The Uchiha clan was large, and their migration was slow. After five days, they had only covered a third of the total distance. At this rate, it would take another ten days just to reach the border of the Land of Fire.
According to Kawasaki's plan, they would sail directly from the Land of Fire to an island in the Land of Water. They had not chosen the Land of Whirlpools as a route because there were no suitable roads. The Land of Fire, one of the Five Great Shinobi Countries, had relatively clear paths due to its many trade caravans. In contrast, the Land of Whirlpools was in ruins, with virtually no passable roads, forcing any travelers to blaze their own trails.
Given the circumstances, Kawasaki decided to leave the old, weak, sick, and disabled behind, planning to return for them later. At the same time, he made a special visit to Kimimaro and Haku, intending to begin their training.
The two had long wanted to follow Kawasaki, but their previous plan had forced them to stay with Orochimaru. Now that the Uchiha clan was preparing to break away, they could finally go with Senior Kawasaki. However, considering the arduous journey, Kawasaki had them stay behind for the time being, promising to come back for them once everything was settled.
Until yesterday, Jiraiya and the other Konoha shinobi had been responsible for their protection before returning to the village. According to Sarutobi, they could all be sent back once the Uchiha were far enough from Konoha. Orochimaru had immediately adopted this suggestion.
With Konoha's Anbu and Jiraiya present, any potential troublemakers would have had to think twice. But with their withdrawal, it was the perfect time to strike.
Recently, the range of Nagato's sensory perception had grown larger and larger, enough to cover the entire Uchiha convoy's movements. Because of this, Kawasaki always stayed close to Nagato. Inside the carriage, besides the two of them, sat two other people.
"Kakashi, that guy Obito is a lost cause. Do you really have to try again? It seems you refuse to give up until you've hit a dead end."
Although Kawasaki's words sounded harsh, deep down he understood better than anyone. As a dear friend, one could never abandon a companion who had strayed, no matter how slim the hope. A final effort had to be made.
"Sir, at the very least, I can help stall Obito and make our journey safer, right?" Kakashi said in a low voice.
He understood that Kawasaki and Obito's relationship was like fire and water. His decision to come here today had taken a great deal of resolve. In fact, Kawasaki knew the price Kakashi had paid for this, because he had already received a notification from the System:
[Ding! Congratulations to the Host for drastically changing Kakashi's destiny.]
Reward: Raikiri x1
[Ding! Congratulations on successfully recruiting Kakashi.]
Bonus Reward: Swordmanship Talent Boost
Seeing the list of rewards, Kawasaki realized that to obtain the power of Edo Tensei, Kakashi had gambled everything. Once he pledged his loyalty to someone, he would never waver. As a result, Kakashi's life had now changed dramatically.
The Raikiri was the most practical reward. After all, Kakashi had used his Sharingan to copy countless techniques over the years, and this was precisely what Kawasaki wanted to research next: complete mastery over nature transformation. Having such an example to study would be invaluable.
Looking at the talent Kakashi displayed, Kawasaki couldn't help but marvel at his good lineage. Although years of focusing on the Sharingan had nearly caused his other skills to atrophy, it wasn't too late to pick them up again.
Like everyone else, Kakashi was certain Obito would come looking for trouble. That was why he had come along; it was one of the fastest ways to find him. Even if he couldn't persuade him, he had to stop him from causing more harm. After all, he shared responsibility for what had happened.
If that doesn't work, I'll have to try another way—Kakashi glanced back at the figure beside him, who sat with his eyes closed the entire time. The man's cracked face seemed completely indifferent to their earlier conversation.
"Obito has appeared. He's one kilometer to our west and heading this way," Nagato announced, his eyes still closed.
Upon hearing this, a playful expression appeared on Kawasaki's face. "Let's go, Kakashi. Shall we go see our old friend who obtained the Rinnegan?"
With the sharp perception granted by his new eyes, Obito quickly noticed the many hidden scouts from various factions in the area. They were clearly after him—or, more specifically, the Rinnegan in his left eye socket. Using his Kamui, he slipped through their perimeter undetected. Fortunately, these spies didn't want any trouble and had not ventured too close to the Uchiha convoy.
Standing high on a treetop, Obito looked down at the backs of the clan members moving below, a cold thought forming in his mind: Anyone who stands in my way will die!
Just as he was about to unleash a Fire Style jutsu to deliver a heavy blow, a familiar voice called out from the distance.
"Obito!"
Lowering his hands from the seal, he turned to see Kawasaki and Kakashi rushing toward him. The former waved a hand, signaling to the others. "I'll handle this. Please leave the area."
Seeing their leader arrive, the Uchiha members bowed and retreated. Any attempt to provide support would only make them a liability.
Kawasaki looked at Obito with a half-sincere smile. "Have you fallen so low that you'd attack ordinary people, Obito?"
Obito ignored Kawasaki, his gaze shifting to Kakashi instead. He had been prepared for Kawasaki's arrival; in fact, he had been about to use the fire jutsu specifically to draw him out. He wanted to see just how many people Kawasaki could protect. He just hadn't expected Kakashi to be with them.
"Obito, how could you become like this?" Kakashi asked, his face etched with sorrow. "How have you survived all these years? Why didn't you come find me?"
For Kakashi, his feelings for Obito were complex. They were once teammates, friends who had faced life and death together. If Obito hadn't saved him, he would have been crushed by that boulder long ago. Before he died, Obito had even given him his Sharingan. Obito's last words were a request for him to protect Rin.
But circumstances changed. To protect the village, Rin had chosen to die by Kakashi's own hand. This was a devastating blow to both Kakashi and Obito. But it had been Rin's decision.
Kakashi felt an immense guilt toward both Rin and Obito. Later, the death of his teacher and his wife during the Nine-Tails' attack nearly shattered his spirit. If it weren't for Might Guy's daily care and support, he might not have been able to carry on. He lived each day like a walking corpse, with no sense of belonging, because everyone he cared about was gone.
But then, Kawasaki had revealed a shocking truth: Obito was the one responsible for the Nine-Tails' attack. At first, Kakashi had refused to accept it, but reality was always cruel. And so, Kakashi looked at Obito, his eyes filled with grief, hoping to finally understand why.
Seeing the pain on Kakashi's face, Obito grew impatient. "How I survived doesn't matter. But since you want to know why…"
Obito trailed off as an image of Rin's smile flashed through his mind.