HTP: Ch. 47

Just as previously mentioned, after Obito put on the mask, he could comfortably separate his identity.

The hero Obito had already died beneath the rocks. The one who inherited his will was another hero, Kakashi.

The one who survived was Madara. It was Madara who killed the Fourth Hokage and his wife, and it was Madara who slaughtered the Uchiha clan.

All the evil deeds were committed by Madara.

Obito was already dead.

Only when the Eye of the Moon Plan was realized, would he be reborn in a dream world of true peace, where there was Rin, Kakashi, and the others.

But now, Madara's mask had been torn off by the wicked Jiraiya.

Obito, at this moment, was like a rat dragged out of the sewer, exposed under the blinding light. Until he could get his mindset right, he had no way of leaving the Kamui space.

Jiraiya is truly wicked, Obito thought this to himself.

A slip of paper was passed into Kamui space.

"Obito... is it really you?"

---

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, smoke swirling around. He had finally told Kakashi that the true culprit behind the Nine-Tails' attack was Obito.

Since Jiraiya already knew, it was only right to also inform Kakashi, who likewise had the makings of a Hokage.

Hopefully, he can come to terms with it soon, Hiruzen thought as he smoked.

Kakashi was silent for a long time. He wasn't particularly surprised. Ever since being able to use Kamui, the data on the mysterious masked man had always seemed suspicious to him.

Now that Hiruzen had revealed the masked man's identity, he had a sense of: "So it really is him."

"Hokage-sama, let me try to talk to Obito. If it's all true... I'll kill him with my own hands."

His voice at that moment was chillingly cold.

Hiruzen didn't know what to say for a while. The shinobi world was built on bonds, after all. Such things were hard for outsiders to judge. Hopefully, Kakashi would be able to move past it soon.

He said helplessly, "Kakashi, go rest for a while. Obito was probably being used."

Kakashi left in silence.

Hiruzen stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the distant Hokage Rock. "Minato... Minato... what should I do about Obito?"

Wait, what am I even conflicted about? Obito, oh Obito... let me see if the Will of Fire still burns in your heart!

After composing himself slightly, he sat back at his desk and entered commander mode.

The Iwa jinchūriki had all disappeared from their hiding places. The Six-Tails from Kiri and the Seven-Tails from Taki had also gone missing.

Ōnoki must be having sleepless nights by now, hahaha! Serves him right for not believing me.

As for Kiri, no need to worry. They're in no position to stop Pain.

They'll be the next Suna sooner or later.

Hopefully Jiraiya can persuade him successfully. Nagato better stop attacking Konoha, or he'll find out what true clan legacy looks like.

The next file was about Kakashi's previously written test report from the Ninja High School evaluations.

Gaara still received the highest score. Surprisingly, the second-highest was Neji, and Naruto only came in third.

It seemed Hiashi had fully opened up the clan's resources to Neji.

Hiruzen approved of Hiashi's embodiment of the Will of Fire and nodded as he continued reading.

Kakashi's assessment noted that Naruto remained heavily unbalanced in his learning and needed to seriously make up for his lack of theoretical knowledge. Lee received the same evaluation.

Also, Naruto might not be suited for the Flying Thunder God Technique, he'd made no progress at all.

Hiruzen felt some regret over Naruto not being able to learn the Flying Thunder God, but it wasn't entirely unexpected.

Once Jiraiya returned, it would be time for Naruto to try engaging with the Nine-Tails.

As for Sasuke, he was still too impulsive and impatient, very prone to falling into traps, he needed more training.

Interestingly, Gaara's current state in Konoha was completely different from when he had first arrived. He was now emotionally calm and showed signs of possessing the Will of Fire.

Karin's unique body made her extremely suited to be a medical-nin. The suggestion was for her to study under Tsunade alongside Sakura.

Next came evaluations and suggestions for other students.

At the end of the report, there was also a request from Sasuke to study the Flying Thunder God Technique.

Hiruzen thought about it briefly. Itachi was leading troops far from home and had made great contributions, how could he let loyal warriors feel unappreciated?

Approved.

Next up was Orochimaru's report: a prototype of the mobile phone had been completed. As for built-in games, he had no idea what that meant.

Sigh, looks like I'll have to bite the bullet and play the role of game designer.

First step: buff all the Hokage damage output.

Stamp. Next file.

From Kiri: Mei had received orders from her village and was preparing to depart.

Stamp. Next file.

The Raikage was sending an envoy to Konoha, hoping to reestablish a friendly treaty to fight against the terrorist group Akatsuki, and also requesting the return of the Fourth Raikage's body.

Peace is good. Old me prefers peaceful development.

Approved.

Next file.

Stamp.

Next file.

Stamp.

After many rounds of stamping documents, night fell, and the sun over Konoha set.

---

Consciousness sank into hyperspace.

As soon as Ace logged on, he noticed that Hiruzen was online and couldn't help sending a message:

[Ace]: You've been spending more and more time here lately. Isn't Konoha busy?

[Hiruzen]: Ever since Danzō was imprisoned, Konoha has been peaceful and orderly, everything in harmony. So many fewer headaches now. Even the Raikage was defeated. As for Nagato and Obito, those guys are nothing more than bounty-board targets. And Black Zetsu? Manageable. If you ask me, of all the multiverse's leaders, maybe only Guilliman could barely match me in strategic planning.

Hiruzen, oh Hiruzen... you've gotten even better at bragging.

[Hiruzen]: Speaking of which—how's your side? Any news on Itachi?

Watching the Third Hokage shamelessly boast, Ace replied with some exasperation.

[Ace]: Same as usual. Garp and I keep bantering, I told him I'm about to storm Mary Geoise and invited him to join my crew. He didn't believe me. In the meantime, I'm just watching videos and writing fanfics here. But the execution day should be near.

[Hiruzen]: What a coincidence! I've been writing too. I'll let you read it when it's done.

And so, in the vastness of hyperspace, the two lonely consciousnesses teased and bragged to each other.

Just then, a message popped up for both Ace and Hiruzen.

[Hello, I am Tsugikuni Yoriichi.]

Before Ace could reply, the Third Hokage had already created a group chat with three members.

[Hiruzen]: I've heard of your legend!

[Ace]: Same here!