Chapter 164: Recruitment and Reunion
After a brief yet amicable exchange, it came as no surprise when the Nine Tails ultimately joined Uchiha Dali's team, becoming part of the peaceful alliance of Tailed Beasts living in harmony with Konoha.
With the Nine Tails situation resolved, Uchiha Dali had no intention of resealing it.
"Nine Tails, for now, you're free to move around—but only within the area we've designated for you. And don't try anything reckless."
"Unless you're itching for another taste of fists even stronger than before."
Uchiha Dali granted it a degree of freedom.
The Nine Tails wouldn't dare offend this powerhouse now. Upon hearing this, it naturally voiced no objections.
As for the other Tailed Beasts, they could only look on in envy.
But since all of them were sealed within Jinchūriki, releasing them would mean certain death for their hosts.
So, for now, they had to endure their fate.
"Has Minato not returned yet?"
Uchiha Dali asked.
Uchiha Fugaku's face immediately turned grim at the question. He shook his head.
Minato Namikaze and Kakashi had gone off in pursuit of the enemy some time ago.
But until now, there had been no word from them—no updates, no signals. Their status remained unknown.
While both were incredibly powerful—especially Minato, a prodigy among prodigies—their opponent was Uchiha Obito, who had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan, and had the entire Akatsuki organization behind him.
So if they had run into each other, the outcome was genuinely hard to predict.
"In that case, looks like I'll have to go in person."
As he spoke, Uchiha Dali attempted to activate his Kamui.
However, unlike Obito, his Kamui wasn't an innate ability of his Sharingan—it was acquired through a cheat-like awakening—so it had certain bugs and limitations.
He could only enter the Kamui dimension when Uchiha Obito himself was present inside.
If Obito left, a powerful spatial force would forcibly eject Dali.
As Dali activated his technique, the feedback from his chakra indicated an invisible yet overwhelming force repelling him from the dimension.
"So that means Obito's no longer in there."
"Looks like I'll have to head to Amegakure and find him directly."
With that thought, Dali turned to give instructions to Fugaku and the others, emphasizing the importance of protecting the village in his absence.
"Leave the village to us, Fourth Lord," Fugaku said, patting his chest confidently.
Besides himself, Uchiha Shisui—another Mangekyō Sharingan user—was also present.
With the two of them here, even if the Akatsuki came knocking, they wouldn't be overly worried.
In the worst-case scenario, they could hold out until Dali returned.
With all preparations in place, Uchiha Dali performed the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished from sight in an instant.
…
At this moment, Uchiha Obito was deep in thought, contemplating what to do with the child in his arms.
Newborns were troublesome, and this one wouldn't stop crying—likely from hunger.
Several times, Obito had considered just killing the baby.
But he kept entertaining the idea of using the infant as leverage against Minato Namikaze.
By now, it was safe to assume the entirety of Konoha knew his identity.
After all, his opponents weren't fools.
He'd used Sharingan techniques multiple times in front of Uchiha Dali. If Dali hadn't figured anything out, he wouldn't be worthy of being considered an opponent.
So at this point, the conflict between them had escalated into open confrontation.
If he could recruit his former teacher to his side, Minato's power could significantly ease the pressure on Akatsuki.
Obito even fantasized that if he and Minato fought side-by-side, the two of them might stand a chance of defeating Uchiha Dali.
"With the Flying Thunder God Technique, sensei should be able to match that guy's speed…"
As he contemplated this, Obito carefully evaluated all possible outcomes.
In the end, he decided it was worth trying.
He activated Kamui with baby Naruto in his arms and entered the alternate dimension.
Sensing the familiar chakra signature within, he confirmed that Minato was inside.
And alongside him, unfortunately, was another unpleasant presence.
…
Within the Kamui dimension, Minato Namikaze and Kakashi were hiding in a corner, observing their surroundings.
Kakashi was certain Obito would return here eventually.
It was only a matter of time.
And indeed, he was right.
As the two remained alert, they suddenly noticed the air distort.
A spiraling vortex appeared—and moments later, a man in a black cloak and a whirlpool-patterned mask emerged.
In his arms, he cradled a wailing baby.
"You don't want your son to die here, do you?"
Though his back was turned to them, Obito sounded calm and collected.
His words made it clear that he knew exactly where they were.
Minato and Kakashi were both shaken.
They exchanged glances and instantly flashed to a spot behind him.
"Your voice may have changed a bit, but I'm pretty sure it's you, Obito."
Kakashi's emotions surged.
The former comrade who used to be the team's underachiever had not only survived—but returned far more powerful than ever before.
He didn't know what to say.
Minato, on the other hand, remained composed.
He carefully observed the baby in Obito's arms, ensuring it wasn't some trap or illusion.
Then he swiftly assessed the masked man in front of him.
"Obito, I don't know why you've become like this, but we didn't come here to judge you."
"Tell me—what is all this about?"
Minato asked calmly.
Hearing them call him "Obito" again stirred something in Obito's heart.
"As expected of a genius among geniuses… You really are sharp, Minato-sensei."
"And you too, Kakashi. Not bad, figuring out it was me."
"In that case, why don't you keep guessing—figure out what it is I really want."
Obito's tone remained flat.
He still hadn't turned to face them.
After all, he was no longer the boy they once knew.
"I don't care what your goal is. I came here to bring you back to the right path. Turn back, Obito!"
"If you're alive… then why attack Konoha?!"
Kakashi tried to reach his old friend with words.
But he had no idea that this very question would enrage Uchiha Obito.
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