"So… I'm really sorry. I came too late."
Inside a cave in the Land of Grass, Minato Namikaze let out a sigh, scratching the back of his head with a hint of embarrassment.
He already knew what had happened.
Obito's death weighed heavily on him, filling him with guilt.
Yet at this moment, Haori felt even more awkward than Minato, while Guy and Aoba exchanged stunned looks.
Because not even in their wildest dreams had they imagined that the reason Minato arrived late…
would actually be connected to them.
That said, Guy and Aoba quickly began to feel proud.
After all, what they had done had genuinely influenced the course of the battlefield.
As for Haori, he was filled with complicated emotions—
so it turned out that he had almost ended up screwing over Kakashi and the others.
Still, beneath that regret was a quiet sense of joy.
His actions had produced such an unexpected outcome, indirectly helping the frontline achieve a major victory.
For someone who "wanted to advance," this was undeniably a good thing.
Of course, Haori also knew that this single victory was far from enough to crush Iwagakure completely.
The mission to destroy the bridge still had to continue.
But this strike had definitely eased the pressure—whether on the frontline or deep behind enemy lines.
Iwagakure had surely realized that enemies were operating in their rear, while Konoha's forces at the front were watching like hawks.
Now, they were likely forced into a dilemma—fearful of acting rashly.
That said, Haori wasn't so delusional as to lose his head.
What he had done was essentially lighting a firecracker in a public latrine—
it enraged everyone.
If Iwa caught him and used him as a banner sacrifice, that would already be merciful.
Skinning him alive might not even be enough to quell their fury.
"At least… the outcome was good, Minato-senpai."
Though Haori couldn't help worrying about what would happen if they were caught by Iwa, he still spoke politely.
"We also arrived late. Otherwise—"
He paused slightly, then turned to look at Kakashi, who was lying unconscious.
Using the Sharingan for the first time had placed an enormous burden on Kakashi.
If not for his ironclad will to protect Rin—and the fact that Haori arrived in time to give him a breather—
Kakashi would have collapsed long ago, and their fate would have been completely uncertain.
Still, saving Kakashi had given Haori something he wanted—and the reward had caught him off guard.
[Side Quest Completed: Support Kakashi Hatake and Nohara Rin]
[Reward Acquired: Kakashi's Sharingan — Spatial Talent]
Kakashi?
Spatial talent?
The reward genuinely shocked Haori.
After all, that Sharingan belonged to Obito, didn't it?
Did the system really treat Sharingan like hot-swappable hardware—
installed on whoever was using it at the time?
"Then… was Obito always destined for spatial abilities?"
This was something Haori had never quite understood.
The Mangekyō Sharingan was said to be the eye that reflected the soul,
its power born from the deepest desire formed under extreme emotional trauma.
But Obito was different.
He had already manifested similar powers before Rin's death.
And Madara himself had confirmed it—
if not for those abilities "leaking out," Obito would have been crushed to death by the boulders.
Now, the system's reward seemed to confirm this, leaving Haori puzzled.
Still—no matter how he looked at it, having spatial talent was a good thing.
Space-time abilities were something no one could afford to ignore.
The only problem was how to truly bring that talent into full play.
That gave him a headache.
Maybe it'll only fully manifest at the Mangekyō stage?
"And the spatial talent I got… it wouldn't happen to be the offensive version of Kamui, would it?"
Haori couldn't figure it out—and quickly gave up trying.
This reward wasn't immediate combat power, but rather an investment in the future.
All things considered, it was still excellent.
"Some things are already destined. No one can change them."
While Haori was lost in thought, Minato sighed softly, then grew serious.
"And sometimes, Obito may have acted impulsively—but there's no denying he was a hero, isn't that right?"
Haori's expression shifted slightly.
He immediately understood Minato's meaning—though he hadn't expected Minato to speak in riddles too.
"Indeed. Obito was a hero."
Haori nodded, following Minato's lead.
"And Kakashi as well. Let him rest properly for now.
Whatever else there is… we can talk about it after we return."
Minato looked a little surprised, then smiled.
He'd only been testing the waters.
After all, Rin had often told him that Haori was both intelligent and gentle.
Now, he was certain of it.
"What a truly unusual Uchiha…"
Haori really was different—very different from most Uchiha Minato had known.
At the very least, this boy didn't rely solely on fists to "leave a deep impression."
"Oh, right, Minato-senpai."
As Minato was reflecting, Haori suddenly spoke again.
"After the war, would it be possible for me to consult you about sealing techniques?"
"Sealing techniques?"
Minato froze for a moment, once again marveling at how different this Uchiha was.
This time, however, he didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he glanced around the cave.
Rin was still tending to Kakashi.
Guy and Aoba were arguing about who should take the next watch outside.
Everything felt… peaceful.
As if they weren't deep behind enemy lines at all.
"I really hope the war ends soon," Minato said with a smile, changing the subject.
"A war like this… is unbearable for anyone."
"True."
Haori glanced at him, unfazed by the sudden change in topic.
"War creates far too many tragedies."
"Haori—when do you think this war will end?" Minato asked curiously, his voice much softer this time.
"I once told Rin that war will never truly end," Haori replied.
Since he'd already decided to "visit" the Uzumaki clan's ancestral home in Konoha,
building a good relationship was only natural.
Talking a bit more didn't hurt.
Worst case—he could always "visit" in another way.
"As long as people exist, there will be struggles over—interests.
But perhaps the form can change.
As for this war… I think it'll end soon."
"Oh?" Minato blinked, clearly intrigued. "Why do you say that?"
"Isn't your presence here already an answer, Minato-senpai?"
Haori smiled, pointing lightly at Minato.
"And Kumogakure's attitude toward Iwagakure isn't exactly friendly either.
I think once they suffer a decisive blow… the war will be over."
Even though Minato had been mentally prepared, hearing this still left him dazed.
This Uchiha youth had truly seen through the situation.
Minato even wondered—
Had Haori already guessed where they intended to strike?
Was that why, after blowing up the supply depot and provoking so many enemies,
he had moved in this direction?
Of course, these were only speculations.
Minato neither said anything nor asked.
"Then I'll take your words as a good omen, Haori-kun."
Minato smiled.
"As for sealing techniques—after the war ends, I'll see what I can do.
And Kakashi… will need your help a lot in the future as well."
"I'm just a chūnin," Haori said with a smile and a nod.
"But I'll do what I can."
Inside, though, he couldn't help but complain.
Minato Namikaze really was sunny and approachable—
but who said this man was simple?
He clearly had the makings of a riddle-speaker too.
Then again—
without that quality, he wouldn't become Hokage.
"At least… I've gotten a solid start on what I want."
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