All life-bearing planets, under the rules of the universe, naturally cultivate a gathering place for souls. After billions of years of chaos, a world of souls might birth its own true god, or perhaps a sentient being could forcibly condense such a divine essence.
For natives of the ninja world or pseudo-deities like Kaguya Ōtsutsuki who relied on external forces, entering this realm—the underworld—might be difficult. But Ye Wen was no ordinary deity; he was the Sovereign of Spatial Divinity.
With just a slight raise of his hand, Ye Wen pierced through the barrier between Yin and Yang.
Now that the intelligence was clear, the Sage of Six Paths had lost all value in being preserved.
"Kaguya, this is your child. Decide how you wish to deal with him."
With a wave of his hand, Ye Wen bound the Sage of Six Paths and tossed him to Kaguya Ōtsutsuki before stepping alone into this underworld.
As for the fate of the Sage of Six Paths—a traitor in Ye Wen's eyes—he cared little.
On one hand, this man had been easily swayed by mere words from a beast to draw his blade against his own nurturing mother. On the other hand, he had orchestrated a millennium of war in the ninja world, showing blatant disregard for life as a ruthless executioner. Ye Wen found it hard to harbor any goodwill toward him.
Through the bloodline connection between Uchiha Madara and Uchiha Izuna, Ye Wen quickly located Izuna's soul. He also found the souls of Obito's parents, Rin and Sakumo Hatake—in the underworld, intending to resurrect them as well since it was part of his promise to Kakashi.
As for figures like the First Hokage, Ye Wen had no intention of bothering with them. They were relics of a bygone era, outdated antiques. Among the ninja world's forces, Ye Wen only truly valued Uchiha Madara.
With the release of divine power, youthful boys and girls, along with a middle-aged man, reappeared on the soil of the ninja world.
"My task here is complete.
Uchiha Madara, Hatake Kakashi, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—the future of the ninja world rests in your hands. I must prepare for future enemies and have no time for trivial matters."
As Kakashi's Vast Ocean Chakra Mode faded, his body weakened, but he still managed to kneel semi-upright on the ground alongside Uchiha Madara and others, declaring in unison:
"We obey the divine decree."
The brutality of battle had faded, leaving behind a small patch of land filled with warmth and reunion.
"Brother!"
"Kakashi!"
"Is that… Kakashi?!"
"Mother…"
As those present exchanged heartfelt words after years of separation, the nearby space twisted, and Uchiha Obito appeared on the scene.
Obito said nothing, staring intently at the youthful figure of Rin Nohara.
Though many years had passed, Rin recognized Obito instantly. Though she didn't know how Obito was still alive, considering her own resurrection, it wasn't surprising that he too had returned.
At this moment, however, Kakashi placed a firm hand on Rin's shoulder, his gaze cold and stern.
"Rin, step back.
This man is no longer the Obito we once knew."
"Huh?"
Rin responded with confusion, then blushed slightly as she looked at the now-mature Kakashi. He seemed far more reliable than the boy she remembered.
Her goddess-like Rin being "handled" so casually by Kakashi infuriated Obito, who stepped forward to push Kakashi's hand away.
But Kakashi met him head-on.
The psychological scars from their earlier battles still haunted Obito, leaving him too afraid to activate Kamui to defend against Kakashi's attacks.
After being empowered by Ye Wen and undergoing rigorous training, Kakashi was no longer the frail man he had once been.
Though Obito's taijutsu was strong, he quickly fell into a disadvantage after just a few exchanges.
As for using ninjutsu, Obito considered it but hesitated—his goddess was nearby. What if the attack accidentally harmed her?!
Feeling increasingly frustrated, Obito recalled how he had been easily defeated by Kakashi when they were younger. Stubbornness took over, and he began exchanging blows recklessly, trading injuries blow for blow.
Obito refused to believe that someone with White Zetsu cells could be defeated barehanded.
But reality was cruel. Even though Kakashi was weakened, enhancing his physical strength with chakra was effortless. In just a few moves, Kakashi subdued Obito.
"Kakashi!" Obito shouted in resentment from the ground.
But Kakashi showed no mercy, sealing Obito with the same technique he had used before.
Reunited with his brother after so long, Uchiha Izuna was overjoyed. However, seeing a descendant of the Uchiha clan with a Mangekyō Sharingan reduced to such a pitiful state, he couldn't help but sneer.
"Brother, is this trash really one of us Uchiha?"
Madara looked affectionately at Izuna, dismissing the matter with indifference.
"This brat may have some talent in awakening the Sharingan, but he's fundamentally useless.
If it weren't for the lack of manpower back then, I wouldn't have bothered training him. If possible, I'd much rather have someone smart like you, Izuna, doing the work."
Izuna's irritation quickly dissipated as he and his brother resumed their playful banter.
Meanwhile, Rin watched with growing anxiety. After all, Obito had once been her companion, even sacrificing himself to save her by being crushed under a boulder.
"Kakashi," Rin hesitantly called out.
Having finished his tasks, Kakashi stood up and calmly recounted Obito's heinous deeds over the years.
In Rin's mind, Obito was still that cheerful, kind-hearted boy. How bad could he really be?
But as Kakashi's icy narration continued, Rin felt as though she were plunged into an icy abyss.
Looking at Obito with disbelief, Rin struggled to ask,
"Obito… Is what Kakashi said… true?"
Obito, too, listened to Kakashi's recounting. With Rin—his first love—now returned, he reflected on his past actions and felt overwhelming shame and regret, unable to meet her gaze.
He said nothing, yet his silence spoke volumes. Disappointment clouded Rin's bright eyes.
She couldn't comprehend how the once-helpful and kind Obito had transformed into this madman.
In the original story, Obito seeing Rin forgive him before his death was utterly unrealistic. His crimes were unforgivable, and the kind-hearted Rin could never condone such atrocities.
"Leave this to me, Rin. Obito must atone for everything he has done."
Times had changed, and Kakashi's heart was heavy with conflicting emotions. But he now had his own mission.
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