Obito Makes His Move

Konoha's Eighth Training Ground.

Kai looked up blankly at Yohei, then at Taiichi, scratching his head somewhat embarrassedly. "Ah? Hidden injury? It's alright, Senior Yohei! My body is a youthful physique forged through countless trials!"

Taiichi glanced at Yohei, understood his intention, and nodded. "Alright, it'll be more reassuring to check. Kai, give me your hand."

Upon hearing Taiichi's words, Kai immediately obediently extended his wrist.

Taiichi placed his fingers on Kai's pulse point, and a warm and peaceful Yang Release Chakra slowly entered Kai's body, carefully traveling through his meridians, muscles, and bones.

After a moment, Taiichi withdrew his hand. "There are indeed some minor strains, mainly concentrated in a few joints and muscle groups that have been overused, all accumulated from high-intensity training. Fortunately, I'm young and have strong recovery abilities, so it hasn't developed into a real problem yet."

As he spoke, a soft green light emanated from his palm as he gently massaged Kai's shoulders and knees, focusing on several key areas.

As a warm and comfortable energy flowed in, Kaden felt the subtle soreness from years of training rapidly dissipate, and his body felt as if it were enveloped in a hot spring, an indescribable comfort.

"Wow! That's amazing, Taiichi! Is it really that effective? I feel so much lighter!" Kai exclaimed in surprise.

"In the future, pay attention to the balance between work and rest during training. Stretching and recovery after training are equally important," Taiichi instructed, withdrawing his hand.

Seeing the positive results of Kai's treatment, a glimmer of anticipation flashed in Yohei's eyes. He looked at Taiichi without speaking, but his eyes said it all.

Taiichi naturally understood. He looked at Yohei, smiled slightly, and said calmly, "Relax, Yohei."

Under Kai's curious gaze, Taiichi stretched out his hands, his index and middle fingers together, gathering a more concentrated and purer Yang Release Chakra at his fingertips than when he had just healed Kai. He gently pressed his fingers around Yohei's eyes.

Yohei closed his eyes and relaxed his mind and body. The incomparably pure Yang Release Chakra, like the gentlest warm current, slowly seeped into the meridians of his eyes, enveloping those Mangekyō Sharingan and whose vision was beginning to decline.

Wherever the Chakra passes, the minor damage caused by overuse of the pupil's power, the blocked meridians, and the tired nerves are all gently repaired, cleared, and nourished, just like parched land receiving sweet rain.

An indescribable sense of comfort spread through my eyes, dispelling the long-standing soreness and blurriness, and the world seemed to become clearer and brighter in an instant.

A few minutes later, Taiichi withdrew his hand, the light at his fingertips fading. Yohei slowly opened his eyes, a hint of surprise and gratitude flashing in them. "I feel so much better! My vision is much clearer, and that heavy fatigue has lessened considerably! Taiichi, thank you!"

Taiichi: "You should be careful with your Mangekyo; your eyesight has deteriorated even more lately."

His tone became serious, "My current Yang Release Nature Transformation has reached a bottleneck. I estimate that once my Yang Release breaks through again, I should be able to completely solve this problem."

He paused, looked into Yohei's eyes, and added earnestly, "Of course, the best medicine is always yourself. Continuously train your body and mind, constantly improve your physical strength and mental power, so that they are strong enough to bear the burden of the Mangekyo. This is the most fundamental solution. A strong physique and spirit are the best containers."

Yohei nodded vigorously, remembering Taiichi's words. "I understand! I will train even harder!"

Kai, who was standing to the side, witnessed the whole thing. He stared wide-eyed at Yohei and then at Taiichi, his face full of amazement, but he didn't have many questions.

He was simple-minded and only thought that Taiichi's medical skills were truly miraculous, even able to heal the Sharingan of the Uchiha; no wonder he was Konoha's "White Reaper".

As for the meaning behind this? He only felt Taiichi Taiyi's willingness to treat Yohei in front of him meant that he trusted him and regarded him as a true friend and partner.

This trust warmed Kai's heart.

Taiichi understood immediately upon seeing Kai's reaction.

He is no longer worried about his ability to heal the Uchiha Mangekyo being leaked.

His strength, status, relationship with the Hokage, and contributions to the village all gave him sufficient confidence and authority.

Sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling on the three young people.

"Let's go," Taiichi patted the two on the shoulder, his smile relaxed. "After exercising, it's time to replenish our energy. I know a shop that makes pretty good dumplings."

"Oh! Dumplings! Replenish your youthful energy!" Kai responded immediately, becoming energetic again.

Yohei also stood up with a smile, "This time it's on me, to thank the 'miracle doctor' for his help."

The three chatted and laughed, their figures gradually blending into the warm sunlight and lively atmosphere of Konoha.

The Land of Earth, Iwagakure.

Deep within the village lies a mansion far more spacious and structurally complex than ordinary dwellings, belonging to Iwagakure, one of the elders of Toki Kengo.

At this moment, the old man, who usually had sharp eyes and was quite respected in the village, sat on a heavy wooden chair with lifeless eyes, his posture stiff, like a soulless stone puppet.

A ripple spread through the air, and space twisted and spun like water with a pebble thrown in. A figure silently emerged from the vortex of space.

He wore an orange Spiral Mask, revealing only one deep, cold Sharingan. The scarlet pupil was so dazzling in the dim light. This was Obito Uchiha.

He surveyed the secret room belonging to the elder of Iwagakure, the light sweeping across the tapestry symbolizing the will of earth hanging on the wall before finally settling on Toki Kengo.

There was no trace of pride in controlling an elder in that Sharingan, only an almost bone-chilling, icy hatred.

"Hmph, Iwagakure— " Obito's voice was low and hoarse, coming from beneath his mask, with a metallic quality, each syllable seemingly chewing on hatred, "This nauseating earthy smell."

"Oh dear, it's starting again."

A mocking voice suddenly seeped from the ground at Obito's feet, and the white, clay-like substance quickly rose up, transforming into a half-black, half-white creature topped with a pitcher plant.

He chuckled and swayed, "Every time you come here, you complain about the smelly air, the sharp stones, and even the wind smells of sand. Obito- san, you're not here to infiltrate and carry out your plan, you're clearly here for revenge, aren't you?"

Using public office to settle personal scores, using public office to settle personal scores!

Obito's brows furrowed deeply beneath his mask, Sharingan coldly swept over White Zetsu: "Shut up, White Zetsu. What do you know?"

"I know a lot!" White Zetsu didn't care about Obito's cold look and counted on his fingers, "Look, look: last time you came, you could only pitifully shrink into an ordinary villager's house, gnawing on hard dry food, listening to the neighbor's child crying, feeling terribly frustrated."

And this time? Heh, you directly controlled an elder from Iwagakure and moved into his mansion. This improvement in treatment is just because you hate Iwagakure so much that you have to cause some big trouble to vent your anger!

"What White Zetsu said isn't entirely unreasonable." Another, more composed voice rang out, White Zetsu's will was suppressed, and Black Zetsu took control of his body.

"Obito, your hatred is too intense. While it can bring destruction, it can also easily burn you and expose our presence. Rin's tragedy did indeed occur on a battlefield dominated by Iwagakure, but clinging to it will interfere with the grand objective of the Eye of the Moon Plan."

"Interference?" Obito turned around abruptly, a feeling of embarrassment spreading through him as if his thoughts had been seen through. However, he quickly composed himself and stared intently at Zetsu with his Sharingan.

"How can this be called interference? I was just preparing in advance." His voice carried a twisted, obsessive tone.

"Isn't capturing the Tailed Beast the core of the plan? The Jinchuriki of the Four-Tails and the Five-Tails are in Iwagakure! I'm controlling this old man to obtain the most crucial information, find the most opportune moment, and pave the way for capturing the Tailed Beast in the future! Isn't this the most efficient approach? Am I supposed to just wander around Iwagakure like a headless fly?"

He spoke faster and faster, as if using vehement words to persuade someone, "How can Jinchuriki run rampant in Iwagakure? Ha, isn't this one of the best strategies to weaken Iwagakure, create chaos, and facilitate our future actions? A win-win situation! How can this be considered settling a personal score?!"

He practically forced out the last few words through gritted teeth, his voice tinged with the embarrassment and anger of someone whose thoughts had been nearly exposed.

White Zetsu exaggeratedly covered his mouth. "Wow, what a powerful aura! What a legitimate reason! Obito is right, we're all doing this for the Eye of the Moon, for world peace! It's not because of some little girl that we want to blow this lousy village to smithereens! Absolutely not!"

His tone was full of sarcasm.

No sooner had White Zetsu finished his teasing remark than Black Zetsu's heavy voice followed. He didn't refute further, but simply said in a low voice, "I hope so. But remember, the Tsuchikage Ōnoki is no easy opponent; his strength and wisdom should not be underestimated. This elder's value lies in his identity and intelligence network; you must use them carefully."

Obito's chest heaved as he forcefully suppressed his surging emotions. He ignored the White Zetsu's incessant chatter and turned to Toki Kengo.

The crimson Sharingan suddenly shone with an eerie light, and the three Tomoe slowly rotated.

"Toki Kengo." Obito's voice, carrying an unquestionable will, directly penetrated the depths of the elder's mind, which was controlled by the Genjutsu.

The previously empty gaze seemed to show a very faint reaction, and Elder Toki sat up a little straighter, but he was still lifeless.

"Tell me, what do you know about the two Jinchuriki? What is their relationship with Ōnoki? What have they been up to lately?" Obito's question went straight to the heart of the matter.

Toki Kengo's lips moved slightly, his voice dry and flat, like a broken phonograph. "Han— Steam Ninja —a sense of responsibility—loyalty to the village—no particular opinion about Ōnoki."

"Rōshi - powerful - stubborn, free-spirited and rebellious - dislikes making promises - loyal to his son - but harbors resentment towards the Lord Tsuchikage - " His words were broken and intermittent, clearly he was trying to dig out information from the depths of his memory while being manipulated.

"A grudge? What's the specific reason?" Obito pressed.

"Rōshi believes that the Lord Tsuchikage too conservative, which has restricted his power. Previously, there were actions against Konoha, and he wanted to participate, but was forcibly suppressed in the name of stability, leading to resentment and pent-up anger."

Toki's voice carried a hint of uncertainty, clearly indicating that this information was not entirely public, but rather his speculation based on observations and private channels.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Obito. Discontent? Suppression? The conflict between conservatism and radicalism? This was a golden opportunity!

"Very good." Obito's voice carried a hint of cruel excitement. "Then, using your identity and connections, subtly pass on some 'interesting' information to Rōshi, while also inadvertently letting the Tsuchikage know about it."

He took a step closer, the light from his Sharingan almost piercing Toki's soul. "For example— the Lord Tsuchikage believes that the power of the Jinchuriki is too dangerous and difficult to control, and is secretly assessing whether to restrict the Jinchuriki's actions."

For example, Rōshi privately expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Tsuchikage's decisions, and even showed signs of slipping out of control.

The wording should be vague, the source should be hidden, it should be omnipresent, yet its origin should be elusive.

"Yes—" Toki Kengo replied blankly, his mind completely dominated by Obito's Genjutsu, becoming a perfect mouthpiece and a seed planter of conspiracy.

"Furthermore," Obito added, his voice growing colder, "Closely monitor Rōshi's every move, especially his emotional fluctuations and Chakra changes. Look for an opportunity when he might leave the village to carry out a mission, or—when his emotions are at their most unstable."

A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes. "If we could make that burning monster break free of its cage in the village, the scene would be... truly 'spectacular'."

White Zetsu squirmed excitedly beside him. "Wow! Sowing discord, adding fuel to the fire! Obito- san, that's a really vicious trick! But I love it! Letting Iwagakure members fight each other is much easier than us doing it ourselves!"

Black Zetsu calmly reminded them, "The risk still exists. If things go wrong, the Tsuchikage can find you through the spread of rumors, which will alert the enemy and affect our subsequent plans."

"Risk and reward go hand in hand," Obito coldly. He walked to the only small window in the secret room and looked out at the gray Iwagakure through the narrow crack in the stone.

"We can't just stand still because of a little risk; how can our plan be executed then?" A crimson glint flashed in his Sharingan, his words tinged with smugness.

"Furthermore, he is a fine sword. If used well, he can severely injure Iwagakure. Even if the plan is not perfect, it can still tear a rift within Iwagakure, creating an opportunity to seize the Five-Tails in the future."

Even if Ōnoki sees through their scheme, Toki Kengo will be the perfect shield. Everyone will simply see it as another power struggle within Iwagakure.

Black Zetsu remained silent. Although Obito's plan was hasty, as he said, there is no perfect plan in the world.

If you have a certain degree of confidence in success and it won't cause you much harm, then take action. No matter what, taking action will bring rewards.

Just like their previous operation in the Land of Hot Water, they even managed to recruit a Blood Crow as a henchman.

While Obito was preparing for his plan, Nagato and Konan were also busy.

Currently, Nagato only Pain his Outer Path Puppet, which greatly limits his combat power. The Rinnegan can create six Outer Path Puppet, so he must now strive to improve his combat power.