In a dark corner, Obito Uchiha's clone stood by the wall, its body blending with the surroundings. With lowered eyelids, it watched the entrance to the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze's home from the corner of its eye.
Not long after, the door creaked open. Rin Nohara, with a smile as radiant as a flower, politely bowed to Minato's family, uttering polite words like "Thank you for the meal" as she bid them farewell.
After saying goodbye, Rin turned around, her smile fading, and her small face becoming serious as she walked back the way she came.
Obito's clone watched Rin's retreating back and couldn't help but exhale a long sigh.
In fact, after telling Rin that the Fourth's family was nearby, he had already prepared himself for the possibility that Rin would know the whole truth and leave. If Rin had done so, he wouldn't have done anything extreme. After all, as long as Rin was alive, it was enough for him to watch her from afar.
It would only be a matter of sadness and loss in his heart.
Fortunately, the kind Rin clearly did not fear him or distance herself after knowing the truth. Thinking of Rin's tense little face, seemingly a bit angry, Obito even felt a flutter of joy in his heart.
This meant that Rin had not chosen to give up on him.
With this thought, he felt worthy of meeting Rin again.
Thus, Obito's clone used the Body Flicker Technique, transforming into an afterimage and appearing beside Rin.
Scratching his head, he greeted her with an awkward smile, as clumsy as he was in childhood: "Ahem! Rin, good afternoon~"
"Obito, why did you choose to go to such extremes!" Rin Nohara tilted her head slightly to glance at Obito walking beside her, not particularly surprised by his sudden appearance. She furrowed her brows and said, "I volunteered to die. At that time, the Three-Tails was implanted in my body. Even if I were brought back to Konoha, it would still be..."
"I know, I know!" Uchiha Obito would certainly not say 'I did this just to create a world of peace' or anything similar. He just interrupted Rin's words with a dry laugh.
Looking at the short and pouting Rin, he readily admitted his mistakes: "You must have seen the subsequent events, right? I was also deceived by those old bastards Madara Uchiha and Black Zetsu. And I've already apologized to Naruto... Rin, please forgive me this once, okay?"
By the end, he had clasped his hands together in a gesture of pleading.
Rin sighed, turned around, and looked up, her bright eyes fixed on him.
Obito's old face flushed: "Wh-what is it?"
Rin's expression was complex. Frankly speaking, after knowing everything Obito had done after her death, she had felt anger at his lack of progress. However, to say she felt no emotion at all would be impossible. After all, Obito had betrayed the entire world for her!
But the thought that because of her, Obito had started so many wars, caused the death of his teacher Minato Namikaze's family, and inflicted heavy losses on Konoha, plunged her into deep self-blame. Even though these events were not guided by her will, she still blamed herself.
Was Naruto the Hokage truly just an anime? Would the ending of the anime change because the ninjas appeared in this world?
Rin didn't know any of these things, but the only certainty was that she had gained a new life, as had Minato Namikaze, Uchiha Obito, Madara, and a series of other summoned powerhouses.
"Let everything start anew. This time, I absolutely cannot let you fall into darkness because of me..." Rin thought to herself, secretly resolving to keep a close eye on Obito, lest she die again and Obito continue to fall into darkness.
Obito looked at Rin, whose expression had become resolute, and felt an inexplicable sense of unease. However, he was too embarrassed to ask, so he could only give a dry laugh, scratching his head, appearing exceptionally foolish.
At this moment, he no longer had the gloomy and cruel image of a behind-the-scenes villain. His demeanor had become sunny and foolish, much like Naruto.
Just as he was at a loss for what to do, he suddenly felt a pair of soft arms embrace his waist. He lowered his head and saw Rin hugging him tightly, her cheek with purple markings pressed against his chest, tears soaking his clothes.
"It must have been hard, right?"
A voice so faint it was almost inaudible came from Rin, causing Obito's body to stiffen.
Then he heard Rin continue, "Compared to me, who simply died and ended it all, you, who are still alive and have endured so much suffering, must have had it hard, right?"
Obito's nose felt a little sore, but he still pretended to be strong and laughed heartily, "What are you talking about, Rin? I've moved on from the pain of losing you all these years. It's just... sometimes... sometimes I still think of you..."
Before he could finish, a sharp pain suddenly struck his abdomen. Even the gentle Rin couldn't help but punch the foolish Obito. She felt both touched and heartbroken. After punching Obito, she turned and walked away on her own.
As she walked, a clear warning voice came from her mouth: "I'll be watching you from now on, you big idiot Obito. If you're still so extreme in the future, I'll never forgive you, even if I die. Even if you revive me again, if I find out you used any dirty tricks, be prepared to lose me again!"
Overwhelming joy filled Obito's chest. He quickly followed her, promising, "There won't be a next time, Rin!"
There won't be a next time, Rin. This time, I will protect you completely!
...
Thank you to Lin Tong, who likes flying disc dogs, for the three likes and one reminder to update, as well as the likes and small gifts from other friends. Thank you all.