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As expected, in the coming period, Obito would be keeping a close eye on Kirigakure.
However, Konoha would also be under Obito's surveillance.
To be precise, Kakashi would be the one targeted.
Because Obito wanted his other Sharingan back.
Strengthening himself would also prevent him from being threatened again.
This recent incident was the best proof.
Never carelessly hand over what's yours to others—one misstep, and it might come back to haunt you.
"Kakashi, we need to talk."
Kazuki had no intention of beating around the bush. Right in front of everyone, he addressed Kakashi directly,
"Though the Sharingan in your possession belongs to Obito, the man himself has gone mad. He's now an enemy of the entire shinobi world. We absolutely cannot let him retrieve this eye. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
Hand over the Sharingan?
Of course, Kakashi was reluctant. Unfortunately, circumstances left him no choice.
Keeping this Sharingan would only bring him—and the village—greater trouble.
"I will comply with the village's arrangements."
Between his fallen comrade and the village—no, the entire shinobi world—Kakashi chose the latter.
"I'll arrange for you to receive a compatible transplant. Though it may sound impolite, I'll say it anyway—Kakashi, without this Sharingan, you might actually grow stronger. Just like your father. But be careful. Don't follow in his footsteps and let yourself be backed into a corner, to the point of being driven to death."
As he spoke, Kazuki deliberately glanced at the Third Hokage.
What, glaring at me? That's right, I'm talking about you. What are you gonna do, bite me?
"Driven to death?"
Kakashi slowly raised his head, following Kazuki's gaze.
The representatives from other villages suddenly perked up—seemed like there was more drama to uncover. Maybe even a major scandal.
Good lord, he really dares to say anything.
Shikaku sighed, covering his face. He had wanted to remind Kazuki to watch his words, but considering Kazuki wouldn't listen anyway—and given his personal conflicts with the Third Hokage—Shikaku decided it was best to stay silent.
As long as he wasn't the one left holding the bag.
"Uchiha Kazuki! What nonsense are you spouting?!"
The Third Hokage was both shocked and furious. Was this really something to air out in front of foreign shinobi?
Just what are you trying to pull?!
"Nonsense? Was I? What, you dare do it but not admit it?"
Kazuki wore a mocking smirk, his tone dripping with disdain.
"Others might fear damaging the village's reputation, but I don't. Some things are better out in the open. Even if it tarnishes Konoha's image slightly, it's better than letting history repeat itself."
Well, damn.
Everyone knew Kakashi's father, the White Fang of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo, had died by suicide.
They also knew the pressure leading to his death had come from within the village.
But who would've guessed the Third Hokage and his circle had played a key role?
No—scratch that. They weren't just involved. They were the masterminds.
"Ahem!"
As things escalated, Shikaku finally coughed pointedly.
Kazuki glanced back at him.
"What? Forgot how Danzo came knocking on your clan's door, demanding people?"
Shikaku: "..."
Never mind. Pretend I didn't cough. Carry on.
Seems like this scandal runs deep.
Just as everyone braced for more revelations, Kazuki withdrew his scornful gaze.
"Shikaku, inform our people to pack up. We're withdrawing and returning to the village."
"Understood!"
Finally, it's over. Wiping sweat from his brow, Shikaku hurried off to make arrangements.
"Wait a minute!"
The others didn't mind the gossip being cut short—after all, it was just entertainment. But there was still a critical issue to address.
Ōnoki stepped forward.
"Uchiha Kazuki, we need to know—how will Konoha handle Obito's Sharingan?"
"That's our village's internal affair. None of your concern. Rest assured, Obito won't be getting it. You don't have to worry about him storming your villages in a Susano'o, snatching your tailed beasts or jinchūriki."
I let you all enjoy the show earlier because the Third Hokage started it first. He made his move, so I countered.
But Konoha's business is ours alone. How we handle it is our decision.
"Do the other villages wish to involve themselves in this matter?"
Kazuki's question was rhetorical.
Wasn't that obvious?
Ōnoki's face darkened. He wanted to snap at Kazuki but held back, considering the man's temperament.
If this escalated into an argument, Kazuki might just leave without another word—or worse, throw hands right then and there.
"Kazuki, while the Sharingan's disposal is Konoha's matter, it concerns the entire shinobi world. The Five Great Nations should discuss this jointly."
Rasa spoke up, representing the collective stance.
We respect Konoha's position, but given the stakes, a unified approach is best.
If you insist on handling it alone, fine—pretend I never spoke.
"Is that everyone's opinion?"
Kazukiscanned the room, still ignoring the Third Hokage.
Why else would we still be standing here?
"Fine. The Five Great Nations can discuss this together—but on one condition."
A condition?
Rasa and the others exchanged glances. They had expected Kazuki to outright refuse.
Instead, he agreed immediately—then tacked on a demand.
Accept it, and they could negotiate.
Reject it, and Konoha would handle things alone.
Recalling Kazuki's recent maneuvers, the Fourth Raikage, A, felt veins throb on his forehead.
This brat… is he trying to extort us again?
It wasn't paranoia—Konoha (and Kazuki) had been very money-focused lately.
The Cloud Village had already paid up, both openly and under the table.
So when Kazuki mentioned a condition, A's first thought was: He wants cash.
"What's the condition?"
Since Rasa had been acting as spokesperson, it fell to him to negotiate.
If this had been left to the Third Hokage or Tsunade, they might've agreed to a joint discussion the moment Ōnoki opened his mouth.
But Kazuki wasn't them.
Tsunade was still back in the village, and the Third Hokage was too busy fuming.
Kazuki's earlier exposé had hit hard.
And now, Kakashi's gaze toward the Third Hokage had shifted noticeably.
Respect or not—the man had driven his father to death.