"Obito... Hang in there. We're almost back at the Hidden Leaf Village!"
"?"
Obito Uchiha felt uncomfortable all over, and his consciousness was far from clear. Yet that familiar voice gave him an overwhelming sense of reassurance.
He forced his eyes open. The scene before him was blurry, but ahead seemed to be the Konoha Gate he knew so well.
"Back in the Hidden Leaf Village..."
He sank into darkness once more. When he regained consciousness again, he found himself lying in a hospital.
Gravely injured, with nearly half his body crippled, Obito endured unimaginable pain. His injuries were too severe for him to continue being a ninja, and his dream of becoming Hokage grew ever more distant.
"Don't worry, Obito. Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, is the greatest medical ninja in the ninja world. I'll definitely find her and ask her to heal you!"
Kakashi stood beside the hospital bed, thumping his chest as he made that promise. A sliver of hope rekindled in Obito's heart.
"Even if Kakashi can't find her, I'll work hard to become an even better medical ninja and heal you!"
Rin made the same promise at his side, then proved through her actions that they were not empty words.
Kakashi brought back Tsunade, who had been away from the Hidden Leaf Village for many years, and asked her to treat the severely injured Obito. The treatment was successful. Though he could not return to his absolute healthiest state, Obito had another chance to continue being a ninja.
Rin also diligently studied Medical Ninjutsu, constantly searching for a way to let Obito fully recover.
The years passed. The three companions went through countless experiences, and after overcoming innumerable hardships, Obito not only became the Hidden Leaf Village's finest ninja, but even became the Hokage