Chapter 2: Mediation! A New Direction...
"Madara... is he calling me?" Obito was so shocked that he couldn't believe Nagato was referring to him.
Wrapped in the aloe-like leaves with White Zetsu, Black Zetsu spoke with a hint of mockery, "It seems so~."
"When did he notice I was here..." Obito murmured to himself, his hand involuntarily clenching.
White Zetsu asked, "What should we do? Going over there could affect his trust in you~."
"Whoosh!" After a moment of contemplation, Obito used Kamui to absorb himself.
"Well, let's see how he handles this..." Zetsu followed, sinking into the ground.
——Whoosh!
"Nagato, through this battle, I believe you've become even more certain."
Obito, posing as Madara, appeared before Nagato and Konan with Kamui, his voice confident and deep.
"As the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths and the wielder of the Rinnegan, the only savior who can change this hopeless ninja world is you."
"The reason I've silently witnessed all of this is to make you realize this truth yourself."
"I'm sorry about Yahiko's death."
"But the one who killed him is this rotten ninja world itself, don't you think?"
Nagato quietly watched Obito's performance, wanting to tear off Tobi's swirling mask and scold the man behind it for his shamelessness.
But the situation didn't allow it. For now, he had to cooperate with this mastermind to carry out this performance.
In his mind, Nagato quickly sorted through the subtle positions of the two based on the original storyline...
After inheriting Madara's will, Obito approached Nagato, using the latter's identity as the reincarnation of the Sage of Six Paths as a guise, packaging himself as a 'guide' to brainwash Nagato repeatedly.
Nagato, eager to achieve his dreams and find a path to peace, was almost convinced by him.
But Yahiko's rationality made him suspicious of this man claiming to be Madara, questioning his identity and purpose.
Thus, Obito's plans did not go as he wished.
He saw Yahiko as a thorn in his side, always looking for a chance to eliminate him.
As the Third Shinobi World War was nearing its end, Hanzo, influenced by Danzo, orchestrated a trap for the Akatsuki.
Uchiha Obito took advantage of this event.
Firstly, to remove Yahiko, deepening Nagato's belief in his ideology.
Secondly, to push Nagato to the brink, synchronizing the power of the Gedo Statue to lay the groundwork for the Akatsuki's collection of Tailed Beasts.
However, things went awry. While Yahiko was successfully eliminated, Nagato broke the deadlock with his own strength. More embarrassingly, his act of observing was exposed.
At this moment, he hoped Nagato, struck by Yahiko's death, would actively seek cooperation.
Understanding Obito's mindset, Nagato now needed to seize the initiative for himself.
Turning against him now would be suicidal, as he lacked the strength.
If he compromised and followed Obito, he would have to choose to endure and disguise himself. While this was manageable, he would inevitably lose a degree of freedom, making it difficult to complete his already budding 'life plan'!
Thus, with turning against and compromising both being unfeasible, the third option before him became imperative—'negotiation'!
"Madara, as you said, I do understand now, and I agree with you... Yahiko was killed by this rotten ninja world!"
Upon hearing this, Obito's hidden mouth couldn't help but curve upwards, "Is that so? Have you finally understood? Then, are you willing to carry out the 'Eye of the Moon Plan'?"
"Of course, but... not now."
Obito frowned, "Not now? Then when?"
Nagato turned his gaze to Yahiko's corpse, his expression forlorn, "Yahiko was an irreplaceable friend to me. I need some time to mourn his death."
Obito remained expressionless, "How long is 'some time'?"
Nagato lowered his eyes in contemplation.
Currently, it's the 50th year of Konoha. In a year, Obito will instigate the Nine-Tails' attack on Konoha (this work adopts the later 'Book of Formation' timeline, delaying the overall timeline by three years compared to the early 'Art of the Shinobi')... This will directly determine the direction of the ninja world and Nagato's own interests.
Undoubtedly, he would face a significant decision then—whether to let Obito succeed in launching the Nine-Tails' attack.
"Two years, no, how about one year?"
Obito adjusted his collar, "One year... isn't that too long?"
Nagato clenched his fist, firmly stating, "Madara, if you can bring Yahiko back to life, I can assist you right now, without any hesitation!"
The air briefly froze, the sound of rain exceptionally clear.
Obito slowly lowered his hand from his collar, his gaze becoming somber.
Because he heard the 'anger.'
Nagato, are you questioning me for not saving Yahiko...
No doubt, Nagato never addressed me by name before, always respectfully calling me 'Mr. Madara.'
Obito also couldn't turn against him at this moment.
Because that wouldn't align with the 'guide' persona he had long established in front of Nagato.
More importantly... Nagato's impressive performance today made him wary.
One year... I can wait.
Ultimately, Obito compromised.
"Alright, Nagato, I'll give you one year."
Nagato bent down to pick up the forehead protector, "Konan, take Yahiko, let's go."
Konan wrapped Yahiko's body in paper, giving 'Madara' a meaningful look before following Nagato's footsteps away.
In the rain, Obito silently watched the red-haired figure retreat.
"Gugugu!" An aloe-like head emerged from the ground, its murky voice following, "Nagato isn't following our plan at all."
Obito clenched his hand tightly, "Yeah, but on the flip side, the stronger his power becomes, the greater the reward for us once that ocular power truly awakens."
Black Zetsu: "Perhaps, but the longer we wait, the more variables arise. We shouldn't have given him a year."
Obito's gaze slowly lowered, "Everything is for the greater good. I've already decided that in a year, I'll do whatever it takes to force Nagato to summon the Gedo Statue and perform the sacrificial ritual!"
"Well... let's not talk about that for now. Can I have a feast first?" White Zetsu, sharing a body with Black Zetsu, looked eagerly at the corpses scattered around, almost drooling.
"Suit yourself."
Obito vanished into the vortex released by his right eye.
White Zetsu: "Haha, Obito acts calm, but inside he's probably fuming!"
Black Zetsu: "Unlike the good kid Tobi, Obito has quite the temper..."
Above the dark sky, thunder rumbled, and the rain intensified.
Konan watched as Nagato ran, blood continuously flowing from his head, concerned, "Nagato, your head injury..."
"It's nothing..."
As Nagato ran, his thoughts churned.
Obito possesses the power of Kamui, Wood Release... and Madara's legacy, including but not limited to Uchiha's forbidden techniques and the White Zetsu army.
What I have is the power of the Uzumaki, a pair of Rinnegan that don't truly belong to me, Konan, and... the most comprehensive understanding of the Naruto world.
Regardless of whether I confront Obito directly in a year or temporarily ally for mutual benefit, only with enough power can I have enough say.
One year... the path of gradually becoming stronger won't work. My greatest asset is my comprehensive, all-encompassing understanding of the Naruto world!
And to turn that into 'power,' no matter how I think about it... it all leads back to him! Yes, the man who holds the core technology!
——Orochimaru!
Yes... Orochimaru! Only by finding him and securing him as my steadfast ally can I achieve my goals, not just for facing Uchiha Obito in a year, but to lay a solid foundation for the long years ahead!
Having confirmed his short-term goal, Nagato could no longer hold on, collapsing into the mud ahead...!!
"Nagato!!!"
In the midst of the cry, he fell into Konan's soft embrace.
"This time, it's worth it."
Before losing consciousness, a smile appeared on Nagato's lips.