Chapter 43

Obito's POV

I'm in one of the tallest buildings in the rain village, I'm not in Payne's room, I'm looking at the side of his window without glass and thinking about the fact that 5 years ago I probably could have gotten these scrolls from the Uzumaki clan, but the problem is that the third Hokage destroyed all of them, I have to find out where they are now, but if they're still in the vault, I won't risk it, because the trap in Konoha is unpredictable, even if I can escape by stealing a scroll, I'll still be spotted, I learned that lesson when I wanted to kill my sensei during the Nine-Tails attack, I underestimated him and he was able to defeat me with rasengan, but now Konoha blamed Fugaku Uchiha for the Nine-Tails attack, making Itachi Uchiha the main hero, I wanted to be like him, even to become Hokage, but life was different, now I have a black cloak with red clouds instead of the white Hokage symbol, and instead of the Hokage hat, an orange mask, which I rarely take off, but nothing... in the endless tsukuyomi, I can probably enjoy my dream, when I complete this technique I will be part of it myself, enjoying the fact that Rin is alive, I fell in love with Rin Nohara, at a time when I didn't know what love was....

It's a shame there's no way to go back in time, although Madara once told me a story about a chosen one who will travel back in time and save the world from destruction, and this story was told to him by Hashirama himself when he was trained in the Gore-Myeboku, at first I thought it was nonsense, but since Madara said it with confidence, I guess it's true, but the question is who will it be? or is it someone who's already traveled through time and we're all in the second version of time? Anything's possible, but what if it's me? maybe this would be my chance to save Kakashi and Rin with my mangekyo, maybe if I'm in that moment, I could become intangible and walk through the rocks that would crush me, and still retain both sharingan while saving Rin and Kakashi, and then I could become Hokage, but that's just plans and speculation, so it's time to finish my thoughts and start my work....

Finishing my thoughts, I was about to go to Konoha, for scouting a paralysis scroll from the Uzumaki clan, but Payne stood in my way, entering the room he decided to inquire.

-And what was Madara Uchiha himself thinking about?" he asked indifferently trying to sound interested.

-I mentioned the fourth Hokage, but Paine thought I was talking about the first Hokage, Hashirama, which is what I wanted.

-I see... - He answered and continued, "I wanted to talk to you, the organizations have all completed their missions, Deidara and Sasori have recently returned from the village of grass, helping the government, they paid us well by the way, Hidan and Kakuzu have also dealt with the enemies of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist in the village of mist, now they will no longer be their rivals, the organization they wanted to create the enemies of the Seven Swordsmen is no more, and Shisui and Fuguki returned a couple of days ago, having completed their mission in the village of sand, having dealt with Shinga and his men.

-Great... Everything is going according to plan, more and more people are coming to us, they don't know yet that our organization contains the worst criminals of Rank-S, when they realize it, we will soon be considered as a criminal organization, but for now we have enough money to fortify our base and rain village well, - I answered in a satisfied tone.

-Are there any more missions?" he asked questioningly, though by his nose piercings, always seeming to frown, it was hard to discern his hidden emotions.

-There is only one mission left, let all the organizations rest for now, and I alone will go on the road - I finished confidently, followed by opening the funnel and entering it.

***

My spatial travel was faster than the fourth Hokage's hiraishin, although I could have been ahead of him if his lightning had been blue, but luckily it wasn't, and he was dead and resting in peace wherever he was, so no one would interfere with me, I had already reached the Land of Fire and was closer to the hidden leaf village, it had been exactly 3 hours since I had left the hidden rain village, I was already close to my goal, I was almost an hour away from the hidden leaf village, suddenly with my sharingan I saw three Shinobi with Konoha protector on my way, I was happy, if they knew the information I needed, I wouldn't even have to go to Konoha, I kept jumping from tree to tree, I approached them and stopped in front of them, The first shinobi had long pointed hair and Chuunin outfit, the second shinobi had a Jonin vest and long brown hair, and on his head he wears the tread of his home village sewn into his blue bandana, which he wears backwards, and the third shinobi was a mature man, he had long gray hair tied back in a ponytail, he had a brown vest with a mesh protector inside, I think I know who he is, his name is Kosuke, he is also known as the eternal Genin of Konoha, he is also a friend of the third Hokage, maybe through him I can find out all the information I need about the scroll, even maybe a little bit about Konoha, they noticed my appearance and noticed my cloak and started:

-Who the hell are you?" began the Shinobi with long, spiky hair and Chuunin equipment.

-He has a cloak with red clouds, he is definitely from Akatsuki - answered his partner, I remember him from the same academy, his name is Genma Shiranui, that's how we met....

-I am indeed from Akatsuki, you have correctly confirmed my identity- I said in a calm voice, they were on guard, especially that eternal Genin, and I continued- I want to find out Konoha's weaknesses, and steal this scroll and you will tell me all about it.

-Huh, you think we're just going to give you this secret?, you're dumber than you look," Chuunin snorted at me, which I was starting to dislike, and later he pulled out his kunai and jumped from his tree towards me, on the big branch of the tree I was standing in, his partner Genma tried to stop him by shouting "Kamano stop! don't underestimate him" but it was too late, I caught this Kamano in my genjutsu with my sharingan and then he stopped jumping through the trees towards me and fell into the ground, landing in the thick of the trees, let's just say he was lucky....

Kosuke, started to pull out his kunai, throwing about four kunai at me, I was able to fend them all off as I continued to run at him, but suddenly I noticed that Genma was nowhere to be found, then he came out of the nearest tree at a rapid speed and was behind me, he struck a strong blow with his kunai, but I let the attack pass through me becoming intangible, I noticed Genma was very surprised by this and taking advantage of the fact that he was still around, I quickly grabbed his wrist where he was holding the kunai and carried him into my personal space, I used a strong fear genjutsu on him, he was knocked out, I decided to bring him back to this world, I opened the vortex and threw Genma into the ground with Kamano, and then only Kosuke was left, he was getting serious when he realized what I was capable of.

-Why do you think I would betray my village?" began Koski, and continued with a serious look, "I'm not afraid of you, and I'm certainly not going to give up without a fight.

-I know who you are, Koski, you're a Jonin shinobi, but you still hold the rank of Genin because you think you don't deserve a higher rank because your team died," I told him in a calm voice.

-You don't know anything about my life so don't judge me by rumors! -said this phrase he finished with anger, and ran in my direction, and I in turn jumped from the tree and landed in the ground.

When he went down to the ground, he pulled out his blade and started to swing it up and down, I noticed some strange mirages, it only took half a second before I realized that it was the genjutsu he had once been taught by the second Hokage, I had no trouble taking his genjutsu off, later Kouski was going to fight in taijutsu style, so he ran towards me openly, I pulled out my kunai, and decided to participate in taijutsu as well, I had not warmed up in sports for a long time, our blades crossed, he was dodging my attacks with his blade, but I was good with my kunai, fending off each of his counterattacks, even started to strike him with my left arm and leg, although he dodged them, I knew that he had spent his life in taijutsu with sword and genjutsu, which he was taught by the second Hokage, but I was not a bad guy either, I got close to him and decided that there was no point in messing with him further, it was time to hurt him and learn the truth about Konoha through my sharingan, so I got closer to him, he swung at my stomach, but I became intangible so the attack went through me, and I retaliated with my kunai to hit him in his left shoulder, but suddenly he vanished I realized that it was his shadow clone, and the original was folding the seals, When he was in front of me he finished folding the last seal and summoned a wave of water and they formed into a dragon, the dragon flew straight at me and exploded, Koski smiled as he thought he could finish me off but I just smirked as I was behind his back, he was surprised, grabbing him by the shoulder I took him to my space where I could do whatever I wanted to do with him, including find out what I wanted.

The fight was great, at least for a Shinobi of my level it was a great warm-up," I said standing in front of him at mid-range and folding my arms across my chest.

-Where are we? -What are these slabs?" he was a little confused.

-This is my world, here I can do what I want and with who I want, -when I said that he clenched his teeth at the thought of losing, but I understand him, so I decided to be a little supportive before I learned about Konoha and his conversation with the third Hokage, I continued, -When you created the water dragon I guess you thought I could only transfer parts of my body, so you decided to create ninjutsu of such a powerful level to hit my whole body with your blast, that's pretty amazing, but you've learned the fact that I'm not a water dragon, When you created the water dragon I guess you thought that I could only transfer parts of my body, so you decided to create a ninjutsu of such a powerful level to hit my whole body with your explosion, that's quite ingenious, but you didn't take into account the fact that I can transfer my whole body to another dimension," I finished with my arms lowered from my chest.

-What do you intend to do to me and my partners, kill us after you get what's yours?" he asked a little worried about his comrades.

-Of course not, that would attract Konoha's attention, so after that I'll just wipe your memories with my genjutsu, and you three won't remember anything and will continue your mission wherever you go," I said confidently, and Koski calmed down for a moment.

Looking into his eyes with my sharingan I searched for information about Uzumaki's scroll, but before I did I saw his life.

Flashback

Obito watched as the 13 year old Kouski lost his comrades because of his overconfidence, he wanted to make a frontal attack against the Nukenin of the Land of Stone, but he was wrong, three of them were still able to defeat him easily, they were about to make a final strike to finish him off, but his friends came to his aid, adding that he should have gone alone, it would have been easier to follow the Second Hokage's plan together, He realized his mistake and nodded to his comrades, but the Nukenin used their powerful ninjutsu, a stone waterfall of summoned round stones, Koski's comrades, two Genin, whom he looked at as brothers, took with a smile both took Koski and threw him away, and took the blows themselves to give him a chance to escape and their deaths were not painful stones quickly crushed them, Koski wanted to avenge them but he was weak and realized he had to run now, he got to his feet and wanted to get away from the three Nukenin, but then when the second Hokage appeared in the battlefield he realized it was no use and breathed for a while, the second Hokage looked at him for a moment disappointed that Koski wasn't following the plan and ran at them, and then turned his eyes to the Nukenin stones and throwing them his hiraishin kunai he quickly, He was able to deal with all three of them without even bothering, he didn't even have to use water techniques or genjutsu, these Nukenin fought like thugs without tactics or cunning, they died like low level criminals, later Tobirama took out a blanket from a scroll and covered his dead comrades, Koski went over to them and started crying saying it was his fault.

-If I had been stronger they would have survived-" Koski began tearfully, looking at the bodies of his friends.

-You're strong enough Kouski, at least you were stronger than them, but your problem is your pride and self-confidence, that's what clouded your judgment to show yourself as a top level shinobi, and that's what caused their deaths," Tobirama said admonishingly.

-I always thought that if the rank of a shinobi is higher, then he becomes as strong, but now I realized that rank must be earned by becoming stronger, but the deaths of my friends is my fault and I will carry this stigma all my life, so I decided that even if I become stronger to the level of Jonin, I will still be Genin, this will be my punishment no more pride and glory! - Koski finished the sentence looking down at the ground and clasping his hands together because he hated himself for being so arrogant, he decided to improve from now on, and Tobirama turned back to look at the sunsets and added.

-Are you going to be a Genin all your life?" said Tobirama as he continued to stare at the sunset.

-I'm going to change my character, just like you just told Hokage-sama- said Koski confidently.

-You reminded me of Sasuke, he was your teacher, he was the head of the Sarutobi clan, many people respected him, because Sarutobi Sasuke, was able to change him for the better, and later became the teacher of the team of three Genin, which included you and your recently deceased comrades, he was a great friend to me and even tried to imitate my older brother dressed like him, showing him respect, But Hashirama's death was a blow to everyone, and later when the first world war broke out, Sasuke himself died, that was a month ago," Tobirama turned around and saw that Koski had already stopped crying, noticing the determination in his eyes, Tobirama continued with a smile, "in that case, I'll help you get stronger and train you in your spare time, try to protect your village at all costs.

Kouski nodded with a smile and Obito looked at his memories and thought about how complicated the world was, but because of that complexity, he realized what he was missing, whether it was life and open conversation or the love he felt for Rin, He thought about it when he saw the second Hokage openly talking about his brother, he understood a lot, although he still thought that tsukuyomi was the best way out for everyone, because he didn't realize much yet.

***

It was now over 50 years later, Kouski now looked gray-haired, he was sitting on top of Konoha, under the rocks cooking his favorite soup, it was now deep night the stars were twinkling just he wanted to start his long awaited meal, as in front he saw his long time friend, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who holds the title of third Hokage, with a smile as the third Hokage approached, Kouski began:

-Hokage-sama, I'm honored that you visited me, are you hungry? I've just made my soup," Koski began politely, but Hiruzen only smiled at him with a light chuckle.

-Still calling me by my title?, I thought I said you could just call me by my first name, after all, we've literally known each other all our lives since we were kids," Hiruzen sat down with a smile, across from Koska, with his delicious dinner between them.

Koski gave him a clean plate and the two began to eat, the Hokage liked the food, he even added that it was much tastier than his wife had ever cooked for him, Koski only smiled at the Hokage's praise, and Obito felt ashamed as he watched the memories, He had killed the Third Hokage's wife, Sarutobi Biwako, during the Nine-Tails' attack, Biwako was Kushina Uzumaki's midwife, and during her labor, she personally delivered the baby, making sure that her seal that restrained the Nine-Tails did not weaken, When she pulled Naruto out she thought the worst was over, but then Obito arrived, after killing Biwako he released the Nine-Tails from Kushina and controlled him to destroy the village, for at that time he was in deep turmoil, He wanted the world to pay for not being the way he wanted it to be, Obito was too far from his own understanding, after the battle with the Fourth Hokage, he was badly wounded and didn't want to continue the fight because he wasn't sure of his strength, so he vanished into the vortex leaving the village alone.

Now Kousuke and Hiruzen were finishing their delicious dinner, the Hokage also appreciated that his talent was not inferior to even Teuchi of Ichiraku, perhaps they should have a food competition, Hiruzen thought that even the whole Konoha would gather for a tasting, perhaps business would also go well for all the Shinobi Countries, after they both finished their dinner Hiruzen began.

-I think you should get hired as a cook, since you don't want to be a Jonin like I've offered you more than once- Hiruzen said his opinion with a smile.

-I'm not worthy of that title, I've learned throughout my life that it's not important for me to be the strongest or the highest in rank, the only thing I want is to be of some use to Konoha, even if not as a shinobi, then as a weapon," Kouski replied, looking up at the stars.

-So I suggest you make yourself useful, because everyone needs a cook," Hiruzen said sarcastically.

-You know Hokage-sama, I'm half a chef, many people want to be on missions with me because of my good cooking skills, but I'm more interested in being a ninja, because that's what I am, and cooking is a hobby.

-You have a strong will of fire, I'm glad I have so many shinobi like you in my village, though you're not replaceable in your own way," the third replied with a smile, also adding sadness, "It's sad that the Uchiha clan was destroyed like that, even though they didn't have a strong will to resist their Uchiha blood, of course all but Itachi.

-Itachi Uchiha, the main hero of Konoha, I even went on missions with him once, I saw how he easily defeated those Shinobi-Nukenin who once held the rank of Jonin, also he had a coolness and determination in his gaze when it came to the village, he always did the right thing for the sake of cleanliness, his manner was always distinctive and not arrogant, and when he wiped out everyone in the Uchiha quarter 3 months ago, I was amazed at his determination, I had respected him before, but to wipe out his clan for the sake of the village?, that's the first time I've ever heard of such a thing.

-His talent and success even since the academies has been unrivaled, and his wisdom has reached the highest level since he was 7 years old, I have no doubt that one day he will change the world for the better and even save it," said Hiruzen looking at the fire and thinking as if he was the chosen one Obito paid special attention to it.

The Hokage also said that the last two scrolls that can cause paralysis and the one created by the Uzumaki clan are the last two scrolls he destroyed so that the orange masked man wouldn't get them from Itachi, The Hokage destroyed all the scrolls so that the orange masked man would not get to them, he learned this information from Itachi, and the last two scrolls, he divided, one he gave to Itachi personally, because he thought he would need it in one day, and the second he left to store in the ANBU vault.

End Flashback

I got out of his mind when I found out what I needed from him and sent Kouski back to his world, I gathered up all three of them who were unconscious, opened their eyes with my finger and erased those memories of my encounter, then I started walking back to the rain village, since I had already found out everything I wanted to know, and when they woke up they would think that they had gone to sleep from exhaustion, without remembering anything, and I was still tormented by that feeling of guilt, for attacking Konoha and realizing that the murder of Minato Sensei and his wife Kushina, happened because of me, I would have been better off not attacking Konoha, because I should have created peace even then, but I gave in to my emotions, and this scroll from the Uzumaki clan now I no longer need, I'd better take an example from Koska, even though I'm not in Konoha anymore, but I'll still help them one last time by giving up this decision, while I thought about it I continued walking towards the rain village, jumping from tree to tree.

***

When I got to the village, I climbed to the top and took off my mask, I wondered what the Hokage meant by Itachi saving the world, and why he trusted him with the scroll without hesitation, how could Itachi even know I was going to steal the scroll? because I didn't tell anyone, there's only one explanation, Itachi is the chosen one who traveled through time, the Hokage may have found out somehow, I guess it must have been on one of his missions when he was watching him through his crystal ball, he must have noticed something strange, he told Itachi and he told him, I see... The last time I talked to Itachi, when I was watching him in Konoha, he looked at me like it wasn't the first time, he didn't even blink or look surprised, he probably knows who I am under the mask, I told him about Shisui and he said he had no idea what his reason for revenge was, maybe he was telling the truth, I've heard about time's effects, when you change something, sometimes there's a replacement for it, I think Itachi was in my organization in his first time line, and I learned about time and its effects from the scientists in the Land of Lightning, because Madara's prediction interested me a lot, now I know it's true...

The end of Obito's POV

Obito lunch back his mask, and chuckled a little at being able to find out the probable truth about Itachi, next he went downstairs, he wanted to call a meeting of all the members of Akatsuki, since he had found suitable missions for them.

***

Meanwhile in Konoha, it was now around 12:00, Itachi was still well dressed he had a pure-black cloak, dark blue on the inside, blue-zipper-lock, also the dark cloak glittered with blue sparks in the darkness, now he was standing on the threshold of the forest-death and entered it decisively to find Orochimaru and stop him, from possible consequences.