"Kakashi, I've got it!"
Just then, Obito appeared out of nowhere, looking visibly excited—this was his first time entering Kamui space of his own volition.
"Give me a moment," Kakashi said, quickly pulling out a sealing scroll.
He wasted no time. The corpses of the Kaguya clan members, Ice Release users, and the two fallen Seven Ninja Swordsmen scattered across the battlefield were swiftly collected and packed into separate scrolls.
Along with them, Kakashi retrieved two important weapons: the Thunder Blade Fang and the broken remains of the Executioner's Blade. Though the beheading sword was shattered into two pieces, it was still a valuable spoil of war.
The Seven Ninja Swordsmen were all elite Jōnin of the Hidden Mist. Their heads alone could be exchanged for a hefty bounty at the Hidden Leaf. As for the bodies of the Ice Release clan, while they had no immediate use to Kakashi, he had another idea.
They'd make an excellent "gift" for Orochimaru.
After all, Orochimaru was a master of the forbidden, a tomb-raiding connoisseur who loved studying Kekkei Genkai and unique bloodlines. He would definitely be interested in the genetic secrets of the Ice Release.
More importantly, the Yoruichi clan's bodies—who possessed the Dead Bone Pulse—were potentially invaluable. Kakashi harbored a hypothesis: perhaps the Eight Trigrams Air Palm was a significantly weakened form of the Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack. Likewise, the Dead Bone Pulse from the Kaguya might be a diluted remnant of the original Dead Bone Pulse possessed by Kaguya Ōtsutsuki herself.
If this theory held weight, then perhaps—just perhaps—combining the Hyūga clan's genetic material with that of the Dead Bone Pulse could produce a fusion with startling new potential.
After finishing the cleanup and erasing any evidence that could reveal the identities of those who had fought on the battlefield, Kakashi led his group to a concealed hideout to recover.
This time, he collaborated with Rin to allow "Afei" to possess Obito temporarily, speeding up the healing of the Hashirama cells in Obito's body. Once everything was in place, Kakashi did something shocking: he activated Chidori and pierced straight through Obito's heart.
This drastic action wasn't an act of betrayal—it was a surgical strike to destroy the restrictive seal that Madara had engraved into Obito's heart. With that one act, Madara's control over Obito was shattered forever.
Finally free, Obito gasped for air and collapsed. Kakashi calmly knelt beside him, helping him recover with a reassuring expression.
After a night of well-earned rest, the group of four—Kakashi, Obito, Rin, and Shisui—set out once again, heading for the Water Country's coastline.
This time, the remnants of the Mist's interception squads posed no threat to them. The group moved like shadows, bypassing danger and confrontation.
Whenever they came across well-guarded checkpoints or large Mist patrol units, Kakashi had Obito first send Rin and Shisui into Kamui's alternate dimension. Then, using pre-placed Flying Thunder God seals along their planned route, he would instantly transport himself and Obito past enemy lines with precision and ease.
Their strategy worked flawlessly. Eventually, they reached the hidden dock where their escape vessel awaited.
Once more, Rin and Shisui entered Kamui space to stay hidden. Kakashi and Obito took on clever disguises—Kakashi impersonated Biwa Jūzō, while Obito transformed into Kurokī Raiga. Together, they managed to deceive the maritime patrols of the Mist.
Four days later, as the sun dipped behind the Fire Nation's mountain ranges, the team finally set foot on home soil once again.
They had made it.
"We should come to an agreement," Kakashi said as the Fire Nation trees and smells of home welcomed them back. "Once we return to the Uchiha front camp, if anyone asks what happened, we all say the same thing: Mizukage was killed by Obito."
"Huh?!" The other three were stunned.
"Senpai, you killed the Mizukage?" Rin and Shisui exclaimed in disbelief.
"Why say I did it?" Obito asked, confused. "I didn't kill him. You did."
Kakashi simply waved off their confusion with a calm demeanor.
"The truth doesn't always matter, Obito. What matters is the narrative that gets accepted. I'd prefer to keep my abilities hidden for now. Let people keep thinking I'm just a talented but average Jōnin. That works in our favor."
Kakashi's words hit differently for each of them.
Rin blinked thoughtfully, beginning to grasp his long-term strategy.
Shisui's admiration for his senior deepened. So humble… even after accomplishing such an impossible feat… he thought. I need to learn from him more.
"But still," Obito protested. "Why pin it on me?"
"Because you're different from me," Kakashi explained, locking eyes with Obito. "You have a dream—to become Hokage, right? Well, becoming Hokage requires more than ideals. You need prestige. You need achievements. And nothing makes a statement louder than killing an enemy village's Kage."
"That kind of military accomplishment will make the higher-ups take notice. Plus, you awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan. That alone gives your story credibility."
He placed a hand on Obito's shoulder, speaking with conviction.
"There's another reason. I need you to have greater influence within the Uchiha clan. This is the perfect opportunity. Take credit for the Mizukage's death. Let that power propel you forward."
Obito was still hesitant.
"But what about Shisui?" he asked. "He also awakened his Mangekyō. Why not say we both did it together? Wouldn't that be more believable?"
"No," Kakashi said, turning to Shisui with a much more serious expression. "Shisui is different. His eye technique must remain a secret."
"Shisui, remember these eight words: 'A man is innocent, but guilty of treasure.'"
"No matter how righteous your heart or how noble your intentions—"
"—as someone in power, I can't tolerate a ninja near me who has the ability to permanently alter the will of others."
"This goes for even the Hokage himself."
Shisui opened his mouth to respond, but Kakashi raised his hand to stop him.
"I know you trust the Hokage. You were raised under his care, and I'm not saying he's a bad man. But this power of yours—it's too dangerous to reveal."
"Don't explain. Just remember what I said. And no matter how warm or kind the Hokage's words may sound, judge a man not by what he says—but by what he does."
Shisui fell silent.
Deep down, he didn't doubt the Hokage's kindness. But Kakashi's warning struck something deep. The words of his respected senior took root in his heart like seeds.
Alright, if Senior Kakashi says so, then I'll keep it a secret for now.
Besides, there was no harm in not revealing it.
He also planned to emulate Kakashi's low-key demeanor—hide his strength, act humbly, and keep his cards close to his chest.
Having made his decision, Shisui nodded seriously.
"Huu~" Kakashi let out a breath of relief.
Good. He's young and naïve, but he still listens. If I didn't warn him now, someone like Danzo might get to him first…
Danzo had long coveted the Uchiha's power. If Shisui had remained unguarded, Danzo might one day send him on a solo mission and take his eyes by force.
But Obito? Kakashi wasn't worried.
With Kamui, Obito was virtually untouchable if he wanted to escape.
Besides, after taking credit for the Mizukage's death, the Uchiha clan would almost certainly rally around him. Fugaku might even promote him to Deputy Commander of the Military Police Force!
Not to mention, Obito spent most of his time either in the Uchiha compound or around Kakashi. Danzo wouldn't have an easy chance to strike.
But if he ever tries… I'll be ready. I've got a very special surprise gift waiting just for him.