Thinking of this, Obito gave a bitter smile, "Sorry, Rin. Turns out, I still can't protect you. I really want to promise that I won't take life lightly anymore, that I will always stay by your side."
"But... I did too many wrong things in my past life. Facing those I feel guilty towards, I still can only give them the right to decide my life or death. I... I'm afraid I'll disappoint you."
Rin shook her head, "No, Obito, you don't need to apologize, because I have already seen it, I understand your feelings. I won't be so selfish, and I shouldn't be so selfish. I don't want to force you to give up your redemption for me."
"But... Obito, I've said it long ago, whatever happens, we face it together. Next time, if something similar happens again, let me bear your sins with you. Don't leave me behind, okay?"
Obito's heart felt warm. He had the urge to agree immediately.
But... could he really bear to see Rin take half of Kushina's iron-fisted punishment in his place?
That was simply impossible.
Thinking of this, Obito couldn't help but show a little temper and asked, "Then, Rin, if Madara puts the Three-Tails inside you again, what will you do?"
Rin giggled, "Of course, I'd go find Master's wife. Obito, didn't you say that if we had gone back to her back then, my problem could have been perfectly solved?"
"If Kirigakure doesn't mind aiding the enemy, I don't mind accepting this grand gift either..."
Obito shook his head and said seriously, "Then what if Master's wife isn't around? What if the situation is really urgent?"
Rin was momentarily speechless.
Obito sat up, patted Rin's head, and smiled, "See? You're such a dummy. In that kind of situation, why wouldn't you consider me? If you died, I'd be the one suffering the most."
"But... I think you would still make the same choice as before, sacrificing yourself... to protect the village."
For a brief moment, Rin felt lost. She didn't know what choice she would make. Maybe only if she really encountered such a situation could she find out. But for something like that, she wished she would never face it in her lifetime.
Then, she let out a helpless smile, "Obito, I understand what you mean now. You're a fool, I'm a fool, we really... are both big fools!"
Obito stretched lazily and said, "So, let's not keep talking about life and death. I thought about this topic a lot in my past life and never figured it out. Only when truly faced with it can we know the answer. Right now, we should focus on protecting this rare moment of peace and life."
[T/N: This means, indirectly, that Rin is gonna die or the events that happened will happen.]
Rin suddenly let out a breath of relief. Looking at Obito's bruised and swollen face, she finally burst into laughter, "Obito, you're already so beaten up, how are you going to protect this peace and life..."
Obito thought for a moment, grabbed Rin's hand, and placed it on his face, "Rin, you're right. Hurting myself for redemption is meaningless. The harm is already done. All we can do is think about how to make up for it, not turn ourselves into half-human, half-ghost messes. That solves nothing."
"So, heal me. Only when I'm healed can I be of greater use."
Rin smiled and nodded, activating her medical ninjutsu...
Since Obito's injuries were just superficial wounds, though they looked severe, they healed quickly. As the green chakra glow flickered, Obito's wounds gradually improved...
Just as he was almost fully healed, Minato, along with Kushina and Kakashi, teleported back.
The three of them looked at Obito and Rin with strange expressions. Kakashi was the first to step forward, shrugging, "Obito, I've told Minato-sensei and Kushina-sama everything you wanted me to. How they feel about it isn't something I can control. You'd better prepare yourself."
Obito nodded and looked at Minato and Kushina.
He appeared calm and said, "I'm sorry, Sensei, and you too, Big Sis Kushina. You already know why I feel guilty, don't you?"
"Maybe it doesn't affect you both as deeply, since you never personally experienced those things, but for me, they're engraved in my heart, vivid and clear. The more I recall, the more I wonder, how could I have been such a monster?"
"So, whatever you decide to do to me, whether it's beating me, scolding me, or even killing me, I will accept it without resistance."
Kushina looked a bit surprised, "Oh? You adjusted that quickly? Not being weak anymore? Is it because of this little girl, Rin?"
Obito nodded and smiled at Rin, "She gave me a lot of courage."
At this moment, Rin suddenly rushed forward, standing in front of Obito with a determined look, "Sensei, Kushina-sama, I know Obito's actions were unforgivable, but I can't just sit back and let him bear everything alone. If you still have any anger left, let me take it with him!"
Kushina pretended to be furious, stepping toward Rin, "You said it yourself! The things Obito did make me so angry that just thinking about them makes me want to punch him. Are you really going to take his place?"
Rin was already scared, trembling all over, but her eyes remained firm, not backing down an inch, "Yes, Kushina-sama. If hitting me can help vent your anger, then please go ahead."
Kushina couldn't help but raise her fist toward Rin's head. Rin had braced herself for it, but she still instinctively shut her eyes in fear.
But at the last moment, the fist stopped. Instead, it turned into a gentle pat.
Kushina softly stroked Rin's head, "Even though I'm still very angry about what Obito did, since he calls me Big Sis Kushina, and I don't want to see such a sweet girl like you upset, I'll let him go this time."
Rin breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes filled with tears, and she bowed deeply, "Thank you, Big Sis Kushina. I truly apologize on Obito's behalf."
Kushina chuckled, "Alright, Rin, don't start talking like that brat. Promise me one thing, watch over Obito. Don't let him go astray again, got it?"
Rin nodded, "Don't worry, Kushina-sama, I'll keep an eye on him."
Kushina sighed, "You know, I can't help but envy Obito. He actually has such a wonderful girl who cares so deeply for him."
Rin's face immediately turned red as she softly explained, "No, Kushina-sama, it's not like that between us..."
But as she spoke, her voice grew as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
Kushina teased, "Oh? Did I hear wrong? Who was it that said they wanted to sleep together? Who was it that said they wanted to be his girlfriend?"
Rin's head practically started steaming.
Kushina squatted down, cupping Rin's face, "Alright, alright. Minato and I started dating pretty early too, so I have no right to scold you. But I still have to remind you, when a girl is out in the world, she must learn to protect herself. Otherwise, a certain white-eyed wolf might just gobble her up completely."
"Now, go carry out your mission. And remember to eat the bento I made. Everyone gets a share, and no wasting food. Most importantly... make sure all of you return safely."
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