Zhongli's voice was calm as he looked at Smith and Nashida. "It's truly a chaotic world, but with your strength, as long as you avoid those so-called six-path-level warriors, you should have no trouble handling most threats. Also, I've done some research. If you face real danger, you can simply abandon the mission and return. Worst case, you can always retreat from this mission."
Smith nodded thoughtfully. "That's reassuring, Zhongli. However, my concern isn't so much about facing a direct threat but about how to resolve the ongoing conflict between the Uchiha clan and Konoha. I'm considering the possibility of bringing the Uchiha clan to Teyvat. After all, the Uchiha are formidable warriors. They could be invaluable when we face future threats, like the Fatui or the Abyss."
Nashida raised an eyebrow. "That might be going too far. They were already suppressed in Konoha. If they do something similar in Liyue, they might end up being notorious here as well."
Ningguang, who had been listening intently, spoke up. "The Uchiha clan certainly has its issues. Their Sharingan is powerful, but it also makes them extreme in their thinking and actions. From an outsider's perspective, the Uchiha clan may appear innocent—especially considering their tragic end—but the truth is, they are too dangerous. Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Obito, both have caused immense damage to the world. Madara at least sought peace, but Obito... he became far too radical. We can't ignore the possibility that bringing them to Teyvat could mean even more destruction. There's no telling if they might eventually think about destroying Liyue."
Smith considered her words before responding. "Ningguang, I understand your concerns. But there's something to be said about how the Uchiha were treated in Konoha. For example, some of the policies implemented by the Second Hokage might've been more reasonable. Restricting the Uchiha clan from leaving the village too often, limiting the stimulation that triggers the Sharingan—it would reduce the chances of them going rogue."
He paused before continuing. "The Third Hokage, however, failed to learn from the mistakes of his predecessors. He only focused on the stick, not the carrot. Regardless, I'm confident that I can suppress them. As long as I'm stronger than they are, even if they all unlock their Kaleidoscope Sharingan, they won't be able to cause trouble."
Ningguang nodded thoughtfully. "Since you intend to bring them to Teyvat, they will likely become your subordinates. It just so happens that you need some subordinates."
Smith thought for a moment. "Is that so? I'll put that idea on hold for now. Let's first focus on our mission, and we can revisit this topic later."
---
Meanwhile, in Konoha, Uzumaki Kushina stood in front of Uchiha Obito, desperation and anger filling her eyes. "Why, Obito? Why are you doing this? You were a good boy once! Let Naruto go. He's just a child!" Her voice trembled with emotion.
It wasn't that she didn't despise Uchiha Obito—she had every reason to. But he had taken Naruto from her, the very child her husband, Minato, had left behind. Her heart ached at the thought of losing him.
Obito's eyes softened for a moment, remembering the kindness Kushina had shown him in the past. But as the memories of Rin's death resurfaced—how Kakashi had pierced Rin's heart with his Chidori—his expression grew hard. "Teacher Kushina, this world is fake. I will create a new world, one where we can all be happy. In that world, you will be reunited with your loved ones."
Kushina didn't know how to respond. Obito's insanity had destroyed her happiness. If he hadn't interfered, she and her family would have lived a peaceful life. But now, it was all slipping away.
"Obito, you're crazy!" she shouted, her eyes burning with determination. "If you want the Nine-Tails, fine. I have half of it inside me. I'll give it to you, but let Naruto go. He's innocent! I helped you before. You owe me this."
Obito stared at Kushina, his expression unreadable. For a brief moment, the past flashed before him. He thought of the kindness she had shown him, but his mind was set. He had no interest in Naruto anymore—he only needed the Nine-Tails.
"If you're willing to give me the Nine-Tails," Obito said slowly, "I'll let Naruto go. As long as he doesn't interfere with my plans, I won't harm him."
Kushina's heart sank. She had never expected this to happen. She had hoped Obito's conscience would prevail, but she knew now that there was no saving him. If she wanted to protect Naruto, she had no choice but to make this sacrifice.
With great effort, Kushina summoned the strength to cast a seal. She pressed her hand to her abdomen, and a surge of chakra poured out, the unmistakable red aura of the Nine-Tails swirling around her. Obito, watching closely, tossed Naruto back to her—he had no further use for the child.
Kushina caught Naruto, her arms trembling with pain and exhaustion. She looked down at her son, sadness filling her heart. She could no longer be there to watch him grow. The weight of her decision was almost too much to bear, but she knew it was the only way to keep him safe.
However, Kushina couldn't help but wonder: Where were the Anbu? She had always been under their protection, but today, their numbers seemed significantly reduced. How had Obito managed to get so close?
As the Nine-Tails slowly detached from Kushina's body, Obito appeared on its massive form, his Sharingan glowing ominously. He controlled the beast instantly, his gaze sweeping over Kushina and Naruto one last time.
"Goodbye, Master's wife. Goodbye, Sister Na." His voice was barely a whisper, filled with a strange sense of finality. "This world is too painful. In the world of Infinite Tsukuyomi, you'll have everything you've ever wanted."
The Nine-Tails roared as it followed Obito's commands, ready to unleash further chaos on Konoha.
Kushina's heart was heavy as she watched her son, knowing she wouldn't be there to protect him any longer. She had done all she could to save him. Now, it was up to Naruto to survive this nightmare.
for more Episodes visit
patreon.com/Noan994