Lies.
Half-truths.
But now, to Obito, who had lost everything and fallen into the abyss, this was the only twisted "rope" he could see.
Even if the other end might lead into still deeper darkness.
He could only cling to it.
Obito knelt in the mud, beside Rin's cold corpse.
His tears of blood had run dry.
All that remained in his eye was a profound darkness, as though it could swallow every trace of light.
And deep within that darkness, a faint yet stubborn spark called "possibility."
Slowly, he lowered his head.
His forehead pressed against the cold, damp earth.
He bowed to Liuyu.
With every ounce of strength he had, he rasped out broken yet resolute words:
"What... should I do?"
[Ding! Detected a complete reversal in the fate of key story character "Obito Uchiha." His worldview has collapsed and been rebuilt. Loyalty locked.] [SSR-class subordinate recruited: Obito Uchiha (Hollowfication mutant).] [Ability fusion: Mangekyō Sharingan · Kamui (mutated), basic Hollowfication, devouring, Cero (inferior).] [Potential rating: SS+ (can grow)] [Recommended codename: suited to his "devouring evolution" trait. May temporarily assume the position of "Ninth Espada."]
The system notifications rang out in Liuyu's mind.
He looked down at Obito, prostrate on the ground, and a flicker of satisfaction crossed his eyes.
Another pawn.
And one with tremendous potential, full of unpredictable possibilities.
"Get up."
Liuyu spoke evenly.
"From this day forward, Obito Uchiha is dead."
"You are a member of Las Noches."
"Your codename..."
Liuyu considered for a moment, recalling the system's recommendation and Obito's strange ability to devour chakra and life force.
"Aaroniero."
"Acting Ninth Espada."
"As for what exactly you should do..."
Before Liuyu could finish.
Whoosh!
The ground beside them suddenly rippled like water.
A bizarre, chalk-white creature with spiral patterns on his face and