I Want It All

Faced with the confused looks of this bunch of problem children, Tsukimi gave a helpless laugh, swallowed the retort on his tongue, and beckoned them over.

"All right, stop arguing here. Come sit down."

They followed Tsukimi to the veranda overlooking the courtyard and sat down. A breeze swept past the eaves, but it did nothing to clear the confusion weighing on their minds.

Obito still looked defiant, Asuma remained firm in his view of the bigger picture, and Kakashi looked the most troubled of all. After all, this had happened to his father.

Once they had settled, Tsukimi spoke in a lazy tone.

"About Senior Sakumo's choice, and which of you is right or wrong—I've thought of a question that fits."

"What question? Don't change the subject! Just tell us who's right!" Obito leaned forward, eager for an answer and afraid Tsukimi would dodge the issue.

Seeing him volunteer so eagerly, Tsukimi gave him a faint, knowing smile. There was a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Since you're so keen, you can be the subject of today's question."

That'll teach you to speak up.

"Huh? Me? What do you mean?"

Obito stiffened. His heart sank as a bad feeling swept over him.

Kakashi and the others turned toward Tsukimi, curious to hear what came next.

"Suppose the six of us encounter a powerful enemy. Set every other factor aside," Tsukimi said evenly, looking at Obito. "We're trapped with no way out. Everyone is badly wounded, and you're the only one with a trace of Chakra left."

"The enemy's final Fire Release attack is heading straight for Rin. If it hits her, she'll die."

"You're too far away to shield her. Your only option is to spend your last bit of Chakra on a Ninjutsu that deflects the attack. But