Chapter 818 Obito: I report that Uchiha is planning a coup

As promised, Kakashi brought Obito to the Hokage Office.

When the two entered the Hokage Office, the first thing they saw was Inoichi Yamanaka standing in front of the desk.

“Sandaime-sama, Inoichi-senpai.”

Kakashi greeted him in a calm voice.

“Hokage-uncle, Inoichi-senpai, good morning.”

Obito also greeted Hiruzen Sarutobi with a cheerful smile, not at all like someone who had been called in for an inspection; one might have thought Hiruzen Sarutobi had invited him for tea.

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

Yesterday, he had someone collect all of Obito’s information and then read it carefully.

Hiruzen Sarutobi found that, apart from his mediocre Ninja talent, Obito was impeccable in all other aspects, a true inheritor of The Will of Fire.

Even his Ninja talent couldn’t be called mediocre, because Obito had awakened his Sharingan, and any Uchiha Ninja who awakened their Sharingan was a skilled Jonin.

“Kakashi should have told you about the inspection, right?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked with a benevolent smile, like a kind old man.

If Obito didn’t have any major issues, he could downplay the matter and give Obito a light punishment.

Currently, the hawkish faction of the Uchiha Clan was dominant; if an Uchiha like Obito, who possessed The Will of Fire, returned, he might be able to help Itachi Uchiha postpone the coup and alleviate the conflict.

“It’s not that the Village doesn’t trust you; it’s that there are many mysterious Ninjutsu and secret techniques in the Ninja World, and sometimes the user doesn’t even know they’ve fallen into the enemy Ninja Village’s plot.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed and said.

“I understand the Village’s difficulties. I believe the Village will never wrongly accuse a good person, nor will it let a bad person go.”

Obito said with a righteous expression.

Seeing this, Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, somewhat satisfied, and said:

“Inoichi, begin.”

Upon receiving the order, Inoichi Yamanaka walked in front of Obito.

“Try to relax your mind; it will be easier this way.”

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

“Thank you for the reminder, Inoichi-senpai, I understand.”

Obito thanked him, then closed his eyes, showing a relaxed and comfortable expression.

“Hmm?”

Just as Inoichi Yamanaka’s palm was only two centimeters away from Obito’s head, Inoichi Yamanaka frowned.

Obito’s head seemed to have an invisible wall of air, and no matter how hard Inoichi Yamanaka tried, he couldn’t touch Obito’s head.

Even when Inoichi Yamanaka burst forth with Chakra to strengthen his palm, it was still useless.

This scene seemed a bit comical to Kakashi and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

It was somewhat like the two were performing a mime of an “invisible wall.”

“Inoichi, what happened?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately asked.

“Sandaime-sama, he seems to have an invisible shield on him; I can’t touch him.”

After failing to break through, Inoichi Yamanaka retracted his hand and turned to report the situation to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

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

“I almost forgot, I’ve cultivated the Sage’s body-protecting Sage Art, which makes all Ninjutsu ineffective against me. It’s possible that Inoichi-senpai’s action was deemed harmful to me by the body-protecting Sage Art, so it was blocked.”

Obito said with a hint of annoyance.

In fact, only Muzuki could make the Limitless technique operate fully automatically; even Kakashi couldn’t do it yet.

It was just that Obito had already mastered the Transparent World, and coupled with his long-term earring training with Kakashi, he simply learned a bit of Limitless to expand his abilities, so he naturally couldn’t achieve this step.

Obito’s main purpose was to give Hiruzen Sarutobi a warning and also to add a bit of credibility to his statement.

Anyway, no one in this world would understand Limitless, so Obito could make up anything he wanted.

“Body-protecting Sage Art?”

The three people in the Hokage Office had various expressions: surprise, doubt.

“Kakashi, stretch out your palm.”

Obito extended his right hand and waved it at Kakashi, signaling Kakashi to cooperate.

Kakashi didn’t hesitate and extended his hand towards Obito’s palm.

But just as the two palms were about to touch, Kakashi’s palm stopped, and both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Inoichi Yamanaka could see that Kakashi didn’t stop voluntarily; his body was still exerting force.

“Try using a Ninjutsu.”

Obito continued.

Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then condensed a bit of Chakra, and a flash of electricity appeared on Kakashi’s hand.

“Don’t be afraid of hurting me, just use your full power.”

The electric light became even more dazzling, but the result remained unchanged; neither Kakashi’s palm nor the lightning could touch Obito.

“I wonder what the defensive limit of this ‘body-protecting Sage Art’ is. If it can block a dozen exploding tags, then in combat, most Ninjutsu can be virtually ignored.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi was surprised in his heart; this was much more useful than defensive Ninjutsu like Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall.

With such a divine defensive technique, most of the time, one could only attack and not defend, bringing immense pressure to the enemy.

“Can your ‘body-protecting Sage Art’ be canceled? Otherwise, the inspection work might be troublesome.”

Inoichi Yamanaka asked.

“Sage Art is also a technique, of course it can be, I just forgot.”

Obito replied with a chuckle, making a hand sign in a theatrical manner.

“Inoichi-senpai, please go ahead.”

Inoichi Yamanaka once again extended his palm towards Obito’s head, and indeed, this time he met no resistance and successfully touched Obito’s head.

Inoichi Yamanaka quickly condensed Chakra and closed his eyes, focusing all his energy on exploring memories.

A moment later, Inoichi Yamanaka opened his eyes and looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with a solemn expression, saying:

“Sandaime-sama, what Obito said is true; he has no problems.”

Upon hearing this, both Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi were stunned.

Clearly, neither of them had expected such a result.

Kakashi was even thinking about how to plead for Obito, but it turned out Obito wasn’t lying after all?

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn’t speak, appearing to be deep in thought.

Yesterday, besides having Kakashi “protect” Obito, he also sent three elite Anbu to keep an eye on Obito.

According to the Anbu’s report, Obito had not shown any abnormal behavior yesterday, nor had he contacted Inoichi Yamanaka.

Furthermore, Obito had no connection with Inoichi Yamanaka before the incident, so Inoichi Yamanaka had no reason to favor Obito.

As for Inoichi Yamanaka and Obito betraying the Village together to become spies? That was even more impossible.

The Yamanaka Clan was an elder Ninja clan of Konoha; every clan head held a crucial position in Konoha. If Inoichi Yamanaka became a spy, Konoha would truly be finished.

The Uchiha Clan, who had great conflicts with Konoha, never thought of becoming spies; they only wanted to stage a coup and become Hokage themselves.

When all options are eliminated and only one remains, no matter how impossible the last one seems, it is the truth.

Obito truly benefited from misfortune, entering the Six Paths Sage’s ruins and gaining immense advantages, only recently leaving the ruins and returning to Konoha.

“That’s truly great.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his goatee and said with a chuckle.

“The Village now needs excellent 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, Hokage-uncle, could you do me a favor?”

Obito scratched his head and said.

“My home is gone now, and everyone in the clan thinks I’m dead. Hokage-uncle, could you publish my return in the newspaper?”

“Yes.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi thought for a moment and agreed.

Obito’s request was reasonable, and he couldn’t refuse it.

Of course, to prevent any future embarrassment if Obito turned out to be problematic, Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn’t publish anything like “Hero Returns” in the newspaper; at most, he would simply clarify that Obito had not died.

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

Everyone discussed who Uchiha Obito was, how he had such a strong will to live, coming back to life after being presumed dead.

Besides those who just idly chatted, some Uchiha also discussed this news.

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

“We Uchiha have sacrificed so much for Konoha, yet there is no one from our clan in the core power structure. This is blatant persecution against us!”

A Uchiha Jonin said indignantly.

They didn’t care that Obito had died and come back to life; they cared 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 limited capacity possibly succeed in a coup?”

Uchiha Itachi was deeply disappointed with the current Uchiha Clan.

Konoha is a collective, and people who can only see one family in their eyes can never become Hokage.

“Brother, teach me how to practice Shuriken Jutsu.”

Sasuke pestered Uchiha Itachi.

“Hmm.”

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

He had already agreed to Danzo Shimura’s clan extermination plan; his time with Sasuke was limited.

…

“Hiruzen, why didn’t you inform me about such a big matter?!”

In the Hokage Office, Danzo Shimura pushed open the wooden door and walked in, speaking with a displeased expression.

“What big matter?”

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt inexplicable.

“Uchiha Obito! A Ninja who disappeared for nine years, and you simply restored his Ninja status?”

Danzo Shimura said seriously.

“What if he has already been brainwashed by other Ninja Villages and is a spy infiltrating Konoha?”

If it were an ordinary Ninja, Danzo Shimura wouldn’t bother, after all, Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn’t stupid, and his Anbu wasn’t just for show.

But Obito was an Uchiha Ninja, and he happened to return to Konoha just as the Uchiha Clan was about to stage a coup.

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

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

“I’ve already had Inoichi Yamanaka check his memories; no problems were found.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head and said.

“That’s too unsafe. Hand him over to my Root. I will definitely investigate the truth thoroughly.”

Danzo Shimura revealed his true motive.

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

This way, his clan extermination plan would not be interfered with.

“No.”

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head.

He had already released Obito; sending Obito to Root again would be like slapping himself in the face.

Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew what Danzo Shimura wanted to do. If Obito really went to Root, who knew what would happen.

Given the relationship shown between Kakashi and Obito, Kakashi would collapse. His close friend who didn’t die on the battlefield would instead be tormented in Konoha.

Danzo Shimura did not give up, arguing vehemently, wanting Root to interrogate Obito.

But Hiruzen Sarutobi’s attitude was firm, showing no sign of relenting.

“Hiruzen, you will regret this!”

Having no other choice, Danzo Shimura left with a harsh remark, then slammed the wooden door of the Hokage Office shut with a bang.

Danzo Shimura, upon leaving the Hokage Building, immediately returned to Root and arranged for Ninja to closely monitor Obito. If Obito showed any unusual movements, he was to be immediately captured and brought to the Root Base.

Although this violated protocol, Danzo Shimura didn’t care that much for the sake of the clan extermination plan.

After all, he had directly gouged out Shisui’s eyes; forcibly capturing an ordinary Uchiha was nothing.

Both Root and Anbu were monitoring Obito.

In all fairness, Konoha’s Anbu were among the elite in the entire Ninja World.

However, trying to monitor Obito was simply overestimating themselves.

In front of Obito, who possessed Kenbunshoku Haki, this so-called monitoring was no different from standing openly beside him and watching.

“The Ninja World at this time is too friendly to me.”

Obito sensed two more people monitoring him, smiled, and continued with his own business.

Let them monitor; it wouldn’t hinder him.

On the second day of his transmigration, when his Shadow Clone used the Flying Thunder God Technique to leave, found Inoichi Yamanaka, and cast a Genjutsu, the Anbu hadn’t been able to discover it either.

Obito had too many ways to hide from the Anbu.

“It’s time to go to the Uchiha Clan Compound. There are five days left until Itachi and the others make their move.”

Obito checked the time, got up, and walked out towards the Uchiha Clan Compound.

Today was his fourth day in Konoha.

He had mostly gathered intelligence on this parallel world’s Konoha. It was very similar to the parallel world number one in his memory. Whether openly or hidden in the shadows, there were no Ninja who could pose a threat to him.

Although Obito considered himself invincible as long as the Six Paths Sage didn’t appear, this was a parallel world, and if something went wrong, there would be no Muzuki Sage to remedy it, so he had to be cautious.

What if there was truly a Six Paths-level Ninja hidden in the Ninja Academy or the library who had mastered the Bloodline Net? That would be disastrous.

After Obito’s repeated confirmation, he determined that this Konoha was indeed not strong; the strongest Ninja was Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Due to Obito’s matter causing a slight stir within the Uchiha Clan, he was quickly recognized by the Uchiha in the Clan.

“You’re Obito from the newspaper, right?”

An Uchiha Ninja took the initiative to speak to Obito.

“That’s right, it’s me.”

Obito nodded in response.

“You haven’t even decided on your housing location yet; why come to the Clan so quickly?”

The Uchiha Ninja asked.

After all, they were planning a coup, and recently, the Uchiha Ninja were quite nervous, worried about the matter being exposed and being besieged by Konoha forces.

Only because Obito was an Uchiha; if he were an ordinary Ninja, he would have been driven out long ago.

“Since I just got back, I’m looking at the place where I’ll live in the future.”

Obito explained with a chuckle.

The Uchiha Ninja thought it made sense and then left Obito alone.

Obito, as he said, strolled around the Uchiha Clan Compound. 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 accurately hitting the bullseye.

“Excellent, little Sasuke is very impressive.”

Obito clapped and praised him.

“Hehe.”

Although he didn’t know Obito, no one disliked hearing compliments, and Sasuke showed a happy smile.

“You know Sasuke?”

Uchiha Itachi looked at Obito suspiciously.

He had long monitored the Uchiha Clan Compound and was intimately familiar with its situation.

Sasuke was born after Obito’s “sacrifice,” and now was Obito’s first return to the Uchiha Clan Compound. So why would Obito know Sasuke?

“Of course, I also know Naruto.”

Obito replied casually.

“That Naruto guy always wants to argue with me, it’s so annoying.”

Hearing Naruto’s name, Sasuke pouted, a little unhappy.

“He cares about you, and he’s not very good at talking, so that’s 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 older brother more.

“Perhaps.”

Uchiha Itachi thought for a moment and replied.

Sasuke was as excellent as him, which also made Sasuke as difficult to make friends with as him.

After all, being too excellent 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 properly next time.”

Sasuke said.

Obito didn’t waste too much time there and soon left.

However, as he passed by Uchiha Itachi, Obito left a soft whisper that made Uchiha Itachi ponder with extreme dread.

“Instead of placing hope in others, it’s better to accompany 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 extermination plan? Impossible. Even the Third Hokage doesn’t know about this plan. How would a Ninja who just returned to the Village know? Could it be that he’s also from Root?”

Countless conjectures flashed through Uchiha Itachi’s mind instantly.

…

“That kid must have been scared by me.”

On his way back, Obito thought happily.

As for Uchiha Itachi, Obito found him hard to evaluate.

But since he was going to help save the family, a little fun shouldn’t be too much.

“Watch me, Sage Obito, smash all tragedies to pieces alone.”

Obito hummed a little tune all the way into the Hokage Building and walked towards the Hokage Office.

Due to Anbu’s surveillance, Hiruzen Sarutobi had already received news before Obito even reached the Hokage Building.

So Obito didn’t encounter any obstruction and entered the Hokage Office without hindrance.

“Lord Sandaime, I want to report that the Uchiha Clan intends to stage a coup!”

Upon entering the Hokage Office, Obito immediately put on an anxious and urgent demeanor and shouted.