Chapter 182: The Main Plot Begins

In the pavilion.

Jiraiya stood, watching the despondent Tsunade.

He removed his outer cloak and gently draped it over her shoulders before turning to leave with a bittersweet smile.

'Dan, in her heart, I'll never compare to you...' he murmured softly.

In Tsunade's darkest moments, it was Dan who had illuminated her world.

Even after his passing, his light still outshone everyone else.

When it came to love, attraction and support often triumphed over protection and devotion.

How many childhood sweethearts had lost to the spark of love at first sight?

[A/N: The timeline is still over a decade away from Jiraiya's canonical death. Thus, his rejection here fits naturally into the story. For readers tired of the romance subplot, we'll now dive into the main plot!]

...

In the Hokage's office.

Minato stared at the man standing before him, his expression dazed.

It was hard to reconcile this imposing, authoritative figure with the tardy, sometimes tearful little boy he once trained.

"Obito, it seems you've been through quite a lot these past few years," Minato remarked with a sigh.

"Heh heh heh," Obito chuckled sheepishly.

Minato smiled faintly, clasping his hands in front of him.

"There's no need for formalities between us. Let's get straight to the point."

"The mercenary group 'Yoru' that's gained fame across the ninja world appears to be evolving into a threat to the villages. Are you aware of this, or perhaps... involved?"

Obito scratched his head with a sheepish grin and nodded.

"Ah, as expected, I couldn't hide it from you, Sensei.

Yes, I'm deeply involved—actually, I'm the one who founded the 'Yoru' organization."

What?!

Minato's face froze in shock, his thoughts a storm of disbelief.

The infamous organization that had thrown the ninja villages into chaos...

was created by his own student?!

"You're not joking, are you, Obito?" Minato asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Obito's playful demeanor faded as he responded seriously.

"I'm not joking, Sensei. I created 'Yoru' with my own hands."

Minato felt a wave of dizziness.

He had suspected Obito's involvement with the organization, but he had never imagined his student was its leader.

After a long pause, Minato regained his composure and asked wryly,

"Why, Obito? Can you explain why you did this?"

Obito nodded solemnly.

"This world doesn't sit well with me, so I want to remake it. Establishing my own power was the first step in that direction."

He smiled innocently.

"It might seem a bit... forceful, but it'll get the job done quickly!"

Minato, knowing Obito's eccentric nature, wasn't surprised by the audacity of his ambitions. However, he feared his student might be a pawn in someone else's scheme—possibly Uchiha Madara's.

So, he asked directly, "Have you been in contact with Uchiha Madara?"

Based on the intelligence provided by Sakumo and Fugaku, Minato was sure Obito had encountered the resurrected Madara.

But the exact nature of their relationship was something only Obito could clarify.

Meeting Minato's gaze, Obito cheerfully admitted,

"Yeah, we've been in contact. That old man insisted on calling me his grandson, so I played along and infiltrated his inner circle. Lately, I've been trying to talk some sense into him, but if he doesn't cooperate, well... I'll have to take him out."

Minato was left utterly speechless.

This plot twist was too absurd—even by the standards of a novel!

"Obito, you..." Minato began, but the sheer number of things he wanted to address left him tongue-tied.

His student had not only cozied up to an enemy but also intended to reform him—or eliminate him if necessary.

After a deep sigh, Minato finally asked,

"Do you have confidence in this, Obito?"

Obito thumped his chest confidently.

"Of course, Sensei! Don't you know me by now? I never do things half-heartedly!"

Minato shook his head, his expression serious.

"That's exactly why I'm worried, Obito. Your actions have already alarmed the entire ninja world.

As Hokage, I can't allow you to continue unchecked... do you understand?"

Obito understood the underlying message.

Raising a finger, he proposed with a grin,

"Sensei, give me one more year. If I can't accomplish what I've set out to do within that time, I'll return to Konoha, hand over all my resources, and work with the village to deal with Uchiha Madara."

Minato considered this and found it acceptable.

"I can give you a year, but I need key information now. Without it, I won't be able to justify this to others."

Obito nodded and shared the intelligence Minato needed.

...

Six months later.

In Uchiha Madara's secret base.

As Obito arrived, he was greeted by Madara's booming laughter.

"Ah, Obito, you're just in time! The Three-Tails has been revived, and our plan can finally begin!"

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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