"What do you all think about this matter?"
Late at night, inside the Hokage's office.
After sending Naruto, Sasuke, and Takemi home, Sarutobi Hiruzen brought all the key personnel from tonight into the office.
Although he also wanted Kakashi to just go to the hospital, he clearly couldn't sit still, so it was better to settle everything at once.
"This matter is very troublesome."
Jiraiya rubbed his temples, thinking for a moment before speaking from his own perspective.
"I've observed Naruto's situation. The Nine-Tails having such a violent reaction is very unusual. Perhaps the matter from back then is indeed related to that guy. After all, that Space-Time..."
"Yes, indeed." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
It seemed only Space-Time Ninjutsu could counter the Flying Thunder God Technique.
"And he has the Sharingan, or even the stronger Mangekyo Sharingan."
Just then, Danzo, who had been silent, spoke up, his face grim and his voice cold.
"That Space-Time Ninjutsu might just be his pupil technique. Otherwise, I can't think of any other Space-Time ninjutsu that could achieve this level."
"The Flying Thunder God Technique was developed by my teacher, the Second Hokage. The most likely thing that could counter it is the Mangekyo Sharingan."
"And only these eyes could potentially control the Nine-Tails to cause the scene from ten years ago!"
"Hmph, these Uchiha..."
"Perhaps..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded vaguely but couldn't help but glare at his old friend.
His analysis earlier was objective and well-reasoned, but what did he mean by adding 'these Uchiha' at the end?
Everyone is dead, and he still thinks it's not enough?
Moreover, if that guy was truly who they had suspected, wouldn't even Kakashi be in trouble?
Turning his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Kakashi, who hadn't spoken, and after a moment of contemplation, he asked in a low voice, "Kakashi, what do you think about this matter?"
"Lord Hokage, I..."
Kakashi had regained much of his composure by now, but when it came to this question, he was still momentarily stuck.
To be honest, he still didn't believe that was Obito. From what he knew, Obito was clearly an extremely kind person, embodying the Will of Fire.
And he saved him back then and should have already died in the line of duty, so how could he...?
After a moment of hesitation, Kakashi finally spoke, "I'm not quite sure either. Based on the current clues and the experience he described, perhaps it really is him."
"But his transformation is puzzling, and besides that, his age seems to be a bit of an issue."
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, "Oh, age?"
Kakashi continued, "Yes, Lord Hokage, Obito is about the same age as me. Ten years ago, he was only 13 or 14, and might not have had the ability to create such a disaster, especially while facing Minato-sensei."
"This is indeed worth considering."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded upon hearing Kakashi's words, but Danzo snorted coldly, "What about 13 or 14? Didn't Itachi kill his entire family at that age?"
"..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen felt a bit weary. Was his old friend really trying to bring up sensitive topics?
He glared fiercely at Danzo, but he had to admit that he had a point.
He said, "This matter must also be taken into account. After an Uchiha awakens the Mangekyo Sharingan, there is a qualitative change in their combat power. We must investigate this seriously."
"How troublesome."
Jiraiya sighed, feeling that things were getting more and more complicated.
"So what's our investigation approach? Continue with Kirigakure, or..."
"I think, perhaps, Kirigakure."
Kakashi's voice became slightly heavy at this moment, as if he had realized something. "If that person really is Obito, it might be better to start with Kirigakure, after all..."
"Are you saying..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen also seemed to recall something at this moment.
"Your teammate from back then, Nohara Rin?"
"Yes."
Kakashi slightly closed his eyes, as if the past was unbearable to look back upon.
"Perhaps someone incited him. I once promised to protect Rin but..."
"So starting from this angle might be better. At the same time, we can also continue investigating that mysterious organization. After all, Takemi said he seems to be in that organization."
"That is indeed a good idea. His motive for transformation seems to have been found." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
Investigating Kirigakure was fine, it saved him from having brought Danzo out for nothing.
However, speaking of Takemi, he couldn't help but feel some admiration.
"Kakashi, you've taken on a good disciple. Regardless of who he faced, his performance was truly incredible."
"And his analysis of information is truly accurate. Even if the opponent was careless, there is no question about his ability. Not to mention, he created a completely new jutsu."
"Takemi..."
As soon as there was a mention of his only disciple, Kakashi's previously low mood slightly improved.
He said, "He is indeed very outstanding, and he is very calm when facing problems, and his learning ability is the greatest I have ever seen."
"That Lightning Release was entirely conceived and independently developed by him. His talent is definitely far beyond mine back then."
"Moreover, he is a child with the Will of Fire in his heart!"
"Oh?"
Hearing this evaluation, Danzo's eyelids slightly twitched, but he didn't dare to speak at this moment.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was also very surprised. Kakashi had already valued Takemi so much in such a short time?
When he was in the Anbu, he wasn't like this, was he?
And Sarutobi Hiruzen remembered Kakashi's talent back then, but to evaluate Takemi like this...
It seemed appropriate, especially the performance of that Purple Lightning. Even he remembered it vividly.
"Since that's the case..."
Thinking of this, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to have some ideas. His gaze involuntarily turned towards Jiraiya on the side.
This look immediately sent a shiver down Jiraiya's spine.
"Finally finished!"
Returning home, Takemi plopped down on the bed.
Obito had run away, and he had subtly hinted at his identity. The rest was not something a mere Genin like him could participate in.
"However, I also got free security..."
His gaze swept towards the window. He had naturally noticed the Anbu hidden near his residence.
He hadn't expected that one day he would receive such treatment.
But this was normal. Who could guarantee that Obito wouldn't return for revenge?
Not only him, but Naruto as well. And even Sasuke didn't return to the Uchiha compound but was sent to Naruto's house to make do for now before further arrangements were made.
"But this basically has no effect on me."
All of the system's operations are completed in his mind, and besides, his background is very clean.
Not only that, he is also Kakashi's disciple, and Jiraiya has returned.
What did this represent?
He was a legitimate member of the Hokage faction.
Hokage, huh?
If everyone queuing for the position was one of their own, what difference did it make who won in the end?
In the future, Takemi had the qualifications to queue up.
"Besides, I'm also the disciple of the future Sixth Hokage..."
He muttered in his heart, and then focused his attention on the system. The reward calculation should be complete.
At this moment, his heart started racing.
[Completed Side Mission: Don't Be Arrogant, Dead Last]
[Obtained Reward: Obito's Yin-Yang Release]
[Completed Kakashi's Exclusive Mission: Help Kakashi Find His Friend Obito]
[Obtained Reward: Obito's Special Yin Release]