Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Reunion in Konoha
Land of Rain, Outside the Akatsuki's Hidden Village.
Yahiko placed a hand on Obito's shoulder, patting him lightly.
"The journey back is long and treacherous. Take care of yourself."
Obito grinned sheepishly.
"With my Kamui, I can warp straight to Konoha in a flash. 'Zoom,' and I'm there!"
Yahiko sighed and let go of his shoulder.
"You just ruined the heartfelt farewell mood I was going for."
Still smiling, Obito replied, "But it's not really a farewell! I can visit anytime. We could even grab a meal before I head back."
Nagato chuckled enviously.
"Your dōjutsu sure is convenient."
All three of them simultaneously rolled their eyes at Nagato.
If you keep showing off like this, don't be surprised if you get punched someday.
"By the way," Obito suddenly said, his tone turning serious, "stay vigilant. That figure in the shadows might strike again."
Yahiko nodded firmly.
"Don't worry. We'll be cautious."
Nagato's expression darkened as a cold, humorless smile appeared on his lips.
"In fact, I hope they come. It'll be a chance to avenge Daibutsu and the others."
"Nagato..." Konan sighed softly, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze.
Obito pulled out a small piece of paper and handed it to Nagato.
"Nagato, you're still mastering the Rinnegan's abilities. This has information on some of its other techniques. Practice when you have time."
Taking the note, Nagato smiled faintly.
"Thanks. I'll make good use of this."
Konan stepped forward and gave Obito a warm hug.
"Thank you for everything you've done for us."
Under Yahiko's piercing gaze and Nagato's abyssal stare, Obito wisely released Konan immediately.
"No need to thank me. Don't forget, I'm part of the Akatsuki now too!"
Seeing this, Yahiko and Nagato's smiles returned, their cold, oppressive aura vanishing as if it had never existed.
"Well then, take care!" Obito waved, vanishing in an instant.
Yahiko watched him disappear before turning back.
"Come on, let's head back. We've got plenty of work waiting for us."
Konan, smiling slyly, sidled up to Yahiko.
"Yahiko, were you jealous when I hugged Obito just now?"
Yahiko laughed awkwardly.
"Of course not."
Nagato clicked his tongue.
"I can vouch for it—he totally was. He looked like he wanted to kill Obito with his eyes."
Blushing furiously, Yahiko punched Nagato in mock anger.
"You're talking nonsense! Konan, don't listen to him. I wasn't jealous!"
The three young comrades laughed and teased as they made their way back to the Akatsuki's village.
Under the rare sunny skies, their shadows stretched long on the ground.
...
Land of Fire, Konoha.
Kakashi stared at the Flying Thunder God kunai that Minato-sensei had left him, feeling a rare sense of frustration.
"I still can't figure out this formula... If only I had his eyes," he muttered under his breath.
"Even just one of them would do..."
As he brooded, a familiar voice suddenly startled him.
"Kakashi, what are you doing here by yourself?"
"Obito?!" Kakashi jumped, nearly dropping the kunai. A sheen of sweat appeared on his forehead.
Did he hear what I just said...?
Obito squinted suspiciously at Kakashi, making him squirm.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Kakashi asked nervously.
Obito smirked.
"You're hiding something, aren't you? Spill it."
"I-I'm not hiding anything!" Kakashi stammered, his guilt all too evident.
Obito shrugged casually.
"Alright, alright, if you say so."
Looking around to ensure no one was watching, Obito pulled a book out from his cloak and handed it to Kakashi.
"Here, something good for you. Find a quiet place and enjoy it."
Kakashi eyed the book warily.
"What is it? Is it... decent?"
The book was none other than the one Jiraiya had once gifted Obito—a notorious "literary masterpiece." Obito, having thoroughly enjoyed it multiple times, now had no place to hide it since his return to Konoha. Better to share the treasure than risk Rin finding it.
Clearing his throat, Obito said solemnly, "Of course it's not decent."
Kakashi shook his head.
"Then I'm not interested. I need to focus on training!"
Obito chuckled knowingly.
"Come on, Kakashi. I know you better than that."
Leaning closer, Obito whispered with mock reverence, "This book... it's so indecent, it's genius."
Kakashi hesitated, his curiosity piqued despite himself.
One hand slowly reached out toward the book.
No, Kakashi! You can't give in!
You promised to train hard, to surpass Obito!
Don't do it!
But the temptation was too great. With a resigned sigh, Kakashi grabbed the book, his face lighting up like a child's on their birthday.
Just then—
"Kakashi! Obito! I've been looking for you two everywhere. What are you doing here?"
Oh no.
Rin's sudden voice startled them. Both hastily pulled back their hands, and the book fell to the ground with a loud thud.
Before Obito could react, Rin bent down, picked it up, and curiously opened it.
"What's this?"
No! NO!
Obito's mind raced at lightning speed.
"This... uh... this is Kakashi's book! He was just about to give it to me!"
Kakashi gawked at Obito.
"What?! I... You... This book... It's not—"
Rin's face turned beet red as she snapped the book shut.
"Kakashi, I know we're all grown up now, and everyone has their hobbies, but..."
"Rin, wait! It's not what you think!" Kakashi blurted out, his mind reeling as Obito struggled to suppress his laughter.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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