Hey everyone, new chapter here! Sorry for the delay, but it's finally arrived! Send power stones!
(I think it's obvious who was chosen. I'm not great at writing romance, but I'm learning. If you want to tell me where I went wrong, I'll be happy to hear your feedback!)
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A Conversation Between Old Friends
In the Hokage's office, Kakashi and Obito chatted with the ease only two old friends could share. The warm hues of sunset filtered through the windows, bathing the room in golden light.
"Kakashi, I want to ask you something," Obito said, breaking the comfortable silence.
"Go ahead," Kakashi replied, leaning back against his desk with a relaxed expression.
"What happened to my eye? I want to use the Sharingan again. The Rinnegan... it's too heavy for me. I don't want to live with that burden anymore. I hope you can help me." Obito's voice carried a mix of hope and nostalgia as he met Kakashi's gaze.
Kakashi studied him for a moment before walking to a nearby shelf. He opened a drawer and pulled out a small jar containing a familiar eye.
"I was waiting for you to ask," Kakashi said, carefully holding the jar. "I'd never destroy something that wasn't mine, Obito. Here's your Sharingan. But I have a question."
"Go ahead," Obito replied, reaching out to take the jar.
"What will you do with the Rinnegan? The village still has Madara's Rinnegan. I didn't expect you to want to get rid of yours."
A faint smile crossed Obito's face as he pocketed the jar.
"Don't worry. There's no safer place for it than with me. No one can enter my dimension. I'll take care of it—make sure it never falls into the wrong hands." His tone left no room for doubt.
Kakashi nodded, trusting his old friend's word.
"Alright, Obito. And... thank you. For everything you did on the moon."
"It's the least I could do... after everything I caused," Obito replied, regret lacing his voice. "Well, Kakashi... see you soon. Goodbye."
An Unexpected Encounter
Just as Obito was about to activate Kamui, a voice stopped him.
"Hey, wait!"
Ino Yamanaka came running toward him, a bright smile on her face. Obito paused, surprised by her sudden appearance.
"Hi, Obito," she said, a mix of politeness and shyness in her tone. "Haven't seen you in a while. I heard you were released. How are you?"
"Do you... want to come with me for a bit?"
Obito hesitated, glancing around as if remembering he wasn't exactly welcome in the village.
"Hello, Ino. Sorry I didn't reach out sooner. And... thank you. For everything you did for me while I was in prison." He sighed. "But I can't exactly walk around the village with you. I don't need to tell you I'm not... well-liked here. Or anywhere, really. People hate me."
Ino pouted slightly, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.
"Don't worry, it'll just be a minute. Please?" Her pleading eyes were impossible to resist.
Obito exhaled, giving in.
"Fine. Where do you want to go? I'll take you. I'd rather not get yelled at again."
"Konoha's cemetery," Ino said with a soft smile.
Graves and Ghosts of the Past
The cemetery was peaceful, the wind whispering through the trees as they walked.
"This is my father's grave," Ino said, gesturing to a headstone with a mix of sadness and fondness.
Obito, unsure why she'd brought him here, grew nervous. Damn it, I thought she'd forgiven me. Did I do something wrong?
"I wanted you to see this because... I've accepted your apology. And I know my father would have too," Ino said gently.
Obito nodded—but suddenly, his body moved on its own. His feet carried him to another grave nearby, stopping before a headstone that read:
Rin Nohara.
"Rin..." Obito's voice cracked as tears spilled down his cheeks.
Ino watched, confused but compassionate.
"Hey, what's wrong? Why'd you walk off?" she asked, stepping closer.
Obito wiped his tears with the back of his hand, trying to steady himself.
"I... don't understand either," he admitted, voice trembling. "It's like Obito's emotions are too strong. I can't control it."
Ino glanced at Rin's grave, realization dawning.
"Rin Nohara... Was she the reason you did all of it?" Her tone was soft but probing.
Obito didn't answer right away. He stood there, staring at the grave, the pain inside him raw and fresh. Slowly, the weight in his chest began to ease—as if simply being here was healing him.
"I'm sorry, Ino," he finally said. "I didn't mean to disrespect your father's grave. My body just... moved on its own."
Ino smiled, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it." Her warmth surprised him.
"She was the person I once loved... the only one," Obito confessed quietly.
"The only one?" Ino raised an eyebrow. "You're not going to try loving someone again?"
Obito looked at the horizon, as if searching for answers in the sky.
"I doubt anyone could ever feel anything for someone like me," he said, resignation in his voice. "Everything I've done in this world is unforgivable. But... thank you. For what you've done for me."
As he turned to leave, Ino called out again.
"I'm right here!" she said, a shy smile playing on her lips, her cheeks tinged pink.
Obito stopped, staring at her in surprise. For the first time in years, he felt something in his heart shift.