It took seven days and seven nights to travel from my hometown to the Kingdom of Thunder, but when I returned home, it took less than seven seconds.
"The Kingdom of Water and the Kingdom of Thunder have now been opened. From now on, you can use your divine power to travel freely between these two countries," Obito said.
"Among the five major nations, there are still the Kingdom of Wind and the Kingdom of Earth. Can you take the time to visit them?" A Fei asked.
"Don't worry. You can't just casually go there and make a space mark. There has to be a worthy purpose before doing that," Obito replied.
"True enough," A Fei shrugged.
"Speaking of which, where's Sunset?" Obito glanced behind him.
"As soon as I landed, she went straight back to her room, overwhelmed by everything. She probably needs time to process it all. After all, she isn't like us—she still needs to eat and rest," A Fei said.
Obito furrowed his brows thoughtfully. "Let's go check on Orochimaru's progress first."
Inside the stone chamber, a green liquid bubbled inside a cylindrical glass vessel holding Hashirama's artificial body.
The tubes connected to the back of the body writhed like snakes, producing eerie squeezing sounds.
After a long wait, a drop of golden blood fell from the extraction device into the glass tube, which was nearly full.
"Very good. Just a little closer now—my perfect work!" Orochimaru's bloodshot eyes shone with obsession.
He hadn't eaten, drunk, or even closed his eyes for nearly a month.
"Lord Orochimaru, you should rest. Leave this to me," Kabuto Yakushi said with concern.
"Kabuto, step back. I need to concentrate!" Orochimaru commanded without looking back.
"Understood," Kabuto replied, retreating while thinking, Orochimaru's pursuit of truth is fascinating... but someone is trying to use his obsession for their own wicked purposes.
Kabuto lowered his head and pressed his fingers against his glasses. The lenses reflected light as a cold smile curled on his lips.
But I won't let him succeed. He hasn't returned yet, and he never should. The Blood Mist is a deadly place. For a ninja whose secrets are exposed, survival is impossible.
Leave that place, Uchiha Ha—repent underground, and treat me, Kabuto Yakushi, as nothing more than a minor character...
A wild laugh escaped Kabuto's lips.
Suddenly, a voice interrupted him from around the corner, stopping his laughter abruptly.
"Hey, what's so funny? Tell me."
Kabuto paused and turned to see Obito leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Obito's narrowed eyes suddenly widened, his face paling and sweat beading his forehead.
"Master Obito... you're back?" Kabuto quickly regained composure, hiding his shock. "Good! I have great news!"
"What news?" Obito asked calmly.
"With Orochimaru's help, the extraction of the First Hokage Hashirama's cells went smoother than expected. In three days, you'll have the power of the Ninja God Senju Hashirama in your body!" Kabuto said excitedly.
"That's reassuring. Once it's done, Kabuto, I won't treat you badly," Obito smiled faintly.
Kabuto kneeled before Obito, placing a hand over his heart. "I'm honored to serve you."
Obito turned and walked toward his room. "I'll help you then."
"Farewell, Your Majesty," Kabuto said with a sinister look as he watched Obito's back, thinking, I'll have to play my cards carefully...
Obito's mask reflected a faint glow from his Sharingan eyes.
Later, unable to sleep, Sunset rose from her bed and stepped out quietly.
After a moment, the door to Obito's room opened.
Maoyue Xiyang entered softly and stopped beside the sleeping Obito.
Obito's mask and fan hung on the wall.
He slept soundly, breathing evenly after a series of intense battles.
In the dim hallway light, Maoyue Xiyang looked at Obito's peaceful face—not cold as usual, but gentle like a boy next door.
Complex thoughts flickered in her eyes as memories of their time together flashed through her mind.
"Would you come with me?"
"I don't want a woman like you to become a victim of this cruel ninja world..."
"You don't need to do anything special. Just leave Konoha and follow me."
These words echoed from when she was captured by Obito's enemies.
"Your room is ready, right next to mine. This box has clothes and ninja rations. I'll open a special hot spring for you soon."
That was when she first arrived at the base, still uneasy.
"Stay in your room at night. Don't roam the base..."
"I told you not to wander—go back to sleep..."
Those were the warnings she heard when frightened by Orochimaru's murderous aura.
"If you're tired, rest. Don't show off."
"Don't be reckless."
That was when Obito saved her from Kirigakure ninjas, holding her close.
"Sunset, this is for you."
"You said you wanted to kill me. These blades should increase your chances."
Obito half-joked, handing her the Thunder Blade Fang.
There was even a moment when Obito risked his life to save her during the Eight-Tails' attack—she thought she'd die for sure.
Maoyue Xiyang struggled to accept this reality.
She had gradually gotten used to being with Obito and even… became a little obsessed with this life.
If she kept going, she feared she'd forget her original purpose, become lost.
Opening her eyes, she made up her mind—to sever the cause and effect.
Drawing a dagger from behind, her heart cruel, she stabbed the defenseless Obito as he slept.
Boom!
The blade pierced Obito's body and came out beneath the bed.
His breathing stopped abruptly.
Exhausted, Maoyue Xiyang staggered, clutching the doorframe. Tears streamed down her face.
"I'm sorry... Your power is too strong. You'll threaten the village one day. Forgive me..."
Instead of fleeing, she returned to her room, curled up in a corner, and waited quietly for the consequences.
Morning came with no unusual signs.
Maoyue Xiyang stepped out cautiously—and saw Obito stretching as he walked from his room.
"You..." she froze, opening and closing her mouth, unable to speak.
"Good morning! Ready to wake and pee?" Obito teased with a smile.