Though they'd said "let's talk," after the clash ended and both lowered their guards, Uchiha Obito still kept silent and refused to come any closer.
Even when Uchiha Yorin said, "Isn't it tiring to shout from that far?" Obito pretended not to hear.
As if he'd risk stepping within reach of the Leaf's Flame Claw. One random brain spasm and a knife to the ribs, and his gentle world for Rin would turn into tofu crumbs.
Since Obito wouldn't approach, Yorin had to break the awkward silence first.
"So you're alive, stronger than ever, and you won't go back to the village. You've become a rogue. Do you resent the Uchiha? The village? Or the Fourth?"
Obito paused, then answered:
"The world."
"Wow."
Even expecting it, Yorin couldn't help the surprised grunt. He followed up:
"So, are you ready to listen to me and change this world together?"
"Not at all. Your path is wrong. This world is beyond saving. No patch will fix it."
On that topic, Obito grew heated.
"How did you reach that conclusion?"
Yorin knew arguing with a cracked mind was pointless, but he loved to nitpick.
"You never even tried. How can you say it can't be saved?"
"All right then, tell me exactly what convinced you it's hopeless."
"The tragedies of this world. I hear the world's screams. I saw—"
"You saw plenty of tragedy before Rin died, didn't you? And you were still just a goofy kid." Yorin cut in. "It was Rin, right? Rin's death gave you that verdict.
Because Rin died, you reached total despair and twisted yourself up.
But 'Rin died' and 'the world is beyond saving' are not the same scale at all, are they?
The Fourth arrived late and didn't save you. You're bitter and awakened a space technique faster than Flying Thunder God. Resenting the Fourth makes sense.
The village shoved your team against stronger foes. Resenting the village makes sense.
The Uchiha didn't back you and sent you on a deadly mission. Resenting the clan makes sense.
Hating Iwa, Kiri, even all shinobi? Fine.
But 'the world'… a bit much, no?"
He tapped his temple, one breath away from saying "are you stupid."
"I'm not. You underestimate me."
Snapping back, Obito barked, then gave a cold laugh and looked at Yorin with pity. "I act because I've seen the truth of this world. If you had eyes like mine, you'd know I'm right.
It's the Uchiha's ultimate secret. The final plan that brings eternal peace and happiness."
So we're there. Infinite Tsukuyomi.
Yorin sighed.
Even without knowing it was Black Zetsu's scheme to revive Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, anyone with a brain could see how shaky Infinite Tsukuyomi was.
It would doom the world.
Bodies trapped in illusions live out faux happiness while their real shells lie defenseless. No food. No water. A flash flood or quake, and they're gone.
People in critical care.
Workers suspended high above ground.
Sailors guiding ships.
There were countless cases like that. With the slightest thought, you'd get a long list.
Yorin tossed two of those at him, and Obito lit up.
"Necessary sacrifices. You think I haven't considered that?"
"Yes. You haven't."
"…"
"Changing the world is long, complex, painful, and crooked.
There's no instant button. No shortcut. No press-here-for-happiness. Obito, you've stepped onto a wrong road.
Because of Rin, right? Because she died, you've… fine, fine, I'll stop. Don't glare at me like I killed your wife."
Pogoing on a wound is fun, but pushing Obito too far would be messy. Yorin shut up. They stared, mutual loathing thick in the air.
"Seems we won't talk this out."
"Agreed."
Each confirmed the other as the main obstacle on his "save the world" path.
Fight again?
No.
No sure chance to win. A loss ends everything.
Walk away like nothing happened?
Also bad.
If ideals won't budge, talk practical benefit.
"The Hokage will strike the Uchiha sooner or later. What will you do?" Obito asked.
"You alone against the Five Great Villages? Not afraid they'll beat you to death?" Yorin shot back.
"Cooperate with me against the Hokage. The Uchiha will survive."
"Hire me for the dirty jobs. High bounties and excellent pay."
"Too vague."
"Too little sincerity."
"…"
"…"
They laid out terms and wants, and still glared. Yorin wanted to freeload; Obito wanted to use him. Tom and Jerry didn't come close to how unserious this was.
"At least tell me about Amegakure," Yorin said. "I'm curious about Akatsuki."
"Heh."
"Find out yourself."
Obito very much wanted to set Yorin against Nagato. No matter who died, he wouldn't mind.
Kamui warped, and Obito vanished, leaving one last line:
"You'll regret this, Yorin."
"Tsk."
Maybe it's not too late to drop ninjutsu and main talk-no-jutsu.
Forget it.
Thinking it through, that wasn't talk-no-jutsu. That was Kotoamatsukami.
Yes, Kotoamatsukami. He used it to modify minds and gave them the illusion that Naruto's words persuaded them.
That must be it. That's the dark truth of Naruto.