Reviewing Uchiha Madara's moves.
Rin wasn't dead, he saved her, and she became the Three-Tails Jinchuriki, effectively giving up the Three-Tails. At first glance, it seemed like a loss, but Obito successfully succumbed to darkness.
This was the legendary situation, "You may gain a lot, but I never truly lose."
Still, judging by Obito's presence and how he headed straight here, Madara must have put tremendous effort into continuing to guide Obito's descent into darkness.
"Heh…"
Kaede let out a cold breath.
In truth, Madara had already fallen from grace starting here.
The old Madara was someone who believed he could accomplish everything alone. He truly possessed the power to dominate the ninja world single-handedly, never caring whether he had subordinates or pawns. He had once stormed Konoha to duel Hashirama Senju one-on-one.
But after obtaining part of Hashirama's flesh and awakening the Rinnegan, Madara lost that overwhelming presence that once towered above the ninja world.
He used to despise this kind of person.
And yet, he had become exactly what he hated most.
This change was undoubtedly due to Black Zetsu's influence. Otherwise, Madara's original personality would have driven him to resurrect himself by his own means instead of delegating the preliminary work to Obito, a handoff that made no sense otherwise.
This was the Madara who had aged, whose mindset had shifted until he was revived as an Edo Tensei with power nearly restored to his peak, reclaiming some of his old self.
"…"
Rin and Kakashi approached.
Both of them bore deep concern in their eyes. They didn't understand Obito's current state, but from their perspective, he seemed borderline insane.
Almost completely lacking normal rationality and logical thought.
"Big Brother, what exactly is happening to Obito…"
"The Obito you knew is dead. This one is an incomplete Obito, part of whose will has been replaced and manipulated by another."
Kaede looked at Kakashi calmly.
Hearing this, Kakashi clenched his teeth slightly, and Rin nervously clenched her fists.
"How… how can we save him?"
"If we can catch him, it should be possible," Kaede said thoughtfully, scanning the area. "Let's go, get out of here first."
…
Just as Kaede had expected.
Madara had poured immense effort into guiding Obito's corruption and reversal, especially after discovering Kaede's return to the ninja world and confirming Kaede's interference with his plans.
He used all sorts of manipulations on Obito, including genjutsu, planting seals not only on Obito's heart but also on his brain.
That's why Kaede sensed something was off with Obito from the very start.
Poof!
White smoke flashed as Obito appeared before Madara.
Obito was startled at first, then quickly took in the scene and understood what was happening. He lowered his raised hand and, after a moment of restraint, looked at Madara with a solemn voice:
"Tell me, how can I create the world from my dreams, Madara?"
"Hmph…"
Madara snorted lightly, somewhat displeased with Obito's arrogant tone. But this was the result of his own guidance. Now, Obito was nearly half his own self.
He looked at Obito and said, "No need to thank me. But we have to leave here first. That kid, Silver Flash, is dangerous. If he finds us, it will be troublesome."
"That guy…"
Obito's expression darkened. He had personally experienced Kaede's power this time.
Just like Madara once told him, Kaede was a shinobi of this era, and fighting Kaede meant fighting this era itself.
That crushing sense of oppression,
It was indeed something no one else could bring.
"Are you afraid of him?"
Madara glanced at Obito.
Obito coldly looked back.
"No."
Madara said calmly, "If it were you, there's no need to fear his power. Though he's a shinobi of this era, he is neither Uchiha nor Senju. But you possess the combined power of Madara and Hashirama."
"Do you know what the power of the Uchiha and Senju represents? To have both is to be guided to the source of all shinobi, The Sage of Six Paths!"
"After my battle with Hashirama, I gained these two powers and awakened the Rinnegan many years later. Compared to that, his power is insignificant."
Listening to Madara's words, Obito's heart gradually calmed.
The images of their recent battle and the oppressive power he felt from Kaede slowly faded.
Yes.
Though it seemed like he was losing against Kaede, not long ago he was only a Chūnin, now he had reached a level capable of challenging Kaede!
With the legendary combined power of the Uchiha and Senju clans, mastering it meant surpassing Kaede was only a matter of time.
Just as Madara said.
Defeating Kaede was a trivial matter.
The real goal was to create a new world according to his vision.
…
While Madara taught Obito everything after they moved, Kaede had already returned to the Konoha camp with Rin and Kakashi.
The news that Rin had become the Three-Tails Jinchuriki shocked Konoha's leadership. There were concerns the Three-Tails might run wild, and debates about whether Rin should be brought back into the village or controlled outside.
But all such discussions were dismissed by Kaede with a single sentence, he would take full responsibility for everything involving Rin.
As a hero of Konoha who had defeated the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, killed the Third Raikage, and recently severely injured the Fourth Kazekage in Sunagakure, his words naturally carried great weight.
A few days later,
Kaede, Rin, and Kakashi returned to Konoha.
Following a high-level meeting, several orders were issued.
First, the fact that Rin was the Three-Tails Jinchuriki was to be kept confidential until her condition stabilized.
Second, Rin was removed from her original squad and placed under Kaede's sole command.
Third, Rin was forbidden from any solo action and must remain with Kaede at all times, especially within Konoha; otherwise, she would be treated as a dangerous individual and immediately restrained.
"That's it…"
After reading the orders from Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi shrugged at Rin and Kaede in the living room.
"Happy now?"
"Kakashi?!"
"W-What do you mean by 'happy'…"
Rin looked at Kakashi nervously.
Kakashi put his hands on his hips and leaned slightly forward, meeting Rin's gaze on the sofa.
"So, you're not too pleased about being grounded at Big Brother's side?"
"Uh… well…"
Rin stumbled over her words, unsure how to respond.
Kaede gave Kakashi a sharp look and gestured sharply toward the door.
"Go grocery shopping!"
"…"
Kakashi's expression immediately fell.
==========
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