Chapter 763: Obito: Reporting the Uchiha Coup

Kakashi, as promised, brought Obito to the Hokage's office.

When the two entered the Hokage's office, the first person they saw was Yamanaka Inoichi standing in front of the desk.

"Lord Third, Inoichi-san."

Kakashi greeted in a flat tone.

"Hokage-jii, Inoichi-san, good morning."

Obito greeted Sarutobi Hiruzen and the other with a grin, showing no sign of someone called in for an inspection; anyone who didn't know would think that Sarutobi Hiruzen had invited him for tea.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded slightly in response, then discreetly observed Obito.

Yesterday he had someone collect all of Obito's records and read them carefully.

Sarutobi Hiruzen found that apart from mediocrity as a ninja, Obito was impeccable in every other aspect—a true inheritor of the Will of Fire.

In fact, even his ninja talent couldn't be called mediocre, because Obito had awakened the Sharingan; any Uchiha who awakened the Sharingan was an elite among jōnin.

"Kakashi must have already told you about the inspection, right?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen asked with a kindly old man's smile.

If Obito had no major issues, he could let it slide with a light punishment.

Now that the hawk faction was in power within the Uchiha clan, if an Uchiha with the Will of Fire like Obito returned, it might help Uchiha Itachi postpone the coup and ease the conflict.

"It's not that the village doesn't trust you, but the ninja world has many bizarre and mysterious techniques; sometimes the victim doesn't even realize they've fallen into an enemy village's scheme."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.

"I understand the village's difficulties. I believe the village will never wrong a good person nor let a bad person go."

Obito said with a righteous expression.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded at that, somewhat satisfied, and said,

"Inoichi, begin."

Yamanaka Inoichi received the order and walked up to Obito.

"Try to relax your mind; it will be easier."

Yamanaka Inoichi reached his right hand toward the top of Obito's head, reminding him.

"Thank you for the reminder, Inoichi-san. I understand."

Obito thanked him, then closed his eyes, looking relaxed and at ease.

"Hmm?"

Just as Yamanaka Inoichi's palm was two centimeters from Obito's head, he frowned.

It felt as if there was an invisible air wall around Obito's head; no matter how hard Yamanaka Inoichi pushed, he couldn't touch Obito's head.

Even when Yamanaka Inoichi burst his chakra to strengthen his hand, it still didn't work.

This scene looked rather comical to Kakashi and Sarutobi Hiruzen.

It was almost like the two were performing a mime skit of an "invisible wall."

"Inoichi, what's going on?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately asked.

"Lord Third, it seems there is an invisible shield around him. I can't touch him."

Having failed to break through, Yamanaka Inoichi withdrew his hand and turned to report to Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was somewhat surprised, but before he could say anything, Obito spoke up to explain.

"I almost forgot—I've cultivated a sage's protective technique, 'No Technique Can Touch Me.' Inoichi-san's action might have been judged harmful by the protective technique, so it was blocked."

Obito said a little apologetically.

In truth, the only one who could keep the Limitless Technique running fully automatically was Mu Yue; even Kakashi couldn't do it yet.

However, Obito had already mastered the Transparent World, and after long-term earring training with Kakashi, he had learned a bit of Limitless expansion, but naturally he couldn't reach that level.

Obito mainly wanted to intimidate Hiruzen Sarutobi and also add a bit of credibility to his own words.

Anyway, no one in this world would understand "Limitless," so Obito could fabricate whatever he wanted.

"Bodyguard Immortal Technique?"

The three people in the Hokage's office had different expressions—some surprised, some puzzled.

"Kakashi, extend your palm."

Obito raised his right hand and gestured toward Kakashi, signaling him to cooperate.

Without hesitation, Kakashi reached out his hand toward Obito's palm.

But just as their palms were about to touch, Kakashi's hand stopped. Hiruzen Sarutobi and Inoichi Yamanaka could see that it wasn't Kakashi who stopped voluntarily—his body was still exerting force.

"Try using a jutsu."

Obito continued.

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then gathered some chakra, and a flash of lightning appeared on his hand.

"Don't worry about hurting me—just use all your strength."

The lightning grew brighter, but the result remained unchanged—neither Kakashi's hand nor the lightning could touch Obito.

"I wonder what the defense limit of this 'Bodyguard Immortal Technique' is. If it can block a dozen explosive tags, then it can practically ignore most jutsu in battle."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was astonished—this was far more convenient than defensive techniques like the Earth Style Rampart.

With this kind of ultimate defensive technique, one could mostly attack without defending, putting enormous pressure on the enemy.

"Can you cancel this 'Bodyguard Immortal Technique'? Otherwise, the inspection might be troublesome."

Inoichi Yamanaka asked.

"Immortal Techniques are still techniques, so of course you can. I just forgot."

Obito chuckled in reply and made a hand seal as if going through the motions.

"Go ahead, Inoichi-senpai."

Inoichi Yamanaka again extended his hand toward Obito's head. Sure enough, this time he encountered no obstruction and smoothly touched Obito's head.

Inoichi Yamanaka quickly gathered his chakra, closed his eyes, and focused all his concentration on exploring the memories.

After a moment, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes, looked gravely at Hiruzen Sarutobi, and said:

"Third Hokage-sama, Obito's words are not false; there is no problem with him."

At these words, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi were taken aback.

Clearly, neither had expected this outcome.

Kakashi had even been thinking about how to plead for Obito, but it turned out Obito really hadn't lied?

Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing, appearing deep in thought.

Yesterday, besides having Kakashi "protect" Obito, he had also sent three elite ANBU to watch Obito.

According to the ANBU's report, Obito had shown no suspicious behavior yesterday and had not contacted Inoichi Yamanaka.

Moreover, before the incident, Obito had no connection with Inoichi Yamanaka, so there was no reason for Inoichi to take Obito's side.

And as for Inoichi Yamanaka defecting to become a spy alongside Obito? That was even more impossible.

The Yamanaka clan was a founding ninja clan of Konoha, and every clan head held a significant position in the village. If Inoichi Yamanaka had become a spy, Konoha would truly be finished.

Even the Uchiha clan, which had great conflicts with Konoha, hadn't considered becoming spies—they only wanted to stage a coup and become Hokage themselves.

When all other possibilities are eliminated, the remaining one, however unlikely, must be the truth.

Obito had really turned misfortune into fortune by entering the Sage of Six Paths' ruins, gaining immense benefits, and only recently leaving the ruins to return to Konoha.

"That's really great."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his goatee and said cheerfully.

"The village really needs outstanding young people like you, Obito."

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi still felt something was off, he couldn't pinpoint what it was, so he could only temporarily accept Obito's identity.

"Then, Uncle Hokage, could you do me a favor?"

Obito scratched his head and said.

"I've lost my home now, and my clan members all think I'm dead. Uncle Hokage, could you announce my return in the newspaper?"

"Alright."

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and agreed.

Obito's request was within reason, so he couldn't refuse.

Of course, to prevent any future embarrassment if Obito turned out to be problematic, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't publish something like "Hero's Return" in the newspaper; at most, he would just clarify that Obito hadn't died in battle.

After Hiruzen Sarutobi gave the order, the newspaper was published quickly, sparking a small wave of discussion within Konoha.

Everyone started discussing who Uchiha Obito was, how tenacious his life was, coming back to life after being declared dead.

Aside from those just gossiping, some Uchiha also discussed this news.

However, the topic of their discussion was not Uchiha Obito, but Konoha's persecution of the Uchiha.

"We Uchiha have contributed so much to Konoha, yet there has never been a presence of our clan members in the core power structure. This is blatant persecution!"

The Uchiha jonin said indignantly.

What they cared about was not that Obito had died and come back to life, but that Obito had once died on the battlefield.

"They won't be arrogant for long. In a few days, Konoha will belong to the Uchiha!"

Another Uchiha said excitedly.

Itachi Uchiha noticed the even more fanatical atmosphere within the clan and felt uncomfortable all over.

"With only 'the clan' in their mouths and eyes, how could such magnanimity possibly succeed in a coup?"

Itachi Uchiha was very disappointed with the current Uchiha clan.

Konoha is a collective; someone who only sees one clan in their eyes can never become Hokage.

"Big brother, teach me shurikenjutsu practice."

Sasuke pestered Itachi Uchiha, saying.

"Mm."

Facing his younger brother, Itachi Uchiha's expression softened, and he nodded.

He had already agreed to Danzo Shimura's clan extermination plan, and the time he could spend with Sasuke was running out.

"Hiruzen, how could you not inform me of such a major matter!"

In the Hokage's office, Danzo Shimura directly pushed open the wooden door and walked in, saying with a dissatisfied expression.

"What major matter?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt puzzled.

"Uchiha Obito! A ninja who disappeared for nine years, and you simply restored his ninja status like that?"

Danzo Shimura said seriously.

"What if he has already been brainwashed by another ninja village and is a spy infiltrating Konoha?"

If it were an ordinary ninja, Danzo Shimura actually wouldn't bother to care, since Hiruzen Sarutobi isn't stupid and his Anbu aren't useless.

But Obito is an Uchiha ninja, and he returned to Konoha right at the critical moment when the Uchiha are about to stage a coup.

How could Danzo Shimura feel at ease? He had finally managed to eliminate the threat of the Uchiha.

Danzo Shimura would not allow any accidents to occur in the clan extermination plan.

"I already had Inoichi check his memory, and no problems were found."

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said.

"But this is too risky. Hand him over to my Root, and I will definitely uncover the truth."

Shimura Danzo revealed his true intentions, his dagger finally drawn.

Once inside Root, even if Uchiha Obito wasn't a spy, he would become one.

That way his plan for the clan's annihilation wouldn't face any interference.

"No."

Sarutobi Hiruzen shook his head.

He had already let Obito go; sending Obito to Root now would be slapping his own face.

Moreover, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew exactly what Shimura Danzo was trying to do. If Obito really went to Root, heaven knows what would happen.

Given the relationship Kakashi and Obito had shown, Kakashi would be devastated—his best friend, who didn't die on the battlefield, would instead be brutally tortured in Konoha.

Shimura Danzo didn't give up. He argued fiercely, insisting that Root interrogate Obito.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen's stance was resolute, showing no sign of relenting.

"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"

Having no other option, Shimura Danzo left a harsh parting threat, then slammed the wooden door of the Hokage's office shut with a bang.

Leaving the Hokage building, Shimura Danzo immediately returned to Root and ordered ninja to keep Obito under close surveillance. If any suspicious activity from Obito was detected, they were to capture him at once and bring him to the Root base.

Though this violated procedure, Shimura Danzo couldn't care less—not if it meant the Uchiha extermination plan went smoothly.

After all, he had directly gouged out Shisui's eyes; what was forcibly capturing one ordinary Uchiha compared to that?

Both Root and the Anbu were monitoring Obito.

To be fair, Konoha's Anbu were among the elite in the entire shinobi world.

But trying to monitor Obito? That was overestimating themselves.

In the face of Obito's Observation Haki, this so-called surveillance was no different from someone standing blatantly right next to him and watching.

"The shinobi world at this time is too kind to me."

Sensing that two more people were now watching him, Obito smiled and continued his business.

Let them watch. It wouldn't hinder him anyway.

On the second day after his transmigration, when his Shadow Clone used the Flying Thunder God Technique to leave, find Yamanaka Inoichi, and place him under genjutsu, the Anbu hadn't noticed a thing.

Obito had far too many ways to deceive the Anbu.

"Time to head to the Uchiha clan grounds. There are only five days left before Itachi and the others make their move."

Obito checked the time, got up, and walked out toward the Uchiha clan grounds.

Today was his fourth day in Konoha.

He had already collected enough intelligence on this parallel-world Konoha. It was very similar to the No. 1 parallel world he remembered—neither the visible forces nor those hidden in the shadows had any ninja capable of threatening him.

Although Obito believed he possessed invincible strength short of a Six Paths-level opponent, this was a parallel world. If something went wrong, there was no Mu Yue Immortal to fix it, so he needed to be cautious.

What if some ninja academy or library really did have a Six Paths-level ninja who had mastered the Kekkei Genkai network? That would be disastrous.

After repeatedly confirming, Obito was certain that this Konoha was indeed not strong—its strongest ninja was Sarutobi Hiruzen.

Because the Obito incident had stirred up some commotion among the Uchiha clan, he was quickly recognized by the Uchiha in the clan grounds.

"You're that Obito from the newspaper, aren't you?"

An Uchiha ninja took the initiative to speak to Obito.

"That's right, it's me."

Obito nodded in reply.

"Your housing location hasn't even been decided. Why come to the clan grounds so soon?"

The Uchiha ninja asked.

After all, with the coup d'état imminent, the Uchiha ninja were on edge lately, worried that their plans would be exposed and they would be surrounded and wiped out by Konoha's forces.

Only because Obito is an Uchiha; if it were an ordinary ninja, he would have been kicked out long ago.

"After all, I just got back. I'm just looking at where I'll be living from now on."

Obito explained with a chuckle.

The Uchiha ninja thought about it and found it reasonable, so he didn't bother Obito anymore.

As he said, Obito took a stroll around the Uchiha clan grounds. Just as he was about to leave, he encountered the Uchiha Itachi brothers training in the forest.

When Obito arrived, Sasuke had just thrown several shuriken, all of which hit the bullseye precisely.

"Not bad, little Sasuke is very skilled."

Obito applauded and praised.

"Hehe."

Although he didn't know Obito, no one dislikes hearing nice words. Sasuke showed a happy smile.

"Do you know Sasuke?"

Uchiha Itachi looked at Obito suspiciously.

He had been monitoring the Uchiha clan for a long time and knew the situation of the Uchiha clan like the back of his hand.

Sasuke was born after Obito's "sacrifice," and this was Obito's first time returning to the Uchiha clan grounds. So why would Obito know Sasuke?

"Of course, I also know Naruto."

Obito answered casually.

"That Naruto guy always wants to argue with me. So annoying."

Hearing Naruto's name, Sasuke pouted, a bit displeased.

"He cares about you, but he's not good with words. That's just how it is."

Obito helped explain.

"Is that so?"

Sasuke looked at Uchiha Itachi with a questioning gaze.

Compared to a stranger, he naturally trusted his own brother more.

"Probably."

Uchiha Itachi thought for a moment and replied.

Sasuke was as outstanding as him, which made it just as hard for Sasuke to make friends as it was for him.

After all, being too outstanding always invites jealousy.

Uchiha Itachi hoped Sasuke could make more friends, because in a few days, Sasuke would have to walk alone.

"Then I'll talk to him nicely next time."

Sasuke said.

Obito didn't waste too much time there and left quickly.

But as he passed by Uchiha Itachi, Obito left a whisper that made Itachi shudder upon reflection.

"Putting hope on others is not as good as accompanying them yourself."

Uchiha Itachi stared intently at Obito's back. Sasuke called him several times but he didn't respond.

"Does he know about the clan annihilation plan? Impossible, even the Third Hokage doesn't know about this plan. How could a ninja who just returned to the village know? Could he also be from Root?"

Countless speculations flashed through Uchiha Itachi's mind instantly.

……

"That kid is definitely scared by me."

On the way back, Obito thought happily to himself.

As for Uchiha Itachi, Obito found it hard to judge him.

But since he's going to help save the clan anyway, cracking a joke shouldn't be too much.

"Watch me, Earth Sage Obito, single-handedly smash all tragedies to pieces."

Obito hummed a little tune all the way as he walked into the Hokage Building and headed for the Hokage Office.

Because the Anbu had him under surveillance, Sarutobi Hiruzen received word before Obito even reached the Hokage Building.

So Obito didn't encounter any resistance; he entered the Hokage Office unimpeded.

"Lord Third Hokage, I have a report: the Uchiha clan is plotting a coup!"

After entering the Hokage Office, Obito immediately put on an anxious and urgent look and shouted.