserve her..." He thought to himself.

Konan moved her hand for the band that held the mask in place. Obito placed his hand on hers, "You won't like the monster behind this mask."

Konan smiled slightly, "No matter how deep your scars go, my mind won't change." When Konan stopped, she had the image of Yahiko and the young Obito smiling in her mind. Konan was in a dark place after Yahiko's death, the only light in her life was Nagato's dream. But now there was one more light in her life, the masked man Obito Uchiha. It was almost as if fate played its hand so that these two could build each other back up. "My mind won't change because you gave me a reason to love again."

Konan slowly lifted the mask but this time Obito didn't put up any resistance. As the mask slipped off, revealing his features, Obito's gaze met Konan's, filled with a mix of apprehension and vulnerability. The scars that adorned his face bore witness to the pain and suffering he had endured, a visual testament to the torment swirling within him. The more Konan starred the more Obito was fearful, scared that Konan would run away from the scarred monster he was.

Konan didn't recoil at the sight; instead, she reached out and softly cupped his cheek. She looked into Obito's eye, not with pity, but with a profound sense of empathy and compassion.

As Konan's hand gently caressed his cheek, Obito found himself fighting back tears, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions cascading through him. With her by his side, perhaps, just perhaps, he could find a path back to the light, guided by her unwavering love and acceptance.

Konan embraced Obito in a hug and closed her eyes, the warmth of his body was intoxicating, it was as if she could just stand there with him for hours.

Four minutes, four excellent minutes passed and Obito backed away. He wanted to stay in Konan's embrace a little longer but he had a ceremony to attend. "I..." Obito tried speaking but no words came out. Obito's throat tightened, emotions swirling, rendering him momentarily speechless. He struggled to articulate the depth of gratitude and vulnerability he felt in that moment, overwhelmed by Konan's acceptance.

"I..." he began again, his voice barely above a whisper, his lone eye reflecting a mixture of gratitude, uncertainty, and a glimmer of hope. He wanted to convey his appreciation for her unwavering support that had stirred something dormant within him.

Konan, sensing Obito's struggle for words, gently placed a finger on his lips, silencing him with a tender gesture. Her eyes, filled with understanding, conveyed a message that transcended words – a silent assurance that she didn't need elaborate explanations or grand declarations, that she simply wanted to be there for him.

But their time in this moment was limited, Obito had to attend a ceremony with the Hokage. "Obito, it's about time to visit the Hokage," Konan said.

Obito sighed, "I suppose you're right." He looked at the mask on the floor, he picked it up and looked at it. He was debating about wearing it or not, but he thought that two people who knew Obito hadn't died was enough for today. He placed the mask on his face promptly. "I think Obito will need some more time before he's fully ready to stop wearing a mask."


Obito and Konan arrived at the Hokage estate and were escorted to a private room where the Hokage, Danzo, Fugaku Uchiha, and Kakashi were all waiting. The three experienced Shinobi sat facing the door, while Kakashi was sitting facing them.

Kakashi turned to glare at Obito, "You're late." He said kneeling in front of Hiruzen and the others.

Obito glared back, "I'm sorry, I just got lost on the path of life."

Hiruzen chuckled, "It seems that the two of you have turned out to be quite the pair of rivals. It almost reminds me of the rivalry between the First and Madara."

Danzo interjected, "Comparing these two to the founders is palpable, Sarutobi. The closest rivals you could compare them to are you and I."

Sarutobi didn't agree with the sentiment but he understood where his old friend was coming from. "Regardless." Hiruzen cleared his throat, "This occasion is dedicated to Tobi."

Fugaku eyed Tobi up and down, he hadn't met the man yet but he couldn't deny that he was curious about a wood-style user from outside the village. It gave him the idea of recruiting the man for the Uchiha, cause one day soon they would initiate a coup. Though Fugaku was against the idea, his people were clamoring for the segregation and treatment of the Uchiha to be changed, through peace or by force. Either they would have the jinchuriki or a wood style user.

Konan and Obito knelt next to Kakashi, "Lord Third, forgive me for asking but who are these other men and why are they here?"

Neither Danzo nor Fugaku found the question insulting, Danzo would have if he hadn't met Tobi behind Hiruzen's back.

"On my left is Danzo Shimura, my old friend, and overseer of a special division of the Anbu. On my right is Fugaku Uchiha, the head of the Uchiha clan and Itachi's father." Hiruzen explained.

"My question hasn't been answered, Lord Third," Obito said.

Hiruzen nodded, "They're here to meet you and possibly recruit you to their divisions, but that choice is entirely yours."

Obito was skeptical because he didn't like either man. After all, Danzo was... Well, Danzo. And Fugaku was one of the reasons Obito was treated poorly by the Uchiha when he was a child. "I see," Obito said.

Hiruzen pulled out a small medallion with a symbol of fire, it was most likely a metaphor for the Will Of Fire. "Tobi, for your bravery and courage in the line of duty; in protecting our village's jinchuriki, the Shinobi academy, and the village, you have proven yourself to be a great Shinobi of the Leaf. I hereby gift you a medal that represents the will of fire." He stood up and approached Obito. He then pinned the medal to Obito's shirt.

Obito looked at the medal, "Thank you, Lord Hokage." Something like this would have been young Obito's dream, being recognized by the Hokage.

Hiruzen smiled at the masked man, "I hope that you choose to stay with the Leaf, Tobi."

Obito nodded, "I understand, Lord Hokage." Obito took a glance at Konan. She glanced back at him and smiled lightly.

Obito hid a smile under his mask and returned his attention to the three old men.

Danzo spoke up, "An invitation to the Root will always be available to you, Tobi. You could become more powerful than a jinchuriki with the Root's training regiment."

Obito didn't care for Danzo's words but to be respectful he nodded.

Fugaku spoke up in an attempt to one-up Danzo, "Tobi, you seem like quite the Shinobi. You'd fit well enough in the police force. If you're willing to join I would like to see you spar with my eldest son."

Obito knew that a spar with Itachi would be a cakewalk, "I appreciate the gesture, Mr. Uchiha. But I don't think I want to join the Anbu or the police force." It was weird saying his last name so formally, even if it was to the head of the clan.

Hiruzen smiled and lifted his pipe to his mouth, he knew Tobi had the possibility to become the next Hashirama Senju if given the chance. Little did he know Tobi was the next Madara. "If there is nothing left, the three of you may leave." Not another word was said and the three young ninjas left the room.


As Kakashi left the room he waited for Obito, he leaned against the wall and saw Konan exit first. She was pretty in that kimono, he hadn't noticed it earlier.

Konan gave Kakashi a shy nod, she found his gaze very cold. Kakashi wasn't cold because of Konan but because of his once thought-dead teammate returning dark and broken.

Obito sighed when he saw Kakashi waiting in the hall, "What's going on, Kakashi-senpai?" He rolled Kakashi's name to let him know he didn't want to talk here and now.

Kakashi sensed his apprehension, "Tobi, I was thinking about getting something to eat. You wanna join?"

"I'm not interested, I already ate," Obito replied.

"On your date with Konan?"

Obito growled and walked past Kakashi, he didn't deny the question though which was a victory in Kakashi's eyes, or would be eye?

Kakashi smirked underneath his mask, though time had changed the both of them, Obito was still sensitive when it came to love.

Konan felt that Kakashi already knew that Obito was underneath the mask by how they talked to each other. It made her question what happened between the two. But that was a question for another day.

Kakashi began following Obito, he was going to have a nice long chat. It may or may not end with fists being thrown, but that was a risk he was willing to make.

To make sure neither Kakashi nor Obito made a decision they'd regret, Konan followed after them.