"So… that's how it is."
Inside the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzō Shimura both wore grim expressions.
Beside them, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado frowned deeply. Standing below were Ren and the others—along with Uchiha Fugaku.
Ren had just laid out a chain of reasonable deductions in front of everyone, deductions that all but nailed down Uchiha Obito's guilt.
And because the information involved classified matters, Fugaku—whether he liked it or not—had no choice but to attend.
Yet after Ren finished presenting his analysis once more, the so-called Four Pillars of Konoha all felt a chill crawl up their spines.
What unsettled them most wasn't just the conclusion—
It was Ren's understanding of the Sharingan.
As Konoha's top leadership, and as disciples of the Second Hokage, they naturally had access to Tobirama's records after taking real power.
But Ren?
He was ANBU—Root-born, yes—but neither Hiruzen nor Danzō had ever given him that kind of material.
"Just from two different examples… he reached such an accurate conclusion?"
Accuracy aside, Ren had even extrapolated further—pinpointing Obito's possible current location.
That level of analysis and judgment felt… excessive.
"Can you be sure?"
After a long silence, Hiruzen finally spoke.
"Hokage-sama, this is only a hypothesis."
Ren shook his head calmly.
In truth, he could be absolutely certain. Working backward from the answer, it was nearly impossible to be wrong.
But he wasn't stupid—there was no reason to admit that.
"Still, I believe the odds are high. We've all seen Obito's records. As a child, he wasn't particularly bright—but he was kind.
"His bonds with Kakashi and Nohara Rin were especially deep. Once those bonds shattered, the shock to his psyche would've been unimaginable.
"At that point… he may no longer be the Obito we once knew."
Danzō nodded in agreement, then cast a cold glance toward Fugaku before sneering.
"Hmph. The purer the heart, the faster it falls when shattered—becoming darker, more extreme. Especially—"
"Cough—cough! Enough."
Hiruzen cut him off sharply, shooting Danzō a hard glare.
Is that something you can say right now—right in front of the Uchiha?
Do you want them to rebel on the spot?
"Ren's judgment carries significant weight," Hiruzen said, changing course.
"When hatred and misplaced blame take root, people do commit unforgivable acts."
"We should contact Kirigakure," Homura added quickly, smoothing things over.
"See if we can obtain information from their side."
"Unlikely," Koharu shook her head.
"Mist is in chaos. Very little escapes the Land of Water these days."
"True—but my subordinates have gathered some preliminary intelligence."
Danzō, thick-skinned as ever, ignored Hiruzen's displeasure.
"They appear to be continuing the Bloody Mist policy—possibly expanding it. Unfortunately, deeper details remain out of reach."
"That policy is still ongoing?"
Koharu looked surprised.
"While it does raise combat standards, it's far too cruel."
One class, one survivor—graduation through slaughter.
The cost behind that 'quality' was horrifying.
"Then we'll need deeper insight into Kirigakure," Hiruzen concluded, rubbing his temples.
Mist had sealed itself off. Extracting intelligence from a place already half-mad was no easy task.
Yet no matter how difficult—
Obito could not be allowed to slip away.
"First, issue a full bounty within the Land of Fire and surrounding regions."
Hiruzen straightened, resolve firming.
"Make him believe our focus is here—while we quietly infiltrate Kirigakure."
He then turned to Fugaku.
"Clan Head Fugaku, we'll need your continued cooperation. This concerns not just Konoha—but the Uchiha as well. I ask for your understanding."
"The Uchiha will fully cooperate."
Fugaku answered without hesitation.
He had no choice.
As Hiruzen said—this was Konoha's problem, and equally the Uchiha's.
Yet his gaze drifted, just briefly, toward Ren.
Not only him.
The so-called Four Pillars all cast subtle looks his way.
That boy's combat instincts resembled Namikaze Minato.
And now—
So did his mind.
—
"Kakashi-senpai… are you alright?"
Outside the Hokage Tower, their task was—temporarily—complete.
Until there was progress from Kirigakure, there was nothing more for them to do.
They'd need a clear path in—and a clear escape route back to Konoha.
Ren himself wasn't overly worried; Flying Thunder God covered that.
But facing Obito alone?
That was a hard no.
Still, Ren was in excellent spirits.
Obito tried to frame him—Ren responded by stripping Obito bare.
Run your cons again now. I've taken everything.
Kakashi, however, remained quiet.
Ren couldn't help but ask.
"I never imagined things would turn out like this."
Kakashi forced a smile, touching the eye hidden beneath his headband.
"I still believe we need more investigation—true understanding. But don't worry. I'm a Konoha shinobi. I know what must be done."
He said no more.
Yet one thought burned brighter than ever:
Obito… you were the one who pulled me back then.
Now it's my turn.
No matter what, I'll pull you back.
Watching Kakashi walk away, Shisui sighed. Tenzō stood silent—he understood Kakashi better than most.
It was Kakashi who had influenced him… who had given him the courage to oppose Danzō and leave Root.
"Is Kakashi-senpai going to be okay?"
Yūgao asked softly.
Ren had no answer.
Obito, you bastard… you really know how to mess with people.
—
[Hidden Mission Complete: Exposing Uchiha Obito (2)]
[Mission Rating: A]
[Reward: Free Points ×3]
Ren's panel refreshed.
His eyes lit up instantly.
"…Well, can't deny it."
"Obito's a great guy."
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