Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 448: The Unbreakable Bond

Kakashi continued, "Haneda has long grown tired of the life he once led.

"He told me he wants to end all of this, to live a reclusive life with me.

"He told me what he truly desires, what he wishes to achieve.

"His understanding of peace, his vision of happiness, the reason he endlessly pursues these ideals…"

"It's all because of you. And because of me."

"Because of… you and me?!" Obito's fragmented mind began piecing itself together, and Kakashi's figure emerged within it.

Even though Obito had been utterly disappointed in Kakashi, in the life he envisioned with Haneda, Kakashi would always be a part of that picture.

"Why?" Obito asked in a low voice, his head tilting upward until his gaze met Kakashi's.

Kakashi replied, "Because you wanted to become Hokage. Because I wanted to protect the village. And so, Haneda became Hokage.

"Because you wanted peace in the shinobi world, and because you and I lost so much in the war, he sought peace.

"It's as simple as that."

Obito stood silently, listening as memories from ten years ago resurfaced in his mind…

So Haneda never treated his dreams as a joke…

So Haneda had always been watching him, trying to pull him out of his painful world…

Kakashi's voice continued, laced with an inexplicable emotion.

"In the end, he realized that his ideals never truly changed. He simply gained more along the way.

"On the foundation of peace, he wanted to plant a new flower. And that flower was called happiness.

"He wanted to pursue your happiness, my happiness, and through our happiness, to realize the happiness of others. This aligns with your ultimate ideal."

"To be honest… I've always known this."

"And so, he wanted to atone for you, to bring you out of the darkness and into the light. If possible, he hoped you could become the next Hokage."

At the mention of the word "Hokage," Obito paused. For some reason, the term felt heavier than ever before.

"Atonement? With what? Who would forgive me now? Don't give me that nonsense about forgiveness. Humanity never forgets hatred. Only naive fools can forget such things!"

The fragmented photos in Obito's mind began stitching themselves together, stabilizing his mental state.

His thoughts leaned more toward reason than the madness born of raw emotion.

Kakashi added, "What if the Rinne Rebirth Technique could bring back everyone who died?"

Obito froze at the question. He knew that Haneda might genuinely consider such an act.

Haneda was a compassionate fool.

Suddenly, Obito laughed.

"I'll admit, he's always been prepared. But, Kakashi… you've forgotten some important people."

"Our happiness doesn't include Rin. Or Minato-sensei!"

With the final two pieces of the puzzle stitched together, Obito fully regained control over the Ten-Tails.

He became the perfect Jinchūriki.

The true ascension of a divine being.

But not everyone was focused on him…

Minato innocently blinked. He actually felt quite content with his life.

Even with his regrets, being able to watch Naruto grow up and the village prosper, his death had left him with no lingering dissatisfaction.

Tobirama, however, pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. "I knew words alone wouldn't work. Now the situation is even more dire."

As if to convince Kakashi further, Obito continued:

"Rin is dead. Completely, from her body to her soul.

"The one she loved was you, Kakashi—not me!

"And you never loved Rin!

"In this painful world, she could never have found happiness!

"Only in a false reality can such universal happiness exist!"

Obito's tone softened, but only for a moment, as he added:

"And there's one more thing I never told you, Kakashi.

"The reason I pursued the Infinite Tsukuyomi… was because of Haneda. And because of you."

Having fully mastered the power of the Six Paths and becoming the perfect Jinchūriki, Obito was in no rush to cast the Infinite Tsukuyomi.

Before illuminating the world with its light, he wanted to achieve certain goals.

Obito continued speaking, his voice calm yet resonant:

"The sun can only ever illuminate one side of the moon, leaving its other side in eternal cold and darkness.

"I know that deep down, you've always harbored resentment toward Haneda.

"Even if you've never shown it outwardly, in your actions, or even in your heart.

"It all started during the Third Shinobi War. Your father, Sakumo, sacrificed himself to save Haneda.

"That was the beginning of your resentment—born from your father's death. Even if you've never expressed it, tears don't lie.

"Then, during the Nine-Tails' attack, Haneda knew I would come. But he never revealed my identity. Surely you suspected me back then, didn't you?

"An enemy who was merely knocked unconscious—how convenient…

"Why did Haneda suddenly disappear? Why did he know in advance yet never warn anyone? Why didn't he reveal my identity during each subsequent encounter?

"And the first time your Chidori pierced my heart—smart as you are, you should've realized it by then.

"It's because your bond with Haneda runs too deep. You've never shown resentment, not even a hint of it.

"Haneda either never noticed or pretended not to. He tried to compensate for it subconsciously. Over time, as you learned his secrets, your resentment seemed to fade.

"But did it truly disappear?

"I call our connection a 'bond' because it transcends mere friendship. Do you understand?

"Even if one of us knew the other was wrong, we would endure the pain in silence.

"Just like how Haneda is now ignoring me unleashing the Ten-Tails and becoming its Jinchūriki. He likely has the power to stop me but chooses not to.

"And just like you. You know my weaknesses, and you act as though you want to kill me to end my suffering. But you've never told anyone the truth, nor have you genuinely tried to kill me.

"And I've never wanted to harm the people Haneda truly cares about. Even if they oppose me or threaten my plans and ideals.

"Because this… is what a bond is.

"A chain that transcends friendship, binding us together in pain and ensuring we live for each other's sake.

"Our ideals are intertwined, and we cannot escape this connection.

"Do you understand this feeling, Kakashi?

"The Infinite Tsukuyomi will bring true relief. We'll live the lives we desire, with the happiness we seek.

"Do you honestly believe Haneda wants to retire and live a peaceful life? If he truly did, why does he continue to say he fights for bread and milk, for peace and happiness?

"Isn't that far too hypocritical?

"Could he truly let it all go?

"He says these things because of you, Kakashi. Because you're tired of this life.

"So, true salvation can only come from the Infinite Tsukuyomi. Only a reality that fulfills every desire can bring us the peace we long for."

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