A Temporary Farewell

The boundless space was eerily silent at that moment.

Obito stared blankly ahead, Rin's words echoing in his mind, lost in thought for a long time.

Rin stood beside him, her face still bearing that gentle smile, as if waiting for Obito to slowly come to his senses.

After a long while, Obito opened his mouth with difficulty, his voice hoarse and strained:

"Lin, is the only reason you're unwilling to be resurrected... just because of this?"

"To... stay with me?"

Lin reached out and tapped her chin with her slender fingers, as if she were seriously considering the question.

"Hmm... While that's not the only reason, it's not wrong to say that."

She tilted her head and said with a smile:

"After all, you've always been afraid of being alone, haven't you?"

As she spoke, Rin reached out and gently stroked Obito's messy, spiky hair.

Her fingers ran through the stray strands of hair, and she blinked naturally.

"Besides, I've been watching you here for a very, very long time."

If you weren't in that future, I would definitely feel very uneasy.

"Let me continue to stay by your side, Obito."

At this point, Rin paused, a hint of expectation appearing in her eyes as she looked at Obito:

"Just like before."

"I, I..."

Hearing the girl's sincere words, Obito's eyes welled up with tears.

He quickly raised his hand, rubbed the back of his hand against his eye socket twice, and spoke haltingly, his voice choked with emotion:

"Lin, you... you really didn't need to do that."

"To be able to see you in my final moments, and to talk to you like this, is, for me, the best possible ending."

Obito the surging emotions within him, and hoping to win back the girl's heart, Obito solemnly said:

"Rin, although I couldn't have a proper chat with Kakashi before the end, being able to reunite with you in front of Kokoro before leaving this world... that's enough for me."

"I will never be alone, being able to leave under your watchful eyes."

He looked at Lin, his words even carrying a hint of pleading:

"So, you don't need to..."

"You don't need to say anything more, Obito."

Rin decisively interrupted him before he could finish speaking, and seeing Obito's uneasy expression, calmly said:

"This decision wasn't made suddenly; I've had this idea for a long time after learning about your plans."

"I have no regrets about dying to protect my comrades."

So... you don't need to try to persuade me anymore.

As she spoke, Rin slowly removed her hand from Obito's head and stroked his slightly immature cheek.

"Now, you should be able to respect other people's ideas, just like before, right?"

Feeling the complex look in Obito, she said earnestly:

"No matter what world I'm in, I will always be by your side watching over you, just like we promised."

"This is what I want to do most right now."

Hearing Rin's resolute words, Obito seemed unable to control the surging emotions in his heart any longer. He tightly grasped the small hand that was stroking his face, and two streams of hot tears flowed from his eyes.

Tears streamed down his cheeks, seeping through his fingers into their tightly clasped hands.

At this moment, it was impossible to tell which was hotter, the large palm or the tears.

"Lin, I'm sorry... really, I'm so sorry..."

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..."

Rin felt the warmth from Obito's hand, said nothing, but looked into Obito's guilty eyes and naturally snuggled closer.

Her forehead was pressed against his chest, as if she could hear his rapid heartbeat.

The sound reached Lin's ears repeatedly; it was loud and chaotic, yet it made her feel incredibly at ease.

Obito felt the sudden softness, his body stiffened at first, then slowly relaxed.

His shoulders slumped, his arms slowly rose, and he mustered his courage to gently embrace the person in his arms.

Neither of them said anything more, they just quietly nestled together, and even after Obito's sobs gradually subsided, they did not separate.

Pink light flowed slowly around them, making their silhouettes appear exceptionally soft.

After an unknown amount of time, Obito finally broke free from his deep guilt, suppressed his lingering feelings, and gently pushed away the girl in his arms.

"... Are you getting ready to leave, Obito?"

A hint of disappointment flashed in Rin's eyes at first, but feeling the strength in Obito's hand, she seemed to understand something and asked with a smile.

"Um."

Obito answered in a low voice, a forced smile appearing on his lips.

"Remember to say goodbye properly to Kokoro, Obito."

Rin held Obito's hand, as if she were reminding him of something very ordinary.

"... ah."

Obito responded softly, gazing at the girl before him. The Mangekyō Sharingan pattern had already appeared in his once clear black eyes.

"Rin, you probably have something you want to say to Koko and Kakashi, right?"

"Do you need me to pass this on for you?"

After a moment of contemplation, Lin nodded gently.

"Then please pass on my message: whether it's Kokoro, Kakashi, or Minato-sensei, they all must live happily in the future."

"Ah, I will certainly pass that message on to Koko."

Obito responded solemnly, then, as if remembering something, scratched his head sheepishly:

"Sorry, Lin, I'll have to keep you waiting a little longer."

It's okay.

Lin waved at him, her tone carrying a hint of teasing laughter:

"But this time, don't be late again."

"... Um."

Obito gazed at the girl before him and responded softly.

His figure gradually became transparent, and then slowly disappeared into this space.

In the boundless space, only the girl's figure remained, standing silently.

Lin gazed at the empty space ahead, a slight smile playing on her lips.

She lowered her head, looking at the remaining teardrops on her slender palms, a gentle light flashing in her eyes.

"How slow-witted."

Lin murmured to herself, clutching the still-warm tear stains in her palm, a slight smile curving her lips:

"Whether it's me... or you."