Chapter 292 – The Stage
After finalizing his cooperation with Orochimaru, the rest of the mission became significantly easier to manage.
Orochimaru had once been a member of Root, and as a veteran of two Great Ninja Wars, his knowledge and skillset were leagues beyond that of most current shinobi. His experience, his methods—these weren't things that could be imitated by any of the new generation.
Even Uchiha Kei himself had to admit that, in many aspects, he couldn't compare.
Kei was a specialist—lethal and precise within his domain—but Orochimaru was the embodiment of versatility.
Having Orochimaru replace the compromised ANBU as their information link simplified matters immensely.
Especially because he was intimately familiar with the internal divisions among those covert operatives.
That alone saved Kei from countless complications.
And knowing Orochimaru—someone obsessed with mastering every ninjutsu and exploring the very essence of chakra—it was certain he'd never ignore fūinjutsu (sealing techniques).
In short, collaborating with Orochimaru significantly reduced Kei's burden.
The only remaining "problem," though it wasn't really one, was his official duty: to visit and inspect the major bloodline clans of the Land of Water.
It was, on paper, part of his diplomatic assignment.
At least, that's how it appeared.
In reality, there were numerous loopholes to exploit—he could've sent an ANBU in his stead, or a shadow clone to do the talking.
But Orochimaru insisted Kei attend personally. His presence, his name, and his influence were what would convince those clans to cooperate—not a messenger.
This made the mission inherently dangerous—but also far more likely to succeed.
And truthfully, Kei never intended to avoid the risk. He wanted to enter Kirigakure himself.
He wasn't particularly interested in Ice Release or other exotic techniques, but appearances mattered.
Moreover, his presence here served another purpose:
to help Uchiha Obito maintain his cover.
At the very least, he needed Black Zetsu—and whoever else was watching—to believe one undeniable truth:
That Obito hated Uchiha Kei.
That he loathed him so deeply he'd erase him from existence if given the chance.
Only that kind of convincing hostility would prevent anyone from suspecting their secret alliance.
---
Using the identities of three ANBU who had died under Orochimaru's hand, Kei and his team infiltrated Kirigakure with Orochimaru's help, slipping through the hidden barriers that guarded the mist-shrouded village.
The difference between this place and Konoha was immediate and overwhelming.
The thick fog that hung perpetually over the village swallowed the outlines of buildings and streets alike, creating an atmosphere of dread that seeped into the bones.
Even the air felt heavy—thick with tension and mistrust.
Patrolling shinobi moved in disciplined lines down the narrow streets.
From somewhere deeper in the village came distant shouts—harsh, commanding, almost desperate.
It was oppressive, suffocating.
Kei could tell this was only the beginning.
He could barely imagine how the Mist's people managed to live in such conditions.
And this was before Obito's vengeance fully unfolded—before the coming decade turned this already grim village into a living nightmare.
Still, Kei pushed the thought aside.
The internal strife of another village was none of his concern.
If anything, the more chaotic Kirigakure became, the better it was for his long-term plans.
The future might change, yes—but his knowledge of those who would become powerful remained.
And the Mist's shinobi, though hardened by tragedy, produced some of the most resilient and disciplined warriors in the world.
They weren't always the strongest, but they embodied the truest definition of "ninja."
If he could recruit some of them… all the better.
Especially that man—the one whose presence had burned itself into his memory—
Hoshigaki Kisame.
---
"It looks like we'll be spending the night here," Kei said calmly as he and his two companions entered the home of one of the fallen ANBU.
The place wasn't luxurious, but it wasn't poor either.
Its isolation near the forest made it the perfect hideout—easy to defend, and even easier to escape from if needed.
"The place isn't bad," Hyūga Ayaka noted after scanning the area. "Didn't expect something this livable. So, Captain, what's our next step?"
"Yeah," added Imai Kenta, setting a simple soundproof barrier. "Orochimaru might've made things easier, but I doubt this mission will be simple."
Kei nodded. "Simple. We stick to the plan.
We have obligations—to the Fourth Hokage, and to our new… partner.
We'll visit the bloodline clans as promised.
The point isn't just reconnaissance—it's visibility.
We make them see that Konoha values the bloodline families.
It's risky, but effective. Especially since our next stop is the Kaguya clan.
We'll need to approach them carefully and find whoever still bears an active kekkei genkai."
Ayaka and Kenta exchanged nods.
It made sense.
Their mission, their deal with Orochimaru, even their cover stories—all revolved around this premise.
It wasn't merely about strategy anymore. It was about credibility.
Ayaka could've easily used her Byakugan to scan from a distance, but that would have defeated the purpose.
And they weren't foolish enough to sabotage their own pretense.
---
"Looks like we'll be busy," Ayaka said softly, exhaling. "I'm sorry for dragging everyone into this."
Kei shook his head. "No need. I don't like it either, but it's already in motion.
We're in this together—and you've earned your place. Everything you've done… this is the least you deserve."
"Agreed," Kenta said with a wry smile. "Though it's not ideal for me—considering I just officially joined the team.
Still, with your abilities, I can't really argue.
Could we have replaced you? Maybe. But it would've been a pain."
Ayaka didn't respond. She didn't need to.
Kei's acknowledgment was enough.
Their team might have internal checks and balances, but there was no doubt who its heart was.
As long as he recognized her, nothing else mattered.
---
After a few more words, the three retired to rest.
The house wasn't large, but it had just enough rooms for each of them.
Kei picked one at random, drew a small bath with cold water, and took a moment to unwind.
The crisp chill of winter didn't bother him—he was a shinobi, after all.
But just as he dressed, the air around him began to warp and twist.
Space itself seemed to ripple.
He turned—and there, standing casually in his room, was Uchiha Obito.
---
"I have to admit," Kei said, his tone calm but his guard raised, "that space-time trick of yours is remarkably convenient—for assassinations or sneak attacks, especially.
"I was just wondering when you'd show up. Didn't expect it to be this soon."
"Those ANBU identities you're using—they've been compromised," Obito said in a low voice. "Do you trust me?"
"I want to," Kei replied plainly, "but I still have to be cautious. What are you proposing?"
"I can open a space," Obito said. "We can speak freely there.
Unless you'd prefer I use genjutsu instead."
Kei frowned. He knew exactly what Obito meant—Kamui.
Entering that space would put him at a disadvantage… but after a moment's thought, he realized there was no real danger.
Obito still bore Minato's seal—Kei could activate it if things went wrong.
And if necessary, there was always the simple option of removing his eyes.
Smiling faintly, he feigned hesitation before saying, "Fine. Lead the way."
Obito sighed. "You really don't trust me, do you?"
Kei didn't answer.
With a low hum, the air distorted into swirling vortexes that swallowed them both.
---
When the world reformed, they stood in a barren dimension—Kamui's realm.
It was smaller and rougher than Kei remembered from the future.
Just a few stone pillars, piles of discarded weapons, fragments of White Zetsu—and there, lying forgotten like trash, the legendary Gunbai fan once wielded by Madara himself.
Kei gave the place a brief look before focusing on Obito.
Obito removed his mask—pointless to hide, since Kei already knew.
"You shouldn't be here," Obito said. "Kirigakure is unstable enough.
You told me not to draw attention, and that woman with the Byakugan—"
"I know," Kei interrupted evenly. "But this is part of a larger plan.
Not just for Konoha's sake… but for yours."
"For mine?" Obito frowned. "What's that supposed to mean?"
If Orochimaru were here, he'd have already understood—but subtlety was not Obito's strength.
Kei sighed, folding his arms. "You said it yourself—you have someone good at gathering intel. Someone who understands you.
"I'm here to help you play your role.
You need to act like my enemy—utterly, irrevocably.
Show hatred. Convince them you want me dead.
That's the only way they'll trust you completely."
"So that's it…" Obito muttered. "You think they don't trust me yet? You're being too cautious."
"There's no such thing as 'too cautious,'" Kei said coldly.
"You'll disappear from time to time—they'll notice.
But if they think you and I are mortal enemies, your absence will make perfect sense."
Obito thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. He wasn't quick, but he wasn't hopeless either.
Cutting any link between himself and Konoha was crucial.
A shame Danzo was dead, Kei mused—pitting him against Obito would've distracted Black Zetsu beautifully.
As for Hiruzen… no, that old man's prejudice against the Uchiha ran too deep.
---
"Exactly," Kei continued.
"You're the shadow behind the Mist—you can't act directly.
But you can pull strings. Make them move for you.
Think of it as a play.
You build the stage, set the scene… just don't overdo it."
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Because if you burn down the stage before the curtain rises—"
Kei smiled faintly, his tone half-amused, half-warning.
"—then there'll be no audience left to watch your performance."
Obito stared blankly at Kei, completely lost. For a moment, neither spoke—only the faint hum of the Kamui dimension filled the silence.
After what felt like an eternity, Obito finally frowned and asked, "Well? Why did you stop? Go on."
Kei pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in irritation.
"Listen carefully. When the time comes, you'll act like you're about to intervene—make it look like you're ready to step in at the most dangerous moment. Got it?"
"But… won't that put you in danger?" Obito said, still looking utterly confused.
"Wait—by 'stage,' you mean letting the Mist find you and forcing a fight?
With that many Kirigakure ninja—can you even handle it?
If I jump in—"
"You really are an idiot, aren't you!?" Kei barked, temper finally snapping.
He rubbed his temples, visibly pained.
"When I said stage, I didn't mean throw me to the wolves!
You're supposed to control the timing—create a moment when the Mist's defenses are weakest, so I can 'slip up' and get noticed!
And more importantly—that thing beside you won't let you interfere anyway!"
Kei's patience was wearing thin. This Obito was nothing like the one in his memories—the hardened, calculating man who once manipulated nations and battled legends.
The boy standing before him was barely fourteen or fifteen. His intelligence was… under construction.
Still too young. Too inexperienced, Kei thought bitterly. And far too naïve.
At this point, he almost wanted to thank Black Zetsu.
For all his manipulative evil, that ancient parasite had somehow turned this dim-witted "chosen one" into a capable, near-omniscient puppet master in the future.
Truly, Kei had to admire that level of "education."
"...I get it now," Obito finally muttered, nodding slowly.
"No wonder, when I told him to have ANBU investigate you, he agreed so easily.
At first, I thought he wanted to provoke conflict between Konoha and the Mist. But now I see… he probably didn't want me to expose myself."
"Oh? Is that so?" Kei raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips.
So the fool lucked into the right move…
He chuckled quietly. Sometimes even a broken compass found north.
"Good. That's the right instinct. Remember—you're the hidden force behind the Mist's leadership.
If you act rashly, he'll restrain you. So when the time comes, act impulsive.
Threaten him. Say you're going to join the fight just to kill me.
Then, when he stops you, just put on your best 'frustrated but obedient' face. Understood?"
Obito blinked. "Wait… so I'm supposed to act like that? Isn't that… kinda like a lunatic?"
Kei stared at him for a long moment, deadpan.
Congratulations. You've just described every Uchiha who ever lived.
He almost said it aloud—but then remembered, somewhat painfully, that he too bore that surname. So instead, he cleared his throat and said, "It's not madness—it's emotional restraint. Controlled instability.
In other words, it fits the Uchiha image perfectly."
"So… acting like a lunatic is what it means to be Uchiha?" Obito asked, tilting his head.
"That's… what you're saying?"
Kei's expression twitched. "Can you not talk for a minute, you blockhead?"
Honestly, it was exhausting.
He had originally intended to guide Obito—teach him how to truly ruin Kirigakure from within.
He could have explained the brilliance of identity politics:
elevate a chosen elite of "pureblood" shinobi, grant them unchecked power, and let their arrogance shatter the village from the inside.
Then reinforce it all with a blood-mist policy—turn the Mist into a paranoid, self-consuming monster.
Within ten years, the Land of Water's power would be reduced to that of a minor nation.
But now?
Forget it. This kid probably wouldn't even understand the theory.
Better to focus on something simple and practical than waste breath on concepts beyond him.
Being around Obito made Kei feel like he was talking to Naruto Uzumaki's past self—
the same impulsive earnestness, the same half-baked idealism.
Only difference was, Naruto learned from Minato.
Obito, clearly, had inherited none of his teacher's better traits.
Kei sighed and shook his head. "Fine. Since you're in control of the Mizukage, here's what you'll do.
Prepare the patrol and ANBU schedules for me.
Find a day when security's thin. I'll expose myself deliberately, and you'll 'react' accordingly. That'll be our performance."
"Got it," Obito nodded. "I'll start arranging that.
But you still haven't told me—the other reason you're here. You said this was also for Konoha's sake."
Kei smirked faintly. "Of course. I came for the bloodline shinobi. What else?
You think I'd sneak into another country just for fun?
With my position in Konoha, I can't just waltz into foreign territory without reason.
Smaller nations, maybe—but a great nation like the Land of Water? Not a chance.
Minato knows that. He also knows about you… and your plan."
Obito froze. His eyes widened.
"My—my teacher knows?" His voice cracked with disbelief.
"I told you to wait! Why would you—damn it, you—!"
"What's the problem?" Kei interrupted lightly, smiling like it was no big deal.
"I gave him your signed report and your plan outline.
He was bound to learn about you sooner or later—so what difference does it make whether it's now or later?"
Obito's hands trembled. "But… but…"
He looked like someone awaiting a death sentence. Finally, after several long seconds, he exhaled shakily and asked, almost whispering,
"Then… what did Sensei say?"
Kei's faint smile lingered, unreadable. The question hung heavy between them, thick as the mist outside.
And in the cold emptiness of the Kamui dimension, Obito's heartbeat echoed like a ticking clock.