Naruto, are you all so good at self-seduction

On the Way Back.

"Didn't expect you to join this gathering," Anko offered awkwardly, stepping forward as they walked.

"Yeah," Oboro replied flatly, maintaining his familiar indifferent demeanor.

"About Genma and the others, it's really me who should apologize," Anko continued, her voice trailing off.

"No need," Oboro replied curtly.

Anko shook her head. "I messed up, and they've suffered because of it. I've felt guilty about it. When I talked to them privately, they said they didn't care, but…"

Oboro paused mid-step, turning to face her. His emotionless gaze startled Anko.

"Do you have to share your problems with me?"

"...Sorry," Anko murmured, her voice slightly trembling.

"Do you all think that a simple apology will automatically grant forgiveness?" Oboro asked pointedly.

"..."

Anko took a deep breath, trying to steady her emotions.

"I want to make it up to you. I'd like to formally invite you to a meal as an apology," she said, forcing a smile that looked strained.

"No need," Oboro said, turning to walk away.

Anko followed him with her gaze, unable to suppress her frustration any longer. "Is this how it's going to be? You won't let it go?"

"Have I ever brought it up?" Oboro countered, pausing to respond. "Isn't it you who can't move on?"

"Then why do you always act this way toward me? I was only trying to be kind in the beginning." Anko challenged back, her irritation rising. "I never intended for things to escalate like that."

"What attitude should I have? Should I express immense gratitude after saving you?" Oboro slightly angled his body, looking at her.

"If it had been me lying in the hospital that day, would it be you apologizing at today's meal?"

Anko froze, momentarily caught off guard.

If it had been Oboro who was beaten by Genma and the others, how would she face him afterward?

At first, she thought this boy simply didn't appreciate her goodwill and was embarrassed by him—a sentiment that had fueled her anger and led her to think that some tough love might teach him a lesson.

But what if her thoughts had become reality? If Oboro had been hospitalized, would her anger have dissipated, allowing her to strut with pride upon their next meeting?

Would they even have joined today's gathering in good faith? Who would care about a "lesser" ninja's acts?

Most likely, Genma and the others would make light of it for Asuma's sake, while Oboro would be left trembling in silence.

Standing lost in thought, Anko whispered, "I… I'm sorry."

Oboro didn't respond and continued walking away.

Night.

Oboro met with Itachi in a secluded spot at the tree line on the village's outskirts.

Itachi was surprised that Oboro sought him out. Typically, their encounters were rare, and Itachi would usually be the one to approach Oboro, asking for help with matters he found difficult to navigate.

Oboro's responses leaned toward cautioning Itachi to listen to his father and maintain the clan's trust, especially given Shisui's parting words. Itachi had chosen to believe in him.

However, with Shisui back, it was unusual for Oboro to approach him directly.

"What do you need?" Itachi asked, eyeing Oboro's casual attire.

"Did Shisui say anything to you?" Oboro asked point-blank.

"Shisui…" Itachi hesitated, instinctively starting to answer, but he felt something was off.

Why would he ask that?

"Seems he has spoken to you," Oboro remarked, reading Itachi's expression.

"He's preparing to take action against the Uchiha," Oboro added.

"...Yeah," Itachi nodded slowly.

"Do you understand what the aftermath will be?" Oboro pressed.

"The coup will be thwarted…" Itachi responded carefully.

"Really? That's quite optimistic," Oboro replied lightly, a smile creeping onto his face.

Itachi frowned. "What else is there?"

"Even if it succeeds, what becomes of the Uchiha afterward? The village's higher-ups are fully aware of everything, and will their mistrust of the Uchiha lessen?" Oboro continued.

"It's a matter of navigating through it; as long as there's no violence, everything can be handled gradually," Itachi argued.

"It sounds like you've been too heavily influenced by Shisui and become an idealist," Oboro retorted.

"You might not cross that line, let alone take the next step."

"Why do you think that?" Itachi shot back.

"Because the higher-ups in Konoha are all too aware that if this coup is stopped, another one will inevitably follow. If Shisui knows he's failed this time, will he resort to Kotoamatsukami again on the Uchiha?"

Itachi froze at those words.

"If you were in his position, would you try a different path?" Oboro's gaze intensified as he quietly asked.

"A different path…" Itachi murmured, then suddenly appeared struck by a realization, his eyes widening with shock.

"The power of Kotoamatsukami—who wouldn't fear it?" Oboro's tone was meaningful.

"Shisui… is in danger!" Itachi exclaimed suddenly.

"I must warn him!"

"What good will that do?" Oboro replied.

"Even if Shisui learns of it, so what? He revealed his intentions to the top brass; no matter what, they will not tolerate him."

"And for Shisui's blind loyalty, he may willingly become a pawn, sacrificing himself for the supposed 'stability' of the Uchiha and the village, setting us up for the aftermath. That is what he would do."

"What can we do?" Itachi's brow furrowed deeply, anxiety creeping into his demeanor.

Oboro didn't respond right away, simply observing him.

"Truly attempt to change something, and you must be prepared to lose something else," Oboro finally said.

"Those who guide the pawns will not allow third parties. They will force you to pick a side, and if you refuse, they'll collaborate to have you eliminated. Will you stand by then?"

The forest fell into eerie silence, a stillness that felt almost suffocating.

Itachi felt a chill run down his spine as he looked into Oboro's eyes, which glimmered coldly like the shadowy night.

He lowered his head, remaining silent for what felt like an eternity.

"If a coup occurs, the Uchiha can shelter Shisui!"

Oboro registered Itachi's icy declaration.

"Oh? Aren't you worried that Shisui will hate you for this?"

"It's better than letting him die," Itachi replied coldly.

"To become their cannon fodder is not worthwhile. If the Uchiha's self-sacrifice does not yield them mercy, then let everything burn!"

Oboro regarded Itachi, who had made up his mind. "Are you aware of how rebellious your words sound? Are you planning to betray the village?"

"The village is one thing, but the rulers are another. The Konoha under the Uchiha will still be Konoha, and the villagers will praise our wise leadership." Itachi seemed to suddenly grasp the meanings behind the words exchanged with his father. When you're on top of the power hierarchy, who is truly the traitor? It all comes down to who has the authority.

Oboro sighed. "If only Shisui had your awareness."

"No wonder Shisui has always been in the right. The real betrayal lies with us," Itachi quietly stated, closing his eyes in calm resolve.

Oboro leaned against a tree, looking skyward.

The night sky turned as dark and thick as ink, its depth unfathomable. The faint clouds hanging overhead rendered the dim night even more obscure.

"I have a way."

"A way to save Shisui and the Uchiha, without a coup."

Itachi shot his eyes wide open, fixing an intense gaze on Oboro.

"Were you just playing me?!" he demanded, his voice low and tense.

"I wanted to see your resolve. But what I just said is true," Oboro responded calmly.

"Facing the village and the clan is a necessity; how will you choose? If you're just like Shisui, then there's no point in discussing this."

Oboro's tranquil demeanor was unsettling to Itachi. He pressed on, "And what if this isn't the outcome?"

"Then let the Uchiha tread a path toward their own destruction. I'll find another way to save Shisui; it's just that the result won't be as favorable as what I proposed to you."

Itachi regarded Oboro with increasing wariness, recognizing the weight of his words. "With a mind like yours, how have you remained under the radar for so long?"

"When you don't need to draw attention, excessive notoriety can become a burden," Oboro explained.

What Oboro said made sense; Itachi thought of the times he had faced Danzo's summons due to his own genius status.

"What you're suggesting... what is it?" Itachi asked, refocusing the conversation.

"This requires you to assist me in doing something."

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