And afterward, from Kakashi's mouth, he learned about his disciple, Furina's existence, and frankly stated that the reason he would go out of his way to offer this "unnecessary" help was also due to her influence.
If it had been before, after completing his assigned duties, he definitely would have left directly. But who could have expected that he too had been somewhat infected by his disciple's fantasies.
Although he had no ability to change the world, when it came to things happening right before his eyes, he would still try to help. After all, with his disciple acting like that, as her master, he couldn't afford to lose face.
...
"Indeed, if what Kakashi said is all true, then letting Fū go with her is truly the best choice. I just hope the people in the village can figure it out too."
After recalling the past events, the accompanying jōnin also agreed with Shibuki's decision—or rather, even if he disagreed, with no better solution available at the moment, what could not agreeing accomplish?
"That's exactly what I mean. Now a choice must be made. With the Akatsuki organization acting this way, I have a premonition that in the future, the ninja world will inevitably erupt into another great war.
And among this group of monsters with freakishly strong ninja, it's impossible for us to stay out of it and mind our own business."
"Indeed. Before this, I thought that someone like Fū, a jinchūriki, already represented the pinnacle of destructive power. But now it seems I was still too narrow-minded."
Following Shibuki's gaze, the accompanying jōnin also looked toward the destination where Mōryō's face had received the light cannon earlier, and couldn't help but let out a self-mocking laugh.
In a vast plain, there was an area several kilometers wide that had abruptly caved in. Nothing remained there—only the scarred, devastated earth bore witness to the fierce battle that had taken place earlier.
"Alright, let's head back. There's still a lot to handle, and besides, this is a good thing. The stronger she is, the safer Fū will be over there."
"You're right."
...
On the other side of the caved-in area
"I'm very glad to see you again. Honestly, that Konoha junior's strength was truly beyond expectations. Just now, I really thought you had died. But fortunately, our companion is very reliable and managed to save your life at the very last moment."
Although his earlier escape had been rather embarrassed, it did nothing to affect Obito's current demeanor as he spoke eloquently to the somewhat weakened Mōryō's soul before him.
But talk was talk—this was also truly what Obito had been thinking. He had genuinely been worried that something might happen to Mōryō. After all, while Mōryō was said to be immortal, that only applied under normal circumstances.
If it truly suffered damage beyond endurance, it would still die like anyone else. At most, like a tailed beast, it would take a decade or several decades to absorb enough negative emotions and revive.
But what use was that? According to their plan, everything should be completed within the next two years at most. If they had to wait more than a decade, the overall situation would have long been decided.
By then, if Mōryō revived, there would be only one difference: if he succeeded, Mōryō would be completely eliminated by him; if he failed, Furina and the others would inevitably kill Mōryō, this thing that was definitely not easy to deal with.
In short, if Mōryō had truly died here, it would mean his role in the story was over. Obito would have to go find new allies—a total loss for both sides.
"..."
Although Obito's tone was quite flippant and gave off a punchable vibe, in the past, even knowing Obito was hard to deal with, Mōryō would still have retorted. But now, he didn't argue back.
For one thing, Kuro and Shiro Zetsu had indeed saved his life at that moment. After the attack arrived, the body Mōryō possessed only held out for an instant before turning to ashes.
Just as his soul was about to follow the same fate, Zetsu appeared and temporarily let his soul attach to them, saving him for the time being.
And what surprised Mōryō was that this intelligence operative, who usually looked frail and lacking in combat power, hadn't been instantly obliterated when facing an attack even he himself couldn't withstand.
Though it was a struggle to hold on, at least he managed. And what followed was simple: Obito intervened to interrupt the attack, and Kuro and Shiro Zetsu took the chance to whisk him away.