The pale blue chakra sphere hovered quietly in Obito's palm, its intricate lines shimmering within, radiating a dangerous light.
Taking a deep breath, Obito began infusing the Rasengan with Fire Release chakra.
Fire Release was his strongest elemental transformation. Inspired by Minato, he had spent a month of intense training to master the Rasengan and was now attempting to combine it with Fire Release.
As the fire-element chakra entered the Rasengan, faint streaks of crimson began to appear, gradually dyeing the entire sphere fiery red. In no time, the Rasengan resembled a burning orb.
Feeling the heat emanating from the Fire Release Rasengan, Obito focused intently, working hard to maintain its form.
"Did it work?" Seeing the stable form of the Fire Release Rasengan in his hand, Obito's eyes lit up with excitement. However, the next second, the Rasengan suddenly began to expand and distort.
"Huh?"
Obito's expression shifted, and before he could react, the Fire Release Rasengan exploded. The force of the blast sent him flying into a tree, eliciting a low grunt of pain.
Slumped against the tree, Obito grimaced as he looked at his badly burned right hand. With a wry smile, he muttered, "No point in using salve now… I'll have to go to the hospital."
As a member of the Uchiha clan, which specialized in Fire Release, they had developed a special ointment for treating burns. It was usually used to assist in fire-release training. However, for burns of Obito's severity, professional medical attention was necessary.
At that moment, soft footsteps approached from his right. Startled, Obito turned toward the sound.
"Rin? What are you doing here?" Upon seeing who it was, Obito's pain-stricken face lit up with joy as he hurriedly stood.
Rin didn't reply immediately. She focused on Obito's badly burned hand, walked over, and placed her hands above it. A soothing green chakra glow enveloped her palms.
"Rin…" Obito looked down at her as she treated his burns, a warm smile spreading across his face. Maybe this is what happiness feels like.
Under Rin's healing, Obito's hand fully recovered. It was evident that her mastery of medical ninjutsu had greatly improved.
Retracting her hands, Rin gave him a slightly reproachful look. "Even during training, you need to know your limits. Look at your hand, it was practically destroyed."
Obito laughed sheepishly and boasted, "I'm going to be Hokage someday. A little injury like this is nothing!"
"That doesn't mean you can be careless," Rin said sternly.
Obito's laughter gradually faded as his expression turned serious. "Guy's been training like a maniac, and Kakashi too. How can I let myself fall behind? Rin…"
He lowered his gaze to his hands. "That man made me realize something: to protect what's precious, you need to have great strength. If…" He raised his head and looked at Rin earnestly. "If I can't even protect you, how could I possibly claim to be Hokage? I never want to feel that powerless again."
Hearing his words, Rin's eyes widened slightly, and her heartbeat quickened.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled. "Do your best."
"Yeah!"
Obito grinned broadly, nodding with determination.
"By the way, don't you have to go to Kushina-sensei today?" Obito suddenly asked.
Rin shook her head gently, smiling. "Kushina-sensei seems to have something else to do today, so she told me not to come."
"I see," Obito said, rubbing his chin.
"Obito, I'll train with you today," Rin offered after a moment's thought. With her around, she could heal him immediately if he got hurt.
"Huh?" Obito's eyes lit up with joy. "Great!"
With Rin nearby, Obito could practice the Fire Release Rasengan without any reservations.
Watching Obito's elated expression, Rin silently resolved to push herself harder: Kakashi and Obito are both giving it their all. I can't fall behind either.
.....
At the Gates of Konoha
The main gate of Konoha opened onto a straight, flat road lined with tall green trees on either side.
Jiraiya, carrying a simple travel pack, stood before the gate. In front of him were Minato, Kushina, and Tsunade.
"This is just a routine journey. No need to make such a big deal out of it—you're embarrassing me!" Jiraiya laughed heartily, glancing at the three of them.
"Jiraiya-sensei…" Minato hesitated, his words trailing off.
"Minato, you know this is something I have to do. It's not a small matter," Jiraiya said, his laughter fading as he looked at Minato seriously.
Minato's expression shifted slightly. With a quiet sigh, he nodded. "I understand."
Two months ago, during the Eastern District battle, both Minato and Jiraiya had witnessed Ye Zi's transformation. The sight immediately brought to mind the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage.
At first, when they thought of a "snake," Jiraiya had leaned toward Orochimaru. But after seeing Ye Zi's Sage Mode transformation, they couldn't help but associate the black serpent in the prophecy with Ye Zi.
No matter how they interpreted it, Ye Zi was now a dangerous individual, and the organization he belonged to was even more so.
"Jiraiya, be careful," Tsunade said solemnly.
"Whoa, are you actually worried about me?" Jiraiya's eyes widened in mock surprise, a grin spreading across his face.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, glaring at him. "That Ye Zi is incredibly dangerous. Be cautious in everything you do."
Standing beside Tsunade, Kushina kept her gaze lowered, her emotions complicated.
Jiraiya glanced at Kushina briefly before turning back to Tsunade. With a serious expression, he said, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
He understood the danger Ye Zi posed, but despite the risks, someone had to investigate Akatsuki and Ye Zi's background.
"Kushina, take care," Jiraiya said, offering her a small smile.
Kushina looked up and returned the smile. "Be safe, Jiraiya-sensei."
Jiraiya turned, heading down the wide road. Raising a hand in farewell, he called back cheerfully, "Wait for my good news!"
The three of them watched silently as Jiraiya's figure grew smaller, disappearing into the distance.
"Lady Tsunade, Kushina, I have some matters to attend to," Minato said, breaking the silence.
"Go ahead," Tsunade nodded.
"Take care," Kushina added with a smile.
Minato smiled faintly. Without any visible movement, he vanished from the spot, using the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his office.
After Minato left, Tsunade turned her gaze back toward the end of the road, her expression somewhat complicated.
"Tsunade-sensei," Kushina said, tilting her head to look at Tsunade's pensive face.
"Kushina, everyone has something they are meant to do," Tsunade said, her eyes fixed ahead.
Kushina blinked in surprise, then slowly nodded.
Something they are meant to do…
"Let's go back to the hospital," Tsunade suddenly said, turning on her heel and striding back toward the village.
After reuniting with Dan, who had been brought back through Edo Tensei, she now clearly understood her purpose.
People can grieve for the deceased, but they cannot remain stuck in the past because of them.
Ye Zi was far too powerful. With her current abilities, there was no way she could avenge Dan and Shizune. What she could do now was help the village by training more medical ninjas.
That was… the will of Nawaki and Dan.
Kushina silently followed Tsunade, and the two walked side by side toward the hospital.
"Ye Zi…"
Kushina softly whispered his name in her heart.
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