Chapter 47: A Trap at Every Step
Uchiha Dali's words were completely beyond everyone's expectations.
As a result, when he said them, even Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shisui found them unbelievable.
They had never seriously considered such a possibility.
Yet, not only had Uchiha Dali thought about it, but he had also already started laying out his plans.
What exactly was going on in his head?
At this moment, Uchiha Fugaku's gaze toward Uchiha Dali became even more complicated.
For the first time, he felt that he couldn't quite see through this rising star of the Uchiha clan.
Even though Dali wasn't much younger than himself, in this moment, Uchiha Fugaku felt like a mere novice in front of him.
Compared to Dali's maturity and composure, he seemed painfully naive. For the first time, he questioned whether he was truly fit to hold the position of clan leader.
Of course, Uchiha Fugaku wouldn't let these thoughts show on his face.
He took a deep breath, looking at Uchiha Dali with a deeper sense of scrutiny.
"Your approach is certainly surprising, especially managing to outwit someone like Minato in a bet—that alone is unbelievable."
"But, Dali..."
Uchiha Fugaku's tone became more meaningful. "Things aren't as simple as you think. There are things you don't understand."
His vague and hesitant words left those unaware of the truth completely confused.
But Uchiha Dali was no ignorant fool.
He glanced at the silent Uchiha Shisui beside him before smiling slightly. "We'll see how things unfold when the time comes."
"I've heard that Lord Orochimaru, who is commanding troops on the western battlefield, also has quite a high reputation in the village. Maybe my judgment is wrong, and the Third Hokage's chosen successor isn't Minato-senpai, but rather Lord Orochimaru."
He shrugged casually, ending the topic.
However, his words had already left a deep imprint in the hearts of Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Tekkō, Uchiha Dōka, Uchiha Hachidai, and others.
At this moment, the elite members of the Uchiha clan each had their own thoughts.
The Uchiha had indeed made great contributions in this war.
But did they truly have the qualifications to compete for the position of Fourth Hokage?
—
Somewhere in the forests near the Fire Country's border.
With the war over, the news spread, and various combat units began withdrawing from the battlefield, returning to Konoha one after another.
At this moment, Kakashi and Nohara Rin were also preparing to return to the village.
"Isn't Sensei Minato coming to meet us?"
Nohara Rin asked curiously.
"He has other missions and told us to head back and regroup with the other units before returning to the village together."
Kakashi replied.
"The war is finally over... It wasn't easy. It's just a shame that Obito won't be able to see this ending."
Nohara Rin's tone carried a hint of sorrow.
Kakashi's steps suddenly paused.
Nohara Rin thought her words had touched a nerve and moved closer.
"Don't come any closer!"
Kakashi suddenly raised a hand, stopping her.
Nohara Rin was startled by his sharp tone, but before she could react—
A rain of kunai, like a torrential downpour, came hurtling toward them!
"Watch out!!"
Kakashi's pupils contracted slightly. He quickly drew his broken short blade, White Fang, and desperately deflected the incoming kunai.
However, at that moment, several Mist Anbu had already infiltrated behind them, moving silently like ghosts.
As Kakashi struggled to fend off the kunai barrage, an enemy took advantage of the situation and seized Nohara Rin, who was standing behind him.
"Ah—!"
Nohara Rin barely had time to scream before she was completely subdued and swiftly taken away.
"Rin!!"
Hearing the commotion, Kakashi turned around, trying to save her, only to be intercepted by two Mist Anbu.
A fierce battle broke out. Though Kakashi managed to kill his opponents, he was wounded in the process, and Nohara Rin had already disappeared without a trace.
"Damn it…"
Kakashi turned his gaze toward the vast, dense forest ahead.
They were still far from Konoha.
Running back to call for reinforcements would take too long.
Recalling his late friend Uchiha Obito's final wish, Kakashi had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow the enemy's trail, determined to rescue the last remaining member of his team.
He had no idea that a massive conspiracy was waiting for him.
—
At the same time, deep underground—
The aged and frail Uchiha Madara watched as Uchiha Obito's body gradually recovered under his care.
The plan in his mind was steadily taking shape.
His own body was weakening by the day.
Knowing his end was near, he had to find a successor—someone who could carry out his plan and eventually bring him back to life.
The Uchiha boy before him seemed like a promising candidate.
But to make sure Obito obediently carried out his will, more arrangements were necessary.
"This is great! My body has almost fully recovered. In a little while, I should be able to return to the village!"
Uchiha Obito, practicing his steps, suddenly shouted in excitement.
"Return to Konoha? That thought seems to hold a lot of appeal for you…"
Uchiha Madara commented casually.
"Of course! Once I get back, I can see Kakashi and Rin again. They'll be so surprised to know I'm still alive! Haha, I can't wait to see Kakashi's shocked face…"
Obito responded eagerly.
At that moment, White Zetsu suddenly chimed in, half-mocking, "That wish of yours might be a little difficult to achieve…"
"Hmm?"
Obito turned to him, puzzled.
"My clone just spotted some Mist Anbu on the battlefield. They used a trick to distract your teammate Kakashi and successfully kidnapped that girl, Rin."
"WHAT?!!"
Obito was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place.
"Damn it!"
"Kakashi… Didn't I tell him to take good care of Rin?! What the hell is that bastard doing—"
Frustrated and furious, Obito clenched his fists, gritting his teeth. He immediately turned to find an exit.
"What can you do in your current state?"
"And besides, this is the world of shinobi. As long as conflict exists, death is inevitable."
Uchiha Madara's voice was cold and indifferent.