"While what you're saying makes some sense, it feels like you just want to save money..."
"If we cut costs on the ceremony, we only have to give one gift in return too."
Obito grumbled internally before nodding and replying, "I don't have any objections. We'll go with what the Third Hokage has decided."
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and said no more.
Minato, standing nearby, smiled and picked up the conversation.
"That's it, then. There's nothing else to discuss, so go rest up."
"If it weren't something serious, and you weren't so elusive..."
"Neither I nor the Third would have dragged you here like this. Hahaha."
Obito chuckled and got up.
"Alright then, see you both later."
After Obito left the office, Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe and couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"They say heroes rise young. At his age, I hadn't accomplished anything at all."
(Still too busy staring at girls through glass marbles back then.)
"Minato, you've really trained a good disciple. It makes me proud as well."
Minato waved his hands in a humble manner.
"You're too kind, Lord Third. Truthfully, we younger ones all grew under your guidance."
With those mutual compliments exchanged, both men's smiles deepened.
Hiruzen continued with a grin.
"When Obito takes over as Hokage, our ties with Kirigakure and Yoru will only grow stronger."
"Not only that, but we may be able to bring the Village of Yoru into an alliance, helping Konoha's future development."
Minato's expression turned serious.
"Exactly. And with this recent major victory, Konoha is in a prime position to expand its influence across the shinobi world."
...
Outside the Hokage's Office
Obito was practically dancing with excitement, looking like a child given a brand-new toy.
"Hokage! Soon I, Uchiha Obito, will be the Fifth Hokage!"
Imitating Itachi's signature move, he leapt onto a power pole and gazed out at the village that would soon be his to lead.
"My dream... It's finally coming true," he murmured to himself.
"But before I become Hokage, there are a few unresolved debts to settle."
Leaving behind a shadow clone, Obito's real body headed straight for the Land of Fields.
...
Village of Yoru
Kakuzu sat in his bare-bones office, meticulously reviewing the year's financial records.
After realizing that his administrative work brought in more wealth than doing missions ever did, Kakuzu had stopped taking jobs altogether.
Instead, he'd built an office using Earth Release techniques and now worked from dawn till dusk on nothing but village finances. Even the most ruthless capitalist would weep at his dedication.
After cross-checking the ledgers dozens of times, Kakuzu closed the account book, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
"It seems there's a discrepancy of a few coins..."
Just then, someone walked into his office, carefree and grinning.
"Hey there, Finance Minister. Hard at work?"
Kakuzu turned slowly, his beady green eyes locking onto the visitor. His tone was flat.
"Leader. I'm busy. What do you want?"
Ignoring Kakuzu's tone, Obito got straight to the point.
"The person I asked you to find—any news?"
Kakuzu nodded and pulled a scroll from a broken drawer, tossing it onto the shaky table.
"Zabuza and Haku spotted the target somewhere in the Land of Waves. It seems the target noticed them but didn't attack or even bother to hide their movements."
Obito took the scroll and nodded thoughtfully.
"Oh, and..."
Just as Obito was about to leave, he turned back.
"I'll be taking over as Hokage soon. Figure out how the Village of Yoru and Konoha can work together to secure greater benefits for both sides. Prepare three practical proposals before our next meeting."
Kakuzu's green eyes narrowed, a flicker of emotion crossing his otherwise cold expression.
"I can smell the money already... Leave it to me."
"Hmm."
With a final nod, Obito disappeared.
...
Land of Waves
In a quiet little village, a young woman with long, flowing black hair stood at the market, shopping for dinner ingredients. Her beauty was striking, and her figure was full and graceful.
"Let's have fish tonight. Maybe pair it with some bamboo shoots," she mused.
After gathering her groceries, she hummed a cheerful tune as she walked home along a quiet path. A happy smile lit up her face.
"Seeing Mayu-kun every day makes me so happy."
But suddenly, a cold voice cut through the air behind her.
"You seem happy. But does a quiet, peaceful life like this really belong to you?"
"The one who once stirred up chaos and stopped at nothing to achieve her goals—can she really settle for an ordinary life?"
The woman's body trembled, and her basket fell to the ground with a loud thud. The fish she had just bought flopped helplessly on the dirt, gasping for air.
"So... the day has finally come," she thought bitterly as she slowly turned around.
"I should be grateful for the time I've spent by Mayu-kun's side," she reflected. "But I still wish... I could stay with him forever."
Facing Obito, she gave a slight bow and spoke sincerely.
"Thank you for sparing me these past few years, cousin. I'm deeply grateful."
Obito's sharp gaze didn't waver as he stared into her eyes. He saw peace, regret, worry, and longing—
But not a trace of fear or hatred.
His brow furrowed as his icy words fell from his lips.
"So you know why I'm here. Time to reckon with your sins, Uchiha Setsuna."
Setsuna's eyes lowered. With a soft sigh, she replied, "I know I've sinned deeply. I'm willing to die as atonement. Please, cousin, grant me this."
Don't be sad for me, Mayu-kun. One day, when the storms come, you'll find a new umbrella...
Obito sneered.
"Death is the lightest punishment I could give."
"If I truly wanted to punish you, I'd start with that little boyfriend of yours. Don't you agree?"
At those words, Setsuna's face went pale. She dropped to her knees.
"Please, cousin. This has nothing to do with Mayu-kun. I beg you—don't take my mistakes out on him."
Obito stepped forward, towering over her. A cruel smile tugged at his lips.
"Setsuna, you're in no position to negotiate with me."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Fanfic is finished on Patreon (316 chapters in total.)
Patreon(.)com/Jixo (for only $4.50, read this entire fanfic)