The pitter patter of large feet and small feet echoed throughout the stairwell. A small hand gripped onto Konan's, she smiled the whole time. The young boy's eyes shone with excitement at the prospect of staying with his new friend.
Sarutobi said that he'd find a suitable three bedroom house for Konan and Naruto, but it'd take a few days. So in the meantime Naruto was going to stay at Konan's apartment. Which wasn't a problem, she had the space. Konan was carrying a box of some of Naruto's stuff, various clothes and a toy or two, bare bones stuff for now.
As they approached the apartment, Konan started hearing noises she'd wish she hadn't, she hoped Naruto hadn't either. The sound of a woman moaning in pleasure. Konan felt her cheeks flush. But what was worse on an apartment floor of five rooms, two were vacant, one was hers, one was Obito's, and the other was Kakashi's. There was no way it was coming from Obito's room, he could barely handle a few kisses, let alone anything sexual.
So that meant Kakashi... But who... Oh... Oh! Had he and Anko figured things out? They must've. There was no explanation otherwise.
A small part of Konan felt happy, Kakashi had a long life of solitude and now he was enjoying himself with another. Then there was Konan's thoughts of her own romantic life. It was a complex tangle of emotions, first Yahiko, and they revolved around a certain Uchiha. Obito, bless his awkward soul, could barely handle a chaste kiss without turning into a flustered mess a few days ago, now he seemed confident enough to move the sun. But thoughts like that shouldn't exist when Nagato's life was in danger. If only she could do something to help Nagato...
Quickening her pace, Konan hoped Naruto would remain oblivious to the salacious symphony echoing through the complex. As they neared her door, the sounds grew more pronounced, prompting her to usher the young boy inside quickly.
Once inside the sanctuary of her apartment, Konan let out a relieved sigh. Naruto, ever the bundle of energy, immediately began exploring his temporary living quarters, bouncing from room to room with childlike enthusiasm.
Konan watched him fondly, her thoughts of Nagato and Yahiko when they were younger.
"He's Kurama's host right?" An echoey voice erupted in Konan's head.
Realization dawned on her, "Saiken? I almost forgot you were here."
"The boy, he's the nine tails' host?"
Konan hesitated, "Y-yes. May I ask why you want to know?"
Saiken hummed, "There's supposed to be some technique where we and our jinchuuriki can communicate with my siblings and their hosts. It's way harder to communicate with them long distance so we don't talk that often, and then there are the grumpy ones like Kurama and Shukaku that are always so rude and unfun."
Konan thought it would be a perfect way to distract Naruto from Anko and Kakashi's adultery. "Naruto," she called out, motioning for him to hop on the couch.
As the young boy plopped down beside her, Konan gently placed her hand on his hand, channeling some of her chakra. "I hope this works."
Naruto's blue eyes widened as their surroundings melted away, replaced by a vast mindscape.
In this mental realm, they were facing one another, one creature behind the other. A giant slug with six tails stood tall behind Konan, while Kurama, the nine tailed fox stood behind a barred cage, his eyes narrowed with distrust born from centuries of mistreatment.
Saiken, on the other hand, greeted them warmly, his sluggish form exuding contentment. "Welcome, friends," the slug-like creature rumbled, "It's a pleasure to meet you, little Naruto."
Naruto grinned, his earlier curiosity forgotten as he marveled at the majestic creatures before him. Kurama snorted, his disdain for humans palpable, but remained silent, observing the interaction with guarded eyes.
Konan placed a gentle hand on Naruto's shoulder, her voice soft yet firm. "These are two of the nine tailed beasts, they are sealed within us. The slug is the six tails, but his name is Saiken, he's inside me. And the fox is named..." Konan forgot it for a second, then she remembered Saiken saying it. "Kurama, the nine tailed fox. He's inside you."
Kurama himself eyed Konan, no human had known his name since the Sage, so that meant Saiken told her. "The slug is too trusting..." He placed his arms on the ground, placing his head on top of them and closing his eyes.
Naruto's eyes widened, his gaze shifting between the seemingly sleeping Kurama and Saiken. "If they're inside us, how'd they get there?"
Konan's expression grew somber as she recounted the night her life had been intertwined with Saiken's. "I became a jinchuuriki roughly a week ago, Naruto. Six of us Leaf Shinobi went to the Hidden Mist Village under a request by the Mizukage, we were there to help. But they separated us into twos, making sure anyone with genjutsu expertise couldn't thwart their real goal. The Hidden Mist forcefully sealed Saiken within me, against my will."
Naruto's brow furrowed, his innocent mind struggling to comprehend such cruelty. "That's not nice!" He exclaimed, his fists clenched in righteous indignation.
Konan's lips curved into a sad smile as she ruffled his unruly locks. "No, it wasn't fair. But it was our reality." She paused, considering her next words to be too harsh. If she was too harsh then maybe she'd give him an example of someone doing something inherently altruistic, he popped into her mind and then it hit her. "Naruto, do you remember the day the village was attacked by a phoenix made of flames?"
Naruto's eyes widened as the memory resurfaced. He nodded, his gaze distant. "I remember playing outside and seeing the smoke and flames. All the other kids ran but I didn't, I stayed hoping I could stop the flaming bird and get friends for saving the day." Naruto sighed, "I was scared, I didn't know what would happen so I closed my eyes as it came towards me, but then..." His voice trailed off, and he looked up at Konan expectantly.
"A man in an orange swirl mask appeared," Konan continued with a smile, "And he took the full brunt of the flames, quelling the Phoenix's flames."
Naruto gasped, his mind whirring as he tried to make sense of the information. "Mr Swirly?"
Konan's expression grew pensive, her eyes softened. "His name is Obito," she said softly, "He saved you because it was the right thing to do. There are people in the world that do bad things because they simply can, but the same is true for nice people. Obito is someone very important to me for that reason."
Naruto chuckled, "Mr. Swirly must be lucky to be with you, Miss Konan."
"I don't think it was not luck, maybe it was fate." Konan mused aloud.
Unable to contain himself, Saiken giggled, "My host's mate, Obito, had the honor of crossing paths with our creator."
A low growl rumbled in Kurama's throat, his tails swishing behind the bars. "Impossible. The Sage has been dead for centuries."
"And yet," Saiken continued, her voice laced with smug satisfaction, "He bestowed his power upon both of the Fourth Hokage's students – Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha."
"Didn't the Uchiha die?" Kurama asked.
Saiken just fidgeted, it seemed like he struggled to shrug. "Maybe. All I know is that he used to wear masks and that he has one eye."
Kurama pieced things together, "So he was the one all those years ago." He kept it to himself.
Naruto's eyes widened, his mind struggling to comprehend the weight of Saiken's words. "Who's the Fourth Hokage? And who's this Sage guy?"
Konan sighed looking at Naruto, "That's a long story that even I don't have the full details about."
Kurama decided to ask, "Why exactly did the Sage give others his power? Without a reason it doesn't make sense."
Konan decided to answer, "Madara Uchiha has returned." She had expected this to get a reaction from the fox since he was used as a weapon against the First Hokage.
Kurama's roar shook the mindscape, his chakra flaring wildly. Naruto stumbled back, his eyes wide with fear and confusion.
Konan quickly steadied the boy, her gaze fixed on the enraged fox. "Calm yourself, Kurama," she said, her voice firm but tinged with concern. "Your anger towards Madara shouldn't be taken out on us."
Kurama's growls subsided, but his eyes burned with a mix of anger and fear. "Madara," he spat, the name dripping with contempt. "If he has truly returned, then we are all in grave danger."
Naruto looked between the beasts and Konan, his heart pounding in his chest. "Who's Madara? And what's going on?"
Konan's expression hardened, her eyes steely with determination. "Madara Uchiha is a name that strikes fear into the hearts of all who know him," she began, her voice low and grave. "He was a powerful shinobi who fought against the First Hokage." Konan didn't want to reveal the next part though, "And he was Obito's mentor..."
Obito walked far into the Uchiha district, reaching a forest area. It was still within the walls of the Leaf, but it was reserved for the Uchiha to use. But there was a secret place that only the Uchiha and the First Hokage knew of. The underground meeting of the Uchiha, where the naka tablet resided.
Itachi followed intently, unaware of the history he was about to learn. Shisui was behind him, not fully understanding the situation, but if Itachi needed answers from Obito he'd help, up to a point.
A short while later a revered shrine building popped into view, the dense trees obscuring half of it. "This is the place." He still carried the shoebox.
Itachi looked up at it, "I think I've been here before, when I was younger."
Shisui looked at the eldest Uchiha, "You want to show him that? Why?"
Obito's gaze settled on a towering slab of stone at the far end of the chamber. "Because like many things, the answers we seek have been there all along. We just either aren't ready for them or we don't want to accept them."
Itachi looked at the tablet, his onyx eyes reading some of it. "It's a sacred item passed down from generations isn't it? Why bring me here?"
Obito walked towards the stone tablet, his blue shirt billowing. "This is where Madara came to his sick conclusion that the world was better off in a dream."
Shisui had read the tablet many times but hadn't read any part that indicated the instructions to an eternal dream. What was Obito getting at? Was there something dark Obito was hiding? Shisui knew that he had to be cautious, Obito knew more than them, but how much was like walking in the dark.
Obito furrowed his brow, recalling Madara's memories that took place here. "Read it," he ordered.
Itachi's brow furrowed as he studied the tablet, his lips moving silently as he deciphered the ancient texts.
"No," Obito's voice low and stern. "Read it with your Sharingan."
Itachi's eyes flickered with the crimson hue of his doujutsu, and he gasped softly. "The writing… it's different."
"Precisely," Obito affirmed. "Each level of the Sharingan unveils deeper secrets." He locked eyes with Itachi. "Madara had read it with his Mangekyou, it described the powers of each user of it having unique abilities."
Shisui had known this, due to having awakened his Mangekyou several months ago but he hadn't told anyone yet. It was better that way, or at least Shisui thought so.
"But." Obito looked away from Itachi, he knew the next part devastated Madara so it would devastate him too. "The Mangekyou will eventually lead to blindness, and the only way to cure it is to have a sibling's eyes implanted."
Itachi remained silent, his gaze fixed on the tablet as Obito continued. "This is where Madara and the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, met before their final battle. Madara had already achieved the eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, granting him the ability to decipher the tablet's deepest secrets."
Obito's voice took on a somber tone, as if reliving a memory etched into his very soul. "The final passage spoke of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, a genjutsu powerful enough to ensnare the entire world in an eternal dream. It also mentioned the unification of the Senju and Uchiha clans as the key to achieving true peace."
Itachi's eyes widened, his understanding dawning. "Madara and Hashirama... they interpreted it differently."
"Precisely," Obito affirmed with a nod. "Madara saw the Infinite Tsukuyomi as the means to force peace upon the world, while Hashirama believed in unity through mutual understanding and cooperation."
The chamber fell silent, the weight of Obito's words hanging heavy in the air. Itachi's gaze returned to the tablet, his mind racing as he pondered the implications of its secrets. "I recommend you never use your Mangekyou unless you are sure you would die without it. You've still got your whole life ahead of you."
Obito walked up to the tablet, "He twisted me into aligning with his ideology, becoming Madara myself. And it was all thanks to this tablet." He shifted his body preparing for impact. His fist thrust into the tablet, the stone turning into dust.
Itachi and Shisui jumped at the sudden destruction of the tablet, "What the hell!?" Shisui blurted out.
Obito turned around flexing his hand, "Huh, I didn't even feel the stone." Obito stared at his hand checking for any scarring or damage.
Itachi activated his Sharingan, "Why'd you do that?!"
Obito placed his hand down to his side, his eye gazed into Itachi's Sharingan. "Even if we stop Madara who knows if someone else won't follow in his footsteps, ten, fifteen, twenty, or fifty years in the future. I already know everything that was written on there, it's engraved into my memory. If you have anymore questions ask me, if not I'll take my leave."
Neither Itachi or Shisui could have argued against Obito's point nor did they have anything else to say, they watched as Obito made his way to the stairs. "Obito," Shisui called out. Obito stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Though I don't fully understand your past, you have my trust for what you've done for the village. But just be careful, Madara almost killed you last time, we don't need anymore dead heroes."
"The next time I meet Madara, I'll have someone watching my back. I'm not so much a fool as to know that I can't do everything by myself. Hopefully we can stop Madara before he gets to submerge the world into moonlit dreams." Obito started walking up the stairs. "Just one more day me and Kakashi might have at least half our chakra to save Nagato." He hoped, almost prayed that he could save Nagato, for Konan's sake. But if he didn't leave today Nagato would surely be dead, but Obito couldn't leave, his chakra was maybe thirty percent, maybe a little higher. A fight with that little chakra would be nothing more than suicide against a reanimation. If he had more than fifty percent tomorrow morning, he'd go anyways. The fate of the world rested on his and Kakashi's actions, it rested on Nagato's life, the Rinnegan. Hopefully Nagato received the message and was fleeing the Rain village, if not, there wouldn't be a village when Obito arrived.
Jiraiya walked into the room to see Nagato and his six paths of pain, "What's the emergency?" He rested his hands on his hips.
Nagato breathed slowly, "I just received a message from Konan. The Hidden Leaf was attacked."
Jiraiya's eyes widened, "What?! By who?"
Nagato tried not to let his fear show, but his eyes showed his fear anyway. "Madara Uchiha." His spine, whatever he could feel of it anyway, felt a chill rundown it.
Jiraiya chuckled for a moment then he realized that Nagato wasn't laughing. "You can't be serious. Madara should be dead."
Nagato squinted, seeing something formless, a memory. "I thought so too, but I once met a man who had a Sharingan and was powerful beyond belief."
"Tobi," Jiraiya said aloud.
Nagato nodded, "That's the name he asked us to use in public or around people who didn't know of his identity. But come three days ago and Madara admits that he wasn't the founder of the Leaf, just a Leaf Shinobi who was presumed dead."
Jiraiya had done his research on Tobi, it was difficult but he could've posed a threat, if not for his feelings for Konan. "Obito Uchiha, right?"
Nagato chuckled, "So I didn't need to tell you. You had already done enough spying on him to know more than I."
Jiraiya folded his arms, concern still etched on his face. "So Obito attacked the Leaf, huh?"
Nagato shook his head, "No." His voice came out a little harshly. "Obito was apparently the one able to fight Madara and fend him off."
Jiraiya placed a hand on his chin and stroked it, "So you're saying that the real Madara had been resurrected, him being the real attacker?"
"Yes. And now that he's done with Obito he's coming for me, for my, no, his eyes." Nagato grimaced at the thought.
Jiraiya now knew the full situation, "So the Rinnegan aren't your eyes by birth, they were implanted." He started pacing, "If Madara is truly on his way here there's nothing we can do to him. But what if..." He stopped pacing, "Nagato, we can escape him by traveling to Mount Myoboku."
As much as the plan seemed viable, there was no way that all of the paths of pain would travel with them, and if that were the case Madara would find them easily by tracing Nagato's chakra through the chakra receivers. And if Madara had some way to use the six paths summoning then they'd have just wasted chakra. "Sensei, I don't think anything we do could or would stop Madara. I think it's inevitable that I will die."
Jiraiya stepped forward and placed a reassuring hand on Nagato's shoulder, "Don't think like that. We'll find a way."
Nagato knew for as much as he wanted to believe Jiraiya he couldn't, Madara was just a god, even in the afterlife. Madara would never be hindered, not even in death. But maybe... "Jiraiya-Sensei, I have a request."
Obito arrived to the apartment complex, trudging his way up the stairs. He walked toward his apartment door but stopped at Konan's, he wanted to check up on her. Knocking on the door he waited.
He looked down at his clothes, a blue shirt and brown pants, was it too casual? No, Konan wouldn't care. Would she?
The door suddenly opened and it wasn't Konan, but a blonde headed boy with blue eyes.
"Naruto?" Obito said without thinking. "What're you doing here?"
Naruto grinned realizing who this was, "Mr Swirly!" He ran at Obito, hugging him with so much force. Obito groaned from it, still surprised to be greeted so happily. But that meant he had to greet him equally in return. He held onto Naruto and spun him off his feet. Laughter echoed off the walls and put into the sky.
Konan walked to the door, leaning on the frame. "Seems like someone is excited to see you."
Obito stopped swinging Naruto, a smile still on his face. "I guess so." He then set Naruto down and walked inside of Konan's apartment. "So how did this happen?" He arched a brow.
Konan shrugged closing the door, "The Hokage thought it'd be a good idea if I adopted him. I didn't object to it."
Naruto rushed onto Konan's couch, sitting down with a smile. "Mr Swirly, can you do the black swirl thingy?"
Obito chuckled, "Not at the moment, I'm saving my energy for tomorrow." He then sat down next to Naruto in a comfy reclining chair. He adjusted to the chair and asked, "When'd you get this? I'm kinda jealous."
Konan walked to the kitchen and opened her fridge, "It's amazing what one can buy with the money they earn." She pulled out a cup of ramen, getting ready to put it in the microwave.
Obito took the insult on the chin, "I know. I don't ever buy anything, but that's because I don't know what to buy. I'm not a shopaholic."
Konan turned her head as she put the noodles in the microwave, "What's that supposed to mean?" She quirked her eyebrows.
Obito winced, "Wait, was that an insult? Oh fuck. How do I get out of this one, Obito?" He cleared his throat, "I..."
There was a knock at the door. Obito looked at it, relief filling his soul. "There is a god." He got up, "I'll get that."
Several minutes before, Anko and Kakashi got dressed after taking a shower, the question could was did they take one separately or together.
Regardless, Kakashi hadn't realized how nice being loved would feel. It made all the pain and loss subside, even if it was just a moment. Kakashi started reminisced about Rin, was it fair to her to move on now? Obito had, but did that give him the right to?
Stuck in an endless sea of self pity and loneliness, Kakashi stared at himself in the mirror. "Am I really worthy for the power he gave me?" The Rinne Sharingan, a power that exceeded Obito's own doujutsu, it should have been given to Obito, not him.
Anko gripped onto Kakashi's shoulders, peering around his left to look at the mirror. "You look handsome underneath the mask. It's a shame you don't show everybody else."
Kakashi lifted the mask up over his nose, "It's just a habit at this point." He looked at Anko through the mirror, "You seem excited, so that tells me you want something, right?"
Anko smirked, placing her chin on his forearm. "Well, now that we're together I was thinking a diner would be in order. Or am I being too forward?"
Kakashi smiled, "Sounds great." He then cupped Anko's chin, "Though I'm not sure if you'll like what I might ask for a condition."
Anko was curious, "Oh? What pray tell does the copy ninja want to add?"
Kakashi motioned towards the apartment door, "I was thinking about maybe doing a double date with Konan and Obito."
Anko was caught off guard, she thought for sure Kakashi wouldn't want to have a relationship be public. She then kissed his mask, "It sounds perfect."
They made their way down the corridor, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallway. Kakashi's hand brushed against Anko's, causing her to blush slightly. They paused at Obito's door, and Kakashi rapped his knuckles against the wood. Silence greeted them.
"Maybe he's out?" Anko suggested, her brow furrowing.
Kakashi shook his head. "Let's check Konan's place."
They moved to the very next door, Konan's. This time, the door swung open almost immediately, revealing Obito in casual attire. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and his visible eye widened in surprise at the sight of the couple.
"Kakashi, and Anko. What are you two doing here?" Obito asked, his hand still on the doorknob.
Kakashi's eye crinkled in a smile. "We were wondering if you and Konan would like to join us for dinner. A double date, if you will."
Obito's eyebrows shot up. "A double date? Since when are you two...?" He gestured between Kakashi and Anko.
Anko chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck. "It's a recent development. Very recent."
Just then, Konan appeared behind Obito, her blue hair neatly styled and her amber eyes curious. "Who's at the door, Obito?"
Obito stepped aside, allowing Konan to see their visitors. "Kakashi and Anko are here. They're inviting us on a double date."
Konan's eyes lit up with interest. "A double date? I quite like the idea. What do you think, Obito?"
Obito hesitated for a moment, his gaze flicking between Kakashi and Anko. Finally, a small smile tugged at his lips. "Why not? It could be fun."
Konan then created a clone of herself, they went separate ways. Konan ushered Obito out and closed the door. "Have you guys decided where to go?"
As they made their way to a local restaurant, the awkwardness was palpable. Kakashi and Anko walked side by side, their hands occasionally brushing, while Obito and Konan followed behind, their fingers intertwined.
"So," Obito broke the silence, "How exactly did this happen?" He gestured towards Kakashi and Anko.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his head. "Well, you see..."
"I kind of blurted out my feelings," Anko interjected, her cheeks flushing. "It was... not my most graceful moment. But after Madara's attack."
Konan laughed softly. "Sometimes the best things come in unexpected packages." She looked at Obito thoughtfully. Love wasn't
They arrived at the restaurant, a cozy place with warm lighting and the aroma of grilled meat wafting through the air. As they settled into their seats, the conversation began to flow more naturally.
"Remember that time during the Chunin exams?" Anko said, grinning at Obito. "When Guy knocked you out with one kick?"
Obito groaned. "I thought we agreed never to speak of that again." The humiliation Obito received for losing to Guy was horrendous.
Konan leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, I need to hear this story."
As Anko launched into the tale, complete with dramatic gestures, Kakashi observed the group with a soft smile. This was something he'd been missing, this human connection, this was what Indra's echoes were missing. It made him happy to know that he and Obito would end the cycle of hatred, but how exactly was the question. Sure they could defeat Madara but what about the rest of the ninja world? He didn't need the answer now, tonight was a day of relaxing.
Laughter enveloped the group, happiness. Obito took the embarrassment on the chin, he needed to for Konan's sake. Tonight was likely the last night she would be happy, Nagato's death would hang over her. Obito would leave tonight, hopefully Kakashi would come with. Anything to stop Madara and save Nagato. Anything for Konan.
