Chapter 476: Kakashi's Crush, Obito's Obsession

Fugaku Uchiha couldn't help but suspect that the clan might have spies planted by Takuya or the village leadership.

Otherwise, how would Takuya know about the hawkish elders within the clan?

Could it be Mikoto?

No, she hadn't participated in any of the private gatherings.

So who could it be?

It seemed that internal clan matters required immediate attention. They couldn't afford any trouble.

While concerned, Fugaku also felt a sense of relief.

Takuya's words were clear: as long as the Uchiha didn't cause trouble, Tsunade would mediate on their behalf, and the higher-ups wouldn't increase the pressure on them.

Other issues could only be addressed when the timing was right.

After all, Tsunade had yet to officially assume the position of Fourth Hokage.

Holding power didn't mean every decision she made represented the authority of the Hokage. Only after formally taking the mantle would she have full legitimacy.

Fugaku decided he needed a detailed discussion with Takuya. He asked Mikoto to arrange a meeting.

In the garden outside Takuya's residence, a lively barbecue party was underway.

Kushina had even invited her clan members, and aside from those tied up with work, nearly everyone attended.

Unfortunately, Nawaki, who was stuck keeping an eye on Danzo in prison, had no chance to join the festivities.

Even Mikoto, who had initially returned to her duties at the Konoha Police Force, took leave to attend after hearing about the gathering. Fugaku, with a knowing smile, not only approved her leave but granted her additional days off, ostensibly to let her rest—but anyone could see his ulterior motive.

The party was cheerful, filled with laughter, though the antics of a few rowdy kids running around and yelling made Takuya's eyelid twitch.

No matter the world, mischievous kids—especially those a few years old—were always a headache.

Mikoto gently dabbed the sweat from Takuya's forehead with a handkerchief and handed him a chilled drink, speaking softly:

"The patriarch wants to meet with you."

Takuya took a long sip from the straw, flipped the skewers on the grill, and brushed on more oil. Clicking his tongue, he replied:

"Tell him we'll talk later. It's still too soon. As long as the Uchiha don't stir up trouble, the village won't add pressure on them. This is a win-win situation. I trust the clan leader can manage it."

It seemed the hawkish elders in the Uchiha clan would be having a hard time soon.

Mikoto, however, didn't feel any sympathy for them. Her job was to deliver the message; whether Takuya chose to meet Fugaku or not was up to him.

Once Tsunade's portion of the barbecue was packed into a container, Takuya handed over grilling duties to Minato, who had spent the entire afternoon happily eating with his girlfriend.

Scanning the area, Takuya spotted Kakashi sitting alone in a corner, his gaze fixed on someone. A mischievous glint flashed in Takuya's eyes.

He walked over, clapped a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, and teased:

"Not bad! Bringing your girlfriend to the party, huh?"

"What? No, I didn't!"

Kakashi turned bright red, immediately shaking his head in denial.

Inviting his students to the party was only natural, but Takuya hadn't expected Kakashi—a typically reserved boy—to bring a girl along.

That girl was none other than Rin Nohara, the one who always held a special place in Obito's heart.

At the moment, Rin was patiently entertaining the rowdy kids, her gentle demeanor shining through.

If it were Takuya, he wouldn't last five minutes in her place.

"She's been worried about Obito," Kakashi admitted sheepishly. "He hasn't been coming to class lately, and Rin's been upset. I thought bringing her here might cheer her up."

"If she's not your girlfriend, then why are you blushing?"

Takuya raised an eyebrow, making Kakashi squirm uncomfortably as though sitting on a chair full of nails.

"Alright, I'll stop teasing you," Takuya said with a smirk. "How's your training coming along? There's a practical exam later, and don't expect Pakura to go easy on you."

Takuya had long delegated Kakashi's practical assessments to Pakura, who followed his instructions rigorously.

Other than refraining from causing serious injury, her approach to training was simple—hit hard!

"I won't disappoint you, sensei," Kakashi said, his expression turning serious.

"Good. Just keep your head on straight."

Though Kakashi often seemed aloof, he had a surprisingly thin skin, blushing easily when caught off guard.

As for Rin…

Takuya didn't know what to make of this kind-hearted, naive girl.

She was warm and caring, almost to a fault, embodying the qualities of the perfect girl next door. Anyone she considered a friend could count on her support.

But this trait often caused problems.

Her warmth could give others the mistaken impression that she had romantic feelings for them.

Take her relationships with Kakashi and Obito, for example.

Rin seemed drawn to Kakashi, admiring his strength and often staying close to him.

Yet she was equally gentle and kind to Obito, offering him comfort and encouragement.

In many ways, Rin was like a radiant sun, shining her warmth on everyone in need.

While Mikoto's kindness was reserved for those she cared about, maintaining a polite distance from others, Rin treated everyone with the same boundless compassion.

And therein lay the problem.

"That girl has a wonderful personality—she reminds me of myself," Mikoto said with a smile, noticing Takuya's gaze lingering on Rin.

"No, it's different."

Takuya shook his head.

"Your kindness is selective, reserved for me and your family. Hers… it's like the sun, shining on everyone."

"Uh…"

Mikoto was taken aback by the comparison.

A sun that radiates its light to everyone?

Thinking about it, there was some truth to it.

Mikoto began to feel sympathy for anyone who fell for Rin.

While Kakashi sat in a daze, his thoughts elsewhere, Obito's situation was far bleaker.

Abducted by Black Zetsu, Obito found himself imprisoned in an underground chamber.

Groggy and confused, he awoke to see an unnervingly old man dressed in ominous attire—a man who looked so terrifying he almost wet himself.

That man turned out to be Madara Uchiha, someone Obito knew from clan history.

At first, Obito thought Madara was the Grim Reaper, come to take him to the afterlife.

But once things were explained, Obito's fears subsided.

Madara wasn't the Grim Reaper, nor was he there to kill Obito. Instead, he droned on about topics Obito barely understood.

What a waste of breath!

After hours of ranting, Madara realized Obito wasn't grasping the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, a single comment from Black Zetsu—about Kakashi and Rin attending a party and having fun—had a much greater impact.

Hearing this, Obito was utterly devastated.

The thought of being trapped in this dark, lifeless space while Rin, the girl he adored, became someone else's girlfriend—or worse, someone else's wife—tore him apart.

It was proof that the simpler a person's mind and the deeper their obsession, the easier they were to manipulate.

******

Since you have fulfilled half of our agreement by giving me 200 Power Stones, here are five chapters for you to enjoy.

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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 550+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.