"It's Ino."
Naruto pouted. What did she mean by 'I'm here too'?
"I heard Takemi came back, so I came over. What about you?"
"I also just heard that senpai came back."
Ino casually explained to Naruto, her gaze then turning to Takemi as she smiled and said.
"Senpai, you've worked hard. You immediately jumped into other work after completing your mission, so I prepared some dishes. Senpai should balance work and rest."
"Um, thank you."
Takemi nodded, took the basket Ino handed him, and walked inside.
Ino, meanwhile, changed her shoes at the entrance, being much more particular than Naruto.
"It smells so good."
Naruto smelled the fragrant aroma coming from the basket, and then he suddenly elbowed him with a mischievous smile.
"Hey, you two are acting weird. Could it be…"
"Doesn't this just show how great my charm is?" Takemi raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile also appearing on his face.
"And Pervy Sage said he'd help me write my autobiography. I'll probably be even more popular then."
"Tch."
Naruto pursed his lips, somewhat displeased, but Takemi wouldn't let him off.
"Also, when are you going to put in more effort, kid?"
"Why?"
"Didn't I say the Uzumaki clan depends on you, and Sasuke also has to shoulder the revival of the Uchiha clan? You both need to work hard."
"That kind of thing…"
"Especially you, Naruto. Sasuke has Sakura chasing him, what about you?"
"…"
"Anyway, you need to work hard, and so does Sasuke."
"…"
"I wonder when I'll see Sasuke and Sakura get together."
"Shut up!"
Takemi's words really made Naruto unable to hold back.
He gradually understood that his feelings for Sakura didn't seem to be what he imagined, and with his parents, his situation was constantly changing. But being teased by Takemi like this still made him somewhat displeased.
Sometimes, he really wanted to punch Takemi. He was truly annoying and frustrating.
"Oh, what are you two talking about?"
At this moment, Ino finished changing her shoes and walked over. Seeing Takemi smiling mischievously at Naruto, she couldn't help but be curious.
"Nothing."
Takemi put an arm around Naruto's shoulder and said with a smile, "He's talking about his situation at the next gathering, and how he's going to make everyone happy."
"…"
Naruto glanced at Takemi, feeling even more dejected.
"Why can someone like this become Hokage? Konoha's future is doomed…"
And while they were having fun, Obito quietly arrived in Konoha. He looked at the thriving Konoha below, his eyes filled with reminiscence and dissatisfaction. But very quickly, his gaze became firm again.
"Rin, since you told me to do this, then…"
"I definitely won't disappoint you!"
Isshiki: "…"
Obito received clear instructions from Rin, and he understood what he needed to do.
One was Takemi, a person who had clearly embarked on the path of 'Evolution'. Through him, more things could be clarified.
"It's just…"
It was just that Obito was hesitant, especially when he thought about fighting Takemi. Even with his firm resolve, he felt uncomfortable all over.
That day, Takemi faced two Susanoo, his own and Madara's, with an indifferent expression.
That day, he stepped on the blade of his Susanoo and instantly soared upwards, then kicked his Susanoo into pieces.
Such painful memories, such terrifying strength, Obito could not forget, and it was not so easy to let go.
"But since it's Rin's guidance, I will definitely do it, but I need to make some changes."
Obito took a deep breath, and then his figure flickered and disappeared from where he stood.
"Hmm?"
In a secluded corner of Konoha, Kabuto had just finished his day's work and was preparing to go back to rest. However, at this moment, he suddenly sensed something, and he instantly looked up.
"Who's there? Come out!"
"As expected of Orochimaru's spy, and Sasori's spy too."
As soon as Kabuto finished speaking, a low voice sounded, and then Obito's masked figure emerged from the shadows.
Kabuto had stayed in Konoha these past few years, as in the eyes of others, he hadn't been exposed at all.
Furthermore, Konoha's current situation was different from before. Instead of leaving with Orochimaru, it was better to stay and continue gathering intelligence.
"It's you?"
Kabuto recognized the person who had come, and a smile appeared on his face.
"You're really bold, daring to come to Konoha alone. Don't you know how terrifying Konoha is now, Obito-senpai?"
"Don't show me such a fake smile."
Obito snorted at Kabuto, that "senpai" was mockery.
"I have my own intentions for coming to you. All you need to do is cooperate with me."
"Is it Orochimaru-sama's order?"
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, the lenses glinting in the moonlight, making his appearance unclear.
"If so, then I will cooperate to the best of my ability. If not, then if I am exposed, it won't be good for Orochimaru-sama, or even for you, right?"
Obito didn't speak, he just stared at Kabuto. His crimson Sharingan was striking and cold, and his intimidating aura made Kabuto feel somewhat suffocated.
However, Kabuto didn't speak. He still looked at Obito with a smile, and for a moment, both fell into silence.
After an unknown amount of time, Obito seemed a little impatient, his Sharingan restless.
It was as if some power was brewing, and Kabuto shifted his gaze at this moment, then spoke in a low voice.
"I think we should calm down. After all, making a move in Konoha could bring trouble to both of us. Why don't you tell me what you want to do first?"
"Hmph."
Obito snorted, then said indifferently, "Uchiha Sasuke, I want his information, after all, Itachi's body is in Konoha's hands."
"Sasuke?"
Kabuto was startled for a moment, and asked curiously, "Are you after his eyes?"
"Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."
Obito didn't answer, still looking at him coldly.
"I hope you are a reasonable person, and I only need this, that's enough."
Obito had his own thoughts and plans, but since he had come to Konoha, not doing something would be rather bad. Moreover, even if he wanted to find trouble with Takemi, he needed a suitable reason. He didn't want Takemi to notice anything.
"Sasuke's information?"
Kabuto's expression was a little strange. After a while, he nodded gently.
"If it's just that, then I can provide it to you, but you'll have to wait a little while."
"Alright."
Obito nodded very calmly. He didn't expect Kabuto to immediately satisfy his request. Waiting a little while wasn't a big deal, after all, he still had things to prepare.
"I'll give you a week at most. After a week…"
As he spoke, his figure began to blur, and the surrounding space began to distort.
"If I don't get what I want, then you'll have to be careful."
As his voice fell, Obito's figure had already disappeared from where he stood, leaving only Kabuto lightly adjusting his glasses.