Chapter 8: The Path of the Living

As the golden light of dawn touched the battlefield, the Edo Tensei Kage stood together one last time. Their forms flickered slightly, the jutsu releasing its hold.

Minato turned to Naruto, offering a small smile. "You've grown strong… stronger than I ever imagined."

Naruto swallowed hard but nodded. "I'll keep getting stronger."

Hashirama chuckled at Sasuke. "You've got a fire in you, kid. Try not to let it burn you out."

Sasuke merely nodded, watching them closely.

One by one, the past Kage gave their farewells. And then, with a final shimmer, they faded into dust, returning to the afterlife.

The silence that followed was heavy.

But it didn't last.

"So," Ay growled. "What do we do about him?"

All eyes turned to Obito.

The once-feared Uchiha stood motionless, his Sharingan dimmed. His body was battered, his breathing uneven. He had done terrible things—no one would deny that. But now, he was defeated, powerless… and alive.

Mei frowned. "He's responsible for this entire war. We should execute him."

Gaara was quieter but firm. "We can't ignore what he's done."

Tsunade sighed. "And yet, if we kill him now, are we any better than he was?"

A tense silence filled the air as the Kage exchanged glances.

Then Kakashi stepped forward.

"I won't let you kill him."

The sharpness in his voice made everyone pause.

"Kakashi…" Tsunade's expression softened, but her voice remained firm.

Kakashi shook his head. "Obito may have done horrible things, but I know him. I know why he became like this. He was manipulated, just like so many others in this war." His voice grew softer. "And… he was my best friend."

Sasuke scoffed. "Killing an Uchiha would be a waste."

Naruto grinned. "Yeah! Besides, Obito's kinda cool."

Everyone turned to him, deadpan. This work was created by shredder121

Naruto scratched his cheek. "What? He's a badass ninja."

Ay growled in frustration. "This isn't about 'cool' or 'not cool'!"

"But it is about justice," Sasuke interjected. "And revenge isn't justice."

Mei hesitated, then sighed. "Tch. This is a mess."

Ōnoki sighed, crossing his arms. "Fine. But he'll be watched."

Naruto and Sasuke grinned. Kakashi simply nodded, relief flashing in his eye.

Obito looked up, his voice hoarse. "…You're all idiots."

Kakashi smiled. "Yeah. But we're your idiots."

The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear—Obito Uchiha would walk the path of the living.

For better or worse.