Tsukuyomi Appeared Again

Trading injuries was hardly a wise way to fight. A ninja's ability to kill far exceeded his ability to defend himself, and a single hit could mean death.

But with the First Hokage's cells, things were different. Besides, Obito had twisted his body as far as he could. The short blade had missed his heart and every other vital spot.

His goal was simple: use the power of his Mangekyō Sharingan to activate Kamui and tear Uchiha Itachi's head off. At this range, with Itachi having just used Amaterasu, victory was his.

His Sharingan fixed on Itachi's head, on that hateful face. He had no time to hesitate. He activated Kamui.

Space warped before his eyes. Uchiha Itachi's face began to look unnatural, though those Sharingan still shone a vivid red, so bright.

Obito found that strange. The Sharingan did not normally glow, unless...

"Tsukuyomi!"

He heard Uchiha Itachi's sudden shout, and his pupils widened. All night, Uchiha Itachi had not used that power.

Ever since the fight with Nagato began, Obito had been waiting for Itachi to use Tsukuyomi. As he saw it, the Rinnegan offered little resistance to Genjutsu. If Tsukuyomi could affect Nagato, Itachi would surely use it.

But Nagato seemed to know about Uchiha Itachi's abilities. He had been clever enough to avoid meeting Itachi's eyes, keeping clear of the Sharingan's gaze.

Lin did not answer. The two Uchiha Itachis, however, both reacted. They turned their heads together, one staring at Uchiha Obito's face, the other at Lin.

Obito let out a long breath. Lin's willingness to speak to him was wonderful news. There had to be another reason she had turned away.

Lin's voice was low. She did not turn to look at Obito as she spoke.

"Why should I help you?" Lin gave a