To Be Lost On The Road Of Life (Continuation)

Chapter 29 - Far- reaching Hope

Chapter 29 - Far-reaching Hope

No words were spoken as the remaining members of Team Minato returned to Konoha.

Minato couldn't blame his students. If they weren't in shock, they certainly were mourning, and talking wasn't something people tended to like doing when grieving over the loss of those close to them. Minato himself was still struggling to reconcile his expectations for the mission and what had actually happened in his mind.

A small frown formed on his face as he recalled what had happened when he arrived.

Minato had made short work of the Iwa-shinobi, not bothering to assess the situation first-all he knew was that his students were in trouble, and he needed to do something about it. Terrified looks, blood, screams of pain and loss-he hadn't paid any mind to it, instead blanking his mind from everything as he got to work. He already had a vague idea of what happened when he noticed a distinct lack of Obito's presence, but hadn't allowed himself to think much of it at the time, instead giving his mind the numb reprieve it sought during the times he was forced to slaughter whole battalions of Shinobi. (The second time that day, he noted mournfully.)

And yet, unlike usual he didn't feel the heavy guilt that usually followed, the guilt that resulted from the knowledge that he had just killed people who were like him, people who had loved ones waiting for them at home, people who would never return to their homes and would leave behind grieving family and friends.

As soon as he had exterminated the enemy, he immediately sought to find Obito's chakra signature. He had, at first, attempted Sage Mode, only to realize that he was far too unstable to safely utilize it properly. He resorted to his usual sensing method as a result, and verified that his student's chakra signature was not in the vicinity, no matter how much he searched with his own. Eventually he relented, instead turning to Rin (who was frightfully despondent, and he inwardly worried about Kakashi as well) to ask. Her response had been as he had expected, but hoped against.

When Kakashi woke up, the boy confirmed that Obito had been underneath the falling rocks during the cave-in.

"He... He was right there," Kakashi had stated quietly, in a voice that was monotone yet somehow simultaneously wrought with grief and frustration. "Right there, and I couldn't do anything. I couldn't do anything, and I just watched him die."

Minato had assuaged the both of his students, telling them not to blame themselves. He didn't say much else, couldn't say much else, because he himself was in the same situation-and he knew that he didn't want to hear anymore. And that was when Kakashi had finally broken.

"He smiled." He had looked down at his hands, onyx and crimson wide-eyed in shock and remembrance. "He smiled, as we watched him. Like... Like he knew it would happen. Like he accepted his death. Like he was actually happy that he was leaving us!"

All Minato had been able to do was place a hand on the boy's shoulder, a silent reminder to remain calm. He couldn't help but think how very much like Obito it was, what the boy had done.

To leave them behind, in the dark and confused.

Grief had been the most palpable emotion he felt, but bitterness and a distinct sense of betrayal were close as well. Again, he couldn't help but think. Yet again, Obito had hidden things, hidden his true objective, and as a result the survivors were the ones who paid for his actions. But now, as the three of them walked home with heavy steps, Minato's head was somewhat clearer from the initial shock and loss.