After emerging from the Kamui Dimension, Obito could no longer sense Minato's presence. He guessed that Minato had already returned to the base and decided to head back himself. There were still plenty of matters to settle. Having swallowed up such a vast territory in one go, he was bound to have plenty to deal with as Hokage.
Just as Obito was about to return to the base, he noticed Xue Bingning, who looked utterly lifeless. He slowly walked over to her. Looking at this woman who no longer had any attachment to the world, he felt as though he were seeing his former self.
With a hint of sorrow, Obito said, "Right now, you're trapped in darkness, without a trace of light in your heart. Your lover and your family are dead, and those left behind suffer the most. I was once just like you, trapped in darkness, unable to see even the faintest glimmer of light. But Naruto changed all that. Now I can see the light, and as time passes, it keeps growing brighter. Yet nothing can erase what I went through. I'm still the man who dwells in darkness. The only difference is that I can now see the light. I want to protect that hard-won light in my heart, so... I'm sorry."
Obito extended a hand and slowly lowered it over Xue Bingning's head. Her eyes remained utterly lifeless, as though nothing in this world could stir her heart anymore.
Obito sighed. "Nothing is worse than a heart that has died. I sympathize with what you've suffered, but I can't let you live. I hope you won't meet us again in your next life. Go in peace."
As Obito's hand hovered over Xue Bingning's head, flames instantly engulfed her. In an instant, she turned to