Chapter 22

Are you Yuzhi?

Thank you very much for everything you've done; that damned hunter once killed my comrade.

You're amazing; without you, perhaps we wouldn't even know when this war would end.

Thanks.

In the Leaf Village camp, almost all the Leaf ninja remaining here greeted him proactively upon seeing him.

Such enthusiasm, and such evident goodwill, even though Rin had warned him beforehand, still caught him somewhat off guard.

Nevertheless, he kept smiling and responded to each one, smiling back at anyone who showed him kindness; that is a basic virtue of being human.

Moreover, Yuzhi quickly adapted and basically understood what was going on.

Although their mission was secret, as the war situation became clearer, such results could still boost morale.

Even if the mission's development actually deviated greatly, they would still heavily promote it on the front lines.

As a war hero, Yuzhi would have 'scholars to defend his teachings' even if he said nothing.

Not only him, others too; Akai and Aoba seemed unable to bear such enthusiasm and have already hidden away.

But that's normal, after all, the commander of the Grass Country battlefield is Ziraiye.

Actually, Yuzhi has always been self-aware; even if he wants to 'make progress', he needs to consider under whose command he can 'make progress'.

Ziraiye, though sometimes truly absurd, is also an idealist; many of his ideas are overly idealistic.

But it cannot be denied that when faced with this serious matter, he truly can hold his own and is truly capable.

Most importantly, Ziraiye himself harbors no ill will toward the Uchiha clan.

Everyone is a Leaf ninja; he naturally treats everyone equally.

Of course, this is within the camp; once back in the Leaf Village, it's hard to say what will happen.

Yuzhi, how do you feel?

After Yuzhi had greeted each ninja individually, Rin then asked with a slight smile on her face.

This is the treatment only a hero gets.

"Hero?" Yuzhi laughed and shook his head: "Aren't you heroes too?"

"No, if it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead."

Kakashi, walking behind Yuzhi and Rin, shook his head,

"You saved me twice on the battlefield; even if you hadn't come, the mission would likely have been impossible to complete.

But speaking of it, Yuzhi, your change is truly huge, and your strength has become so formidable.

I remember you in school; you didn't seem to be a top student."

"You guy"

Hearing Kakashi's words, Yuzhi almost couldn't hold himself together; his ninja school grades were indeed not ideal.

"That was just in school; even if I were worse, I wouldn't have plunged to last place."

"Yeah, back then the last place was."

Rin then also suddenly chuckled lightly, but she stopped as soon as her words fell.

Not only him, Kakashi beside them also fell silent at the same moment, obviously they both thought of that guy Obito.

Seeing the two's situation, Yuzhi also couldn't help but shake his head.

Although he had timely gulped down chicken soup, it now seems the chicken soup might not be enough?

If Obito really died, then he would truly be a lifelong hero.

Even if he isn't a hero of the Leaf Village, he is still a hero to Kakashi and Rin.

But unfortunately, Obito's selfish nature actually dooms him to tragedy; perhaps he only cares about those two in his heart.

And after he met Madara Uchiha, once that dark emotion is released, unless he encounters a Kotoamatsukami-level mouth-escape, no one can purify it.

"Sorry, I lost my composure."

Just as Yuzhi was wondering what to say, Rin suddenly shook her head and spoke.

"Obito's situation is painful, but he is also a hero; he sacrificed himself for our better future

Not just him; others are the same; if it weren't for their efforts, naturally we wouldn't have what we have today.

"Yuzhi, you said we must also bear their will and live on well; now I think I understand what you meant."

"Mm, yeah."

Kakashi then came to his senses, reached up to touch his own eyes, and sighed softly.

"They are the true heroes; heroes like Obito are still many

We really shouldn't dwell in sorrow; we should instead remember them and strive to create a better future.

Just as you said, Yuzhi, when we also reach the Pure Land, if Obito asks us about the changes in the mortal world and our own highlights,

we couldn't say that we spent this life in guilt and sorrow, for that would be too disrespectful to Obito and everyone's sacrifices."

Is this, self-conquest?

Yuzhi, seeing this scene, was stunned for a moment; he thought the chicken soup hadn't taken effect.

Now it seems the chicken soup is not only effective, but its effect is very good!

"Yuzhi, thank you."

Just as Yuzhi was thinking wildly in his heart, Rin suddenly turned and sincerely said to him.

"You're thanking too much."

Yuzhi shook his head, then suddenly reached out and placed his hand on both Rin's and Kakashi's shoulders, after which he laughed and said.

"From carrying out the mission until now, you two have constantly been thanking.

Don't you forget, we are friends.

"Friends?"

Kakashi and Rin heard that and couldn't help but pause for a moment, then they both smiled.

"Yeah, we're friends!"

——

Grass Country, Underground Laboratory.

Madara Uchiha looked at Obito, whose body was already infused with White Absolute Cells and wrapped in bandages, and his thoughts became tangled for a moment.

Yuzhi's performance was better than he had imagined, especially when he saw that kid solve a tricky enemy using intelligence and tactics.

Then, relying on his superb strength, he single‑handedly eliminated over ten enemies, which fully demonstrated Yuzhi's versatility!

Especially when he danced alone amid the enemy ranks, Madara Uchiha himself felt a bit dazed at the time.

Because he seemed to see himself!

"This is what it means to be Uchiha."

Even someone as proud as he is, at that moment he couldn't help but sigh.

In contrast, Obito, aside from achieving Two Tomoe as soon as he opened his eyes, performed rather unremarkably in Grass Country.

"Just why be so clever?"

Madara Uchiha let out a slight sigh; after his continuous observation, he had fully determined Yuzhi's level of cleverness.

Not to mention his earlier deeds, merely by guessing the goal from the final clash between Minato Namikaze and the Five-Tailed Jinchuriki, he decisively sent reinforcements.

In this regard, Obito could never compare.

And such cleverness is exactly what Madara Uchiha least wants to see.

"Fine, though it's a regret, some things can't be forced, but we can still make use of them."

Madara Uchiha's emotions settled a bit, and he grew too lazy to think any further.

He had already infused Obito with White Absolute Cells, which also counted as his resolve.

Moreover, compared with Yuzhi's uncertainty, Obito was better controlled, allowing Madara Uchiha to more clearly determine the direction of Obito's eye opening!

That's Rin Nohara!

He didn't understand why Obito was so obsessed with that girl.

But as a member of the Uchiha Clan, he found it hard to pass judgment.

Every Uchiha has a love unique to their heart; perhaps Obito's love lies in that girl.

Unfortunately, that girl clearly has a better and closer relationship with Yuzhi.

If handled properly, Obito will never, ever be able to turn back, nor could he ever return!

"Rin Rin."

Just as Madara Uchiha was pondering, he suddenly heard a faint sound.

Turning his head, he saw the comatose Obito lying on the bed continuously calling that name from his mouth.

That instantly made Madara Uchiha's previously settled emotions become tangled again; after a while he shook his head.

"So profound, but that's fine too."

A newbie kneels, begging for a reread; now rereading will decide everything about a book, nurturing a book is easy to kill.

Thanks to all the big brothers, Onz.

(End of Chapter)