A Letter from Obito

As Itachi's soul departed for another world, surrounded by the crowd (?), the cleanup work following the battle began.

Koku first planned to use the Flying Thunder God Uchiha clansmen to Inari City for temporary settlement, and informed Fugaku of this arrangement.

Fugaku nodded without saying anything, but simply strode forward, gathering the surrounding crowd together.

Kō then went to Tobirama and Hashirama's side and entrusted them with the cleanup work on the Land of Rice Border.

They were also instructed to keep a close eye on the Impure World Reincarnation individuals who had inexplicably been Obito along with Obito, and to discuss their fate once Koko arrived.

As for the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and the Minato family, they remained in Konoha.

After Kou and the others left, they faced the growing number of villagers below and began to explain to them everything that had happened over the years.

This naturally includes the Nine-Tails Incident and the truth behind the Uchiha Clan Massacre...

After hearing this, everyone gathered below was invariably shocked.

However, compared to those grand narratives related to hatred, coups, and changes in the Ninja World, what they cared about more was something else entirely.

"That Naruto... he's actually the Fourth Hokage's son?! Really?!"

"Looking closely, Naruto does seem to resemble the Lord Fourth somewhat, like in the color of his hair and eyes?"

"But apart from their appearance, they don't seem to have anything in common, do they?"

Putting aside the fictional characters in the doujinshi, if we're just looking at real life, aren't there tons of blond-haired, blue-eyed guys in the Kumogakure?

"To be honest, if I hadn't seen the Lord Fourth with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it either."

The Lord Fourth was such a gentle person, but his son was...

The villagers whispered amongst themselves, their gazes towards Naruto suddenly turning strange, as if they were beginning to doubt the relationship between Naruto and the Fourth Hokage, whom they considered to be the perfect figure.

"Hey, you guys, why are you staring at me like that?!"

Naruto had been full of anticipation, was utterly disappointed. He waved his hands vigorously towards the crowd and loudly protested:

"You should be crying and confessing your 'prejudice' against me all these years in front of me, and then begging for my forgiveness by clinging to my leg!"

Why is everyone doubting my relationship with my dad? Are you all asking for a beating?!

"Bias?"

As the villagers recalled the fear they had felt under Naruto's control over the years, the guilt and self-blame that had initially welled up in their hearts dissipated considerably.

Their gazes towards Naruto even held a hint of disdain, as if questioning how he could utter such shameless words.

"You inherently evil and unruly people, you've infuriated me!!"

Enraged, Naruto roared, and before Minato, Jiraiya, and the others could stop him, Naruto charged into the crowd of villagers, shouting that he would beat them until they apologized.

The villagers scattered and fled instantly, their movements so practiced it seemed instinctive.

The Third Hokage watched Naruto chasing after the villagers, and Jiraiya and the Minato couple following behind him trying to stop him. He took out his pipe from his pocket, calmly took a puff, and exhaled a thin cloud of smoke.

His expression was calm, as if he were already numb to what was happening before him.

The entire Konoha was filled with a joyful atmosphere, just as usual.

Unlike the rather comical turn of events in Konoha, Kou's mood at this moment was far from lighthearted...

--

Inari City & High Heaven Palace

He sat kneeling on the main seat in the spacious hall.

Compared to when he was in Konoha, his expression was noticeably more solemn, and the smile that had relaxed him after settling his clansmen was now completely gone.

Fugaku has settled the Uchiha Clan members in their temporary residence in Inari City, and is currently gathering them to discuss their future plans.

Sasuke stayed with Mikoto, who was still grieving her separation from Itachi, and said he would come back later.

At this moment, only three people remained in the main hall.

Karin and Mei Terumi stood quietly beside him.

Looking at Kou, who was safe and sound, they secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but seeing Kou's expression, a hint of worry appeared in their eyes.

"Really? Obito... he's been here before?"

Koko murmured softly, then looked up at Mei Terumi and Karin, giving them an apologetic smile:

"Sorry, I didn't notice that guy's actions and you almost got into danger."

Although it's a bit late to say all this now.

"No, Master!"

Karin quickly waved her hand and said earnestly:

"You were busy with matters on the battlefield at the time, so don't blame yourself."

Besides, your friend didn't do anything to me or Mei Terumi- nee.

As she spoke, Karin looked at Kokoro, as if recalling something, and a hint of sadness crept into her voice:

"He just talked to us about you..."

"About me?"

He tilted his head slightly, looked at Mei Terumi who had been silent since the beginning, frowned slightly, and asked softly:

"Could you tell me what that guy and you guys talked about?"

"... Don't worry, knock."

"I will tell you everything he told us."

Mei Terumi paused, then added:

"But before that, I... want to show you this first."

As she spoke, she took out a letter from her bosom and handed it to Kou.

The letter was folded neatly, but the edges were wrinkled, as if it had been clutched for a long time.

"This is?"

He tapped on the letter that was shining brightly before his eyes, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

"Could this be... a suicide note?"

"When did Obito start making this kind of thing out of the blue?"

Kow silently grumbled to himself, but still reached out and took the letter, pulling out the papers inside.

"This, this is..."

He unfolded the paper, his gaze falling on the first line. The doubt on his face gradually faded, as if he had fallen into a daze.

--

Sorry everyone, I had a fever today, so I'm a little late.

I feel a bit unwell today, but I'll recover quickly once the fever subsides.