Two worlds
In the scene, the aged, skeletal-looking old man announced his name – "Uchiha Madara".
Lin didn't recognize the name, but it sounded somewhat familiar. She seemed to have heard it in some historical records of Konoha or in snippets of conversation from the older generation, but her impression was very vague.
Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she finally confirmed one fact: Obito hadn't died. It was this old man who called himself Uchiha Madara who had saved him in that desperate situation.
Logically, Lin should be grateful to the person who saved her companion's life. However, when her gaze fell on that wrinkled face with a burning, obsessive flame in its depths, a strange chill crept up her spine, sending shivers down her spine.
The following scene confirmed her vague unease. Uchiha Madara used some strange method to help Obito regain his mobility, and even seemed to grant him new power. But at the same time, Madara's words, like the whispers of a venomous snake, kept burrowing into the ears of the boy who had just struggled back from the brink of death.
He repeatedly expressed his disappointment with this world full of war and suffering, and described a fantasy paradise he created called "Moon Eye"—where there is only eternal victory and peace, no loss, no sorrow, and everyone will find fulfillment in a beautiful dream.
He saved Obito because he saw potential in him and wanted to mold him into an assistant and successor to carry out this "grand plan".
but--
Despite his broken body, the young Obito in the mirror still had clear and determined eyes. He repeatedly rejected Madara's attempts to seduce him, his only thought being to leave this place and return to Rin and Kakashi's side.
Returning to that world with sunshine and companions, a world that was imperfect yet real. Seeing this, Rin felt a little relieved and also felt gratified and proud of Obito's resilience.
She looked up and glanced at the grown-up "Obito" in reality, who had taken a few steps back and was peeking at her with fearful, guilty, and pitiful eyes.
This made Lin's bad premonition even heavier. She pursed her lips and turned her gaze back to the mirror in her hand.
There's another reason... if you calculate the time... next, it should be... the moment of my own death...
The interplay of light and shadow in the mirror relentlessly pushed time toward that moment she didn't want to recall, yet couldn't avoid.
The scene shifts to that gloomy Forest, where a spell has been placed on her heart. Then, to prevent the enemy from using her to harm the village, she resolutely and deliberately charges into the crackling lightning in Kakashi's hand...
The Obito, who had just exhausted all his strength and finally arrived at the battlefield with the help of his newly acquired power, froze his anxious and worried expression the moment he saw the scene before him—his most cherished Rin was facing Kakashi's lightning. He was then swallowed up by unparalleled shock, bewilderment, and the immense despair that followed, as if the world were collapsing.
Then, Obito in the mirror changed.
Rin witnessed the most unfamiliar Obito in history.
That clumsy, smiling, and hot-blooded boy who always talked about "protecting his comrades" had disappeared. In his place was a "monster" with terrifying eyes, exuding a chilling aura of violence and murderous intent.
He used Wood Release, a technique Rin had never seen before, cruel and efficient, mercilessly and gleefully slaughtering all the Hidden Kirigakure Ninja present.
The purpose of the battle is no longer "protection," but pure destruction and revenge; every strike is filled with hatred that wants to tear everything in front of it to shreds.
Seeing Obito like this, Rin's heart ached so much she could hardly breathe. However, what rose in her heart was neither fear nor disappointment.
It was a bottomless heartache and sorrow, and a self-blame that threatened to drown her.
It was myself... because of my own death...
That's why Obito turned out like this...
How she wished that the scene in the mirror would take a turn for the better—that Obito, after venting his initial grief and anger, would be able to struggle out of the abyss of hatred.
Hopefully, he will eventually choose to return to Konoha, where, under the guidance of Minato-sensei and the care of his comrades, he can slowly heal his wounds and become the Uchiha Obito she knew—perhaps more mature and composed, but still gentle and kind at heart.
In the present world, deep within the underground stronghold of the [Jin] organization in the Land of Hot Water.
The atmosphere in a comfortably furnished room with a separate living area was strangely peculiar.
"... Yes, the test results are correct. Congratulations, you're pregnant!"
A medical Ninja dressed in plain clothes, with skillful techniques, put down the simple testing equipment in his hand and announced the conclusion in a calm tone, but his eyes revealed a subtle emotion that was hard to hide.
"... ah?"
Shisui Uchiha stood by the bedside, listening to this sudden diagnosis. The calm expression he had maintained shattered instantly, leaving only a blank look on his face.
He opened his mouth blankly, but only managed to utter a short, confused gasp, as if he hadn't understood the simple sentence.
The medical Ninja's expression grew even stranger. He had already harbored some suspicions when he was ordered to conduct a routine physical examination on the black-haired woman who was "personally under the care" of the highest-ranking military commander of the [Jin] organization.
The scene before one's eyes... the woman seemingly "confined" here for some reason—it's hard not to think of a scene of forced abduction or robbery.
However, the diagnosis at this moment, and the overwhelming joy on the face of the black-haired woman lying in bed after hearing the words "she's pregnant,"... did not seem like she was unwilling at all.
What exactly is going on here...? Imprisonment? Domestication? Or some kind of... mutual attraction stemming from a peculiar fetish?
The medical Ninja quickly dismissed his increasingly outlandish speculation, deciding to uphold professional ethics and never ask questions he shouldn't. The less he knew about the private affairs of important figures, the better.
"Um, doctor..." Shisui finally found his voice, his throat a little dry. He tried to understand the situation, but his questions sounded even more clumsy. "Excuse me, 'pregnant'... what specific symptoms does that refer to? And what do you mean by 'congratulations'...?"
Before he could finish speaking, the medical Ninja's subtly disdainful gaze silenced him. That look clearly said, "Still playing dumb? Don't you want to take responsibility?"
Shisui suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He realized that if he continued to act like a clueless idiot, the doctor would likely solidify his image as a "scumbag who plays with women's feelings and tries to play dumb to avoid pregnancy."
He forcibly suppressed the turmoil of shock and confusion churning within him, striving to regain his usual composure, and asked in the calmest possible tone.
"... I understand. So... what should I do next?"
Seeing that Shisui had finally admitted his mistake and was willing to take responsibility, the medical Ninja's expression softened slightly. He cleared his throat and began to provide professional guidance.
"First of all, don't be too nervous. It's still early, only about a month away. At this stage, the most important thing is to pay attention to the pregnant woman's emotional regulation, keep a cheerful mood, and try to avoid anxiety and major emotional fluctuations."
He glanced at Uchiha Yū, whose expression remained agitated and who was gently placing her hand on her lower abdomen, then at Shisui, whose movements were visibly stiff despite his efforts to remain calm, and added, "... As your partner, your attitude and support are extremely important."
"Secondly, lifestyle habits. Cigarettes and alcohol must be strictly avoided from now on. Neither the pregnant woman nor you should be exposed to them in her presence."
Shisui nodded numbly, mechanically etching these words into his mind. Smoking and drinking? Neither he nor Yuzu had those habits, so there was no need to worry about that.
"Then, avoid strenuous exercise, but moderate activity is fine. Get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night, and absolutely avoid staying up late. Pay special attention to your diet; avoid raw meat, raw eggs, and unpasteurized dairy products, as these may carry bacteria or parasites..."
The medical Ninja meticulously explained the precautions for early pregnancy, from nutritional supplements to possible early reactions, leaving no detail unattended. Shisui listened intently, chewing over every word, afraid of missing anything.
Until he solemnly handed over the list of prenatal multivitamins and precautions to Shisui, and then Shisui, somewhat absentmindedly, personally escorted him away from this place of confinement, which was like a safe house and a secret love nest.
The heavy door closed gently, shutting out the outside world.
Shisui stood alone in place, looking down at the few small bottles of vitamin pills in his hand and the list full of taboos and instructions. The pills felt real, yet they still gave him a strong sense of unreality.
She's pregnant... Yu... is she pregnant? And it's her own...?
I'm... going to be a dad?!
This realization finally broke through the barriers and clearly emerged on the surface of Shisui's consciousness.