Ch. 381Decisive Battle (6)
Chapter Summary: “Decisive Battle (6)”
Key Plot Points and Events
- Obito prepares a revived portion of Moryo’s soul as a countermeasure against Ueno Kei, whose rapidly increasing power has made him difficult to stop.
- Since the original plan involving the Second Pillar failed and Itachi is apparently still alive, Obito decides Moryo is his best remaining weapon. He has also implanted something inside Moryo capable of trapping Ueno Kei temporarily.
- Black Zetsu’s true body returns after confronting Momoshiki Otsutsuki. Although the result is not explicitly confirmed, Ueno Kei and Obito infer that Black Zetsu likely won.
- Obito and Black Zetsu discuss the final stages of the Eye of the Moon Plan. Madara is expected to finish dealing with the Five Kage, after which the plan can proceed.
- Obito notes that collecting the Eight-Tails and Nine-Tails would be preferable, though they are only contingency measures.
- Black Zetsu leaves to report remaining matters to Madara, just before Kakashi and his group arrive.
- The chapter ends with Obito facing his former friends, especially Kakashi, now positioned as enemies.
Character Developments
- Obito: His resolve remains centered on recreating a world in which Rin exists. He accepts being used by Madara as long as the Eye of the Moon Plan succeeds, revealing both his determination and emotional fixation. Though he understands that he is a pawn, he believes the promised new world justifies every betrayal and act of violence.
- Black Zetsu: He displays open fanaticism about the coming “recreation” of the world, secretly anticipating Kaguya’s resurrection. His manipulation of Madara and Obito is emphasized, showing that both men are unknowingly serving his true agenda.
- Ueno Kei: His growing strength has forced Obito to abandon previous plans and rely on Moryo. Kei is portrayed as perceptive and capable of recognizing the Otsutsuki’s arrogance and Black Zetsu’s likely victory.
- Kakashi: Though he has not yet acted, his impending confrontation with Obito highlights the collapse of their former friendship and the emotional stakes of the battle.
- Madara: He remains central to the plan but is unknowingly being manipulated by Black Zetsu, just as Obito is.
Significant Themes
- Manipulation and false agency: Obito and Madara believe they are shaping the world, but both are ultimately pawns in Black Zetsu’s plan to revive Kaguya.
- Obito’s tragic idealism: His willingness to sacrifice everything stems from his desire to restore a lost relationship with Rin, even if that means destroying the existing world.
- The Uchiha curse: The chapter presents the Uchiha’s ambitions as part of a generational cycle of conflict, manipulation, and tragedy originating from Hagoromo’s sons.
- Arrogance versus self-awareness: Ueno Kei criticizes the Otsutsuki’s belief in their own superiority, arguing that a clan that refuses to improve or respect others will eventually be surpassed.
- Friendship turned into conflict: Obito’s coming confrontation with Kakashi reflects the repeated pattern of former allies becoming enemies.
Character Interactions
- Obito and Black Zetsu: Their conversation is outwardly cooperative but filled with mutual suspicion. Obito recognizes that Black Zetsu has his own motives, while Black Zetsu subtly tests Obito’s willingness to attack Kakashi.
- Obito and Kakashi: Their reunion is framed as a tragic reversal: former close friends are now enemies. Obito rationalizes attacking Kakashi by believing that a recreated world will restore him.
- Black Zetsu and Madara: Black Zetsu pretends to support Madara’s plan while secretly using him to prepare Kaguya’s resurrection.
- Ueno Kei and the Otsutsuki: Kei’s perspective contrasts his self-correction and growth with the Otsutsuki’s arrogance, reinforcing his role as a more realistic and adaptable opponent.