Obito was no master strategist.
But under the guidance of two old foxes — Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu — his plotting had become no less subtle than Danzo's.
And what makes a transaction work?
Kenya knew the truth: a deal isn't about matching strength. Power differences matter only secondarily. What truly matters is whether both sides gain something. That is the essence of negotiation.
With a faintly mocking smile, Kenya slid Kyōka Suigetsu back into its scabbard and strode past Obito. I already have a strategy for this man, she thought.
Of course, Obito was thinking the same.
Nine Tails, under the watchful eyes of Uchiha Kenya in Konoha, was the hardest beast to take.
He too would need guile and tactics to pry Naruto from Kenya's protection.
Each carried their own ghosts in secret.
Now it was only a matter of who outplayed whom first.
Meanwhile, Gaara — diverted by Kenya to pursue Sasori and Deidara — found his strength failing. His body had only just recovered, and the sand beneath him was not born of his own chakra. His power had dropped significantly.
In the end, he returned empty-handed.
"Sorry, Teacher. I really couldn't catch up."
Gaara lowered his head, ashamed.
Kenya, unsurprised, placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"It's nothing. You're still recovering from serious wounds. This is normal. After you settle matters in Sunagakure, come to Konoha. Without Shukaku, if you wish to keep resisting Akatsuki, you'll need new strength."
"Yes." Gaara nodded. He had already heard from Temari's letters about the "Hōgyoku evolution."
"Gaara!!!"
A familiar voice rang out. Turning, Gaara's eyes lit up. Team 7, led by Naruto, rushed toward him.
"Distinguished Heavenly Gods… so you are in his hands, Naruto," Kenya murmured inwardly.
Like Aizen Sōsuke, she had a habit of never over-explaining. What was said once, need not be repeated.
As they escorted Gaara back toward the rebuilt Sunagakure, he told them what had happened.
When his consciousness had begun slipping into darkness, just as he was about to fade completely, a hand had reached out and pulled him back — Kenya's hand.
When Kakashi heard that Kenya could rescue even a Jinchūriki whose tailed beast had been extracted, his expression turned complicated. He let out a sigh:
"If such an ability existed eighteen years ago… how different things might have been."
He was thinking of Rin, of Kirigakure's cruel implant of the Three-Tails, and of her death at Kakashi's own Chidori.
Just like Obito, Kakashi couldn't help but imagine that if Kenya had been there, Rin might have lived.
Kenya chuckled inwardly and said aloud, "Speaking of the one from Akatsuki who slipped away, his space ninjutsu resembles yours, Kakashi."
Kakashi stiffened at the remark but said nothing. Kenya did not elaborate. Revealing Obito's identity now would only cause chaos. Kakashi considered it, then dismissed the thought.
Space-time ninjutsu was rare, yes — but not unique. And who would link it to a man believed dead for nearly two decades?
They escorted Gaara all the way to Sunagakure's border, where a group of young Sand Shinobi waited. At their head was Temari.
She rushed forward and threw her arms around Gaara, her composure breaking.
"Gaara! I was so worried about you!"
Gaara froze. It was the first time he had seen his usually strong sister like this. He replied awkwardly, "Sorry…"
"Just come back. That's enough," Temari said through tears.
Around them, Sand Shinobi gathered, whispering in awe:
"Great, Lord Gaara is finally back!"
"I was terrified when he was taken. If Lord Aizen hadn't come…"
"Idiot. With Lord Aizen's help, how could it fail?"
"Lord Aizen is invincible!"
Kenya smiled faintly at their chatter. The attempt to kill Obito had slipped away, but outcomes rarely matched plans perfectly. In the end, nothing had strayed beyond his vision.
Gaara's rescue was a victory.
It tightened the alliance between Konoha and Sunagakure, and it elevated Kenya's place in the Sand even further.
At the farewell, Gaara himself — now Kazekage again — presented Kenya with a disciple's gift. Temari chose to remain in Sunagakure until Gaara's recovery, but promised to accompany him to Konoha afterward.
Her thoughts were obvious to anyone but the densest fool — even Naruto could have guessed. Kenya only smiled and told her not to worry.
This had been a mere test cut. The true play was yet to come.
A few days later, they returned to Konoha.
"Welcome back."
Kenya had barely stepped through his door when it opened again. Kurenai Yuhi entered, carrying a basket of vegetables.
Kenya smirked. "Not going to ask if I was in danger? Or check me for wounds?"
Kurenai rolled her eyes and set the basket — full of his favorite ingredients — on the shoe cabinet. "From the day I met you, you've been like a monster. What could possibly harm you?"
Kenya had no words for that.
Kurenai walked closer, caught his arm, and rose onto her toes. She kissed him deeply, breathless, until she finally pulled away, eyes shining.