Although the method differed greatly from what Orochimaru had envisioned, the goal had been achieved. Orochimaru didn't ask how Kita had escaped in that state, nor did he question what had happened to Obito to reduce a terrorized ninja to a trembling, incoherent mess. Orochimaru's curiosity, in that moment, dissipated completely—just as it had in the Sea of Consciousness when he had seen those icy blue eyes, calm and indifferent, as if they had never existed at all.
And now, there was something even more pressing to resolve—something perhaps more important than eliminating Black Zetsu's consciousness from Kita's body.
On the twenty-one-inch screen, a scene played out like a mesmerizing drama, but it belonged to no one else. Projecting visions into space so that another could see what he saw—a special ability that belonged to Zetsu. Calling the protagonist "sneaky" wasn't quite right; from Zetsu's perspective, infiltrating the Uchiha estate was like walking into an empty room, effortless and precise. The architectural style suggested an era far older than the Warring States period. Words etched into Stone Tablets changed constantly under a black finger, eventually forming text that Uchiha Obito recognized immediately.
—When I clashed with him, I consumed a small part of him, unexpectedly gaining some of his abilities and memories. This is Black Zetsu's memory. Obito, both you and Madara were deceived. Who he really is remains unknown, but he is definitely not Madara's consciousness.
Kita, unaware of Uchiha history, could only infer the era from the architecture and clothing. Obito, well-versed in the clan's background, knew exactly what world-shaking scheme Zetsu was executing.
Modified… The Stone Tablets left by the Sage of Six Paths…
Orochimaru swirled a glass of red wine, bringing it to his nose and inhaling its aroma with an ungraceful motion. Even though curiosity surged from all directions, he didn't ask a single question.
Good wine, Orochimaru thought.
Obito's eyes never left the screen—shock, astonishment, anger, hatred—all passed across his face before settling into a complex expression.
"The Uchiha clan has a Stone Tablet passed down through generations, left by the Sage of Six Paths. It records information about saving the world—that is, the Infinite Tsukuyomi."
—So Zetsu is the Sage of Six Paths?
"No. Stop," Obito said, pointing at the screen. Kita obeyed, and the screen paused on the slab's form before Zetsu's modifications. The original content required the Sharingan to read, but Zetsu's perspective allowed even Kita and Orochimaru to understand it effortlessly.
"Now it seems the original slab reflects the true intentions of the Sage of Six Paths, but it's been altered beyond recognition."
Indeed, the original slab simply described events, the results of brotherly conflict, and advised future generations to unite and not value power above all else. It made no mention of the Sharingan, the Mangekyō, or the Rinnegan. But after Zetsu's modifications, the slab systematically explained the Sharingan, Rinnegan, and the method to activate the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
—It's almost as if he's guiding your clan to use the Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Kita remained silent, offering no further explanation.
—I can only suppress him for a time. He still exists somewhere inside me. I can't keep consuming him. Is there another way to kill him?
"Why not continue consuming him? If you fully devour him, maybe he would completely disappear," Orochimaru asked, posing a practical counterpoint without adding more.
—I can sense the part I've consumed and his consciousness. Though small, I currently hold the advantage. But if I devour him entirely, the part that belongs to me could vanish as well.
"Is that so? In theory, yes, but you're the first actual case," Orochimaru replied. "There is a method, though it's time-consuming and somewhat crude."
"How?" Obito asked, his mood low, forcing himself to stay composed. Orochimaru didn't concern himself with the inner turmoil Obito endured, simply answering his question truthfully.
"Outlast him."
—What do you mean?
"Every consciousness has its limits. Exceed those limits, and collapse begins. Simply put, we force Zetsu's consciousness beyond its endurance until it disintegrates. But there's a huge risk—if you don't survive the process, you're the first to disperse."
—And the principle?
"Coma patients."
Kita understood, nodding slightly, then asked:
—How long?
"That depends on the strength of Zetsu's consciousness."
—I understand—
"Wait, how can you be sure this works?" Obito interrupted, eyes wary. Orochimaru shrugged.
"I collected data from previous instances when he received the cursed seal. When he was weakened, it aligned with this theory. The proof is there. But the actual effect? You'll know only by trying."
"What method will you use to push his consciousness past its limit?"
Orochimaru remained silent. Kita stayed silent. After a brief pause, she forced a faint, unappealing smile—half relief, half despair—and patted Obito.
—Zetsu's purpose, his mastermind… no one knows. But he's trapped inside me. Whatever plans he has cannot succeed. This unstable consciousness is no longer a threat. You made an agreement with Pain, and I trust you. My mission can end.
"What are you saying?! Are you trying to die?!" Obito shouted, eyes red, his emotions raw.
Kita shook her head with a faint smile.
—No. If I die, my body becomes Zetsu's. I won't die. I don't know if I'll outlast him or not. For Akatsuki, staying away is the safest method.
Orochimaru sighed, clearly regretful. He left the stone chamber, closing the door behind him. Even his terrifying visage now reflected slight human emotions—annoyance… and guilt.
Orochimaru always knew when to leave and when not to ask questions. This was why Kita liked him—provided he was a friend. Kita smiled slightly. If considered a friend, Orochimaru truly is someone comforting.
"There's always a way. Nagato has the Rinnegan. Killing a consciousness isn't impossible. So don't say that—you're Akatsuki's indispensable force. Kita, go back! Nagato and the others will find a solution!"
If Orochimaru couldn't solve a problem, then what good is having the Rinnegan? Kita shook her head at Obito.
—Go back. Tell them I'm dead. That's enough.
"Are you crazy?!" Obito roared, voice shaking the ceiling.
Kita wasn't crazy—she was the clearest-headed person in this world.
—I've wanted to do this for a long time. This is my chance. Madara is dead, my purpose has ended. Everyone is growing stronger. I'm the only idle one left. What reason do I have to stay?
She laughed—a bitter self-mockery.
"What about Konan? What about her?"
Her laugh stiffened, then dissolved into nothing.
—Obito, you see now.
The mist, the sea…
—I… am… filthy.
Kita didn't want to cry, wanting to face the truth calmly. Leaving was best for Konan, best for everyone. But her tear ducts betrayed her, spilling burning tears. Her body shook. Obito couldn't tell if it was more regret, despair, or frustration—or all three. He too began to tremble, recalling everything that had happened. In the final moment, Kita held on, using her consciousness to either save Obito or push him out.
Obito hoped those events hadn't truly occurred, deceiving himself into thinking it was over.
—But I hate myself. I always crave the warmth she gives me. I tell myself I won't, but I can't. I can't. Now, the opportunity is here. Obito… please… help me. I don't want… I don't want to… soil her…
Tears streamed.
Obito should have told her that true love isn't like this; status and position mean nothing. Love alone is enough.
If only before the mist, before the sea…
This world is a hell, Obito thought.
❖━━━━❖
Note: The first half of this story is now complete.