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The bluish light from the monitors illuminated Amado's focused face as he adjusted the parameters on his holographic screen. Obito lay on a medical gurney, his arms outstretched and connected to a complex system of tubes that pumped a pale green liquid directly into his veins.
The pain was unbearable.
But it was nothing compared to what he had lived through when he was crushed by that rock in his previous life… or was it the life of the original Obito. Sometimes the memories blended together.
—Rejection levels have decreased by 12% since the last session—Amado murmured, reviewing the data—. The Hashirama cells are doing their job, but the process is still… unstable.
Obito clenched his teeth, feeling his chakra twist inside his body, trying to adapt to the strange presence that was beginning to take root in his hands. He could feel it… that ancient power that once belonged to Madara Uchiha, slowly flowing through his chakra circuits.
—How much longer?—he asked in a hoarse voice.
Amado removed his glasses and cleaned them with a cloth, thoughtful.
—If everything goes well… three more weeks of treatments. Maybe four.—He paused—. You still haven't told me exactly what you need this for. The Rinnegan are powerful, yes, but you already have Kamui. Why risk your life for a power you won't even be able to use fully if they're in your hands and not in your eyes?
Obito glanced at him sideways, his Sharingan slowly spinning.
—Let's just say… I have my reasons.—A crooked smile appeared on his face—. Besides, you get what you want: my help getting rid of Jigen. Isn't that enough?
Amado sighed, but didn't press further. He knew how to recognize when someone was hiding information. After all, he did the same.
—The Rinnegan you recovered from Madara's remains are responding well to the adaptation process—Amado continued, changing the subject—. It was lucky that Konoha stored them in such a… careless place. Though I wonder how you knew exactly where they were.
Obito closed his eyes. Because I saw it in the manga, he thought ironically. Because I know exactly what happened after the war, what they did with every corpse, every relic.
—I investigated—he replied simply—. Years of being a ghost teach you how to find secrets.
Amado nodded, apparently satisfied with the answer.
—Good. For now, rest. The next treatment will be in two days.—He began disconnecting the tubes—. And try not to overexert yourself. I've noticed you've been… training that boy. Kawaki, right?
Obito slowly sat up, feeling his hands throb with a dull pain.
—It's just to keep up appearances. Jigen expects everyone here to be useful.
—Mmm.—Amado didn't seem convinced—. Just be careful. Jigen isn't stupid. If he notices you're forming bonds—
—Don't underestimate me—Obito interrupted, standing up—. I know exactly what I'm doing.
As he left the lab, Obito flexed his fingers, feeling that strange power, familiar and alien at the same time. Soon… soon he would have access to Limbo. And when that happened, not even Isshiki Ōtsutsuki would be able to stop him.
Training Area – Two days later
Kawaki blocked Obito's strike with his forearm, but the force of the impact sent him stumbling back several steps. He was panting, sweat running down his forehead.
—Again—Obito ordered, adopting his stance—. Your guard is too low. If I were Jigen, you'd already be dead.
—Easy for you to say—Kawaki growled, launching himself forward again.
His blows were more precise than a week ago, more calculated. Obito dodged them with ease, but a small part of him felt… proud. The kid was improving.
Like Naruto, he thought involuntarily. Stubborn, obstinate, but with incredible potential.
Obito counterattacked with a sweep that knocked Kawaki to the ground. The boy fell on his back, cursing.
—Damn it!—Kawaki slammed the ground in frustration—. How am I supposed to get better if I can't even touch you?
Obito extended his hand to help him up, but at that moment, a sharp stab shot through his right arm. His fingers contracted involuntarily and for an instant, a flash of purple chakra flared around his hand before fading away.
Kawaki noticed. His eyes narrowed.
—What was that?
—Nothing—Obito replied quickly, hiding his hand—. Just… a muscle spasm.
But Kawaki wasn't stupid. He got up on his own, looking at Obito with a mix of curiosity and distrust.
—You've been acting weird lately. You disappear for hours, come back looking tired…—He crossed his arms—. What are you hiding?
Obito looked at him in silence for a long moment. The boy was more perceptive than he had anticipated.
—Everyone in Kara has secrets, Kawaki—he said at last—. Including me. If you want to survive here, learn not to ask too many questions.
—But you ask me questions all the time—Kawaki shot back—. About my past, about why I want to be strong…
—That's different.
—Why? Because you're the one asking?
Obito sighed. The boy was right, and he knew it.
—Listen…—he began, choosing his words carefully—. What I'm doing is dangerous. The less you know, the safer you'll be. Do you understand?
Kawaki stared at him, and for a moment, something passed between them. A silent understanding.
—You're planning something against Jigen—Kawaki said, not as a question, but as a statement.
Obito neither denied nor confirmed it. He simply turned away.
—Go back to your cell. Training is over for today.
—Wait!—Kawaki took a step forward—. I… want to help. Whatever you're planning, I want to be part of it.
—No—Obito replied without turning around—. You're not ready.
—Then make me ready!—Kawaki shouted, desperation in his voice—. Teach me whatever it takes! I'll do anything to defeat that bastard!
Obito stopped dead in his tracks. He stood still for a moment, then slowly turned his head to look at him over his shoulder.
—Anything?
Kawaki nodded firmly.
—Anything.
Obito studied him in silence. He saw the determination in those young eyes, the same look he himself had once had… that Naruto had when he swore to bring him back.
This kid… could really change the future.
—All right—he said finally—. But if we're going to do this, there are rules. First: never, under any circumstances, tell anyone about our real training. Second: you obey every order I give you without questioning it. And third…—His eyes grew serious—. If I ever order you to run, you do it. Without looking back. Understood?
Kawaki swallowed, but nodded.
—Understood.
—Good.—Obito walked toward the exit—. I'll see you tomorrow. At midnight. In the abandoned sector on level three. And Kawaki…
—Yeah?
—Bring bandages. You're going to need them.