"Hm? Someone from the real world is looking for you?"
In the game world, Madara Uchiha crossed his arms and stared coldly at the three little ones, who looked a bit embarrassed.
Obito scratched his head. "Uh, actually, it's just me they're looking for. I'm not sure why, but it's probably something with sensei. Shouldn't be a big deal. I'll be back soon."
"In the meantime, Kakashi and Guy can stay and keep you company!"
Madara Uchiha snorted. "Then get lost already! Don't waste this old man's time!"
Obito laughed. "Haha, sorry about that! Also, judging from the way you talk, you're probably a grandpa, right? Grandpa, that spiral mask of yours isn't very stylish. Kinda reminds me of bad memories. Maybe try a different look?"
He waved goodbye without waiting for a response.
"..."
Madara stood in silence, watching Obito walk away. His expression was hidden behind the mask, but Kakashi and Guy couldn't help swallowing nervously. They could *feel* the storm cloud brewing behind that mask.
Then, Madara spoke coldly. "You two, continue with me."
He was ready to resume his 'Madara-style' brutal training.
But at that moment, Kakashi suddenly paused, a sense of unease welling up inside him.
Guy immediately noticed. "Kakashi, what's wrong?"
Kakashi frowned, his usual dead-fish eyes flickering with tension. He clearly sensed something but couldn't explain it.
Madara raised a brow. "What now? Are you so terrified of this old man that you've lost the will to continue?"
Kakashi shook his head. "No, it's just… I suddenly feel like something's wrong. Like… someone close to me is in danger…"
Just like the night my father…
Of course, no one could hear his internal thoughts. But his demeanor was troubling.
If it were any ordinary adult watching, they'd probably dismiss him as a melodramatic kid.
But the two people present weren't ordinary. One was his self-declared best friend, Might Guy, who trusted Kakashi's feelings completely.
The other was one of the most eccentric men in the shinobi world—Madara Uchiha. He *believed* in hunches, instincts, and gut feelings, having survived countless death traps by trusting those very senses.
Now, hearing Kakashi's words, Madara narrowed his eyes. The scarlet glow of his Sharingan flickered ominously.
He spoke.
"Kid, no matter what's causing this inner turmoil, if you feel something, then act. Don't stand there like an idiot hesitating."
Kakashi blinked under his mask, stunned by Madara's words. His eyes silently said, *Do you even hear yourself, old man?*
But silent protest meant nothing here. Madara remained proud and firm, looking at him like what he said was the most natural thing in the world.
For someone like Kakashi—who believed a shinobi should be calm, cold, and act like a tool—Madara's emotional reasoning felt like something out of a fantasy novel.
But Madara was no fool. Though reclusive for years, he hadn't lost his ability to read people. How else could he identify which Uchiha had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan at a glance?
He saw right through Kakashi's skepticism.
"Hmph. Are you doubting me? Fool! I said it—intuition is important to a shinobi. Even you, a child, are an excellent ninja. And your instincts have always been sharp."
"Or are you telling me, after all these years of missions, you've never sensed danger that you couldn't see?"
Kakashi paused. He *had* experienced such moments—chills down his spine, hair standing on end—but those were momentary. This current sense of dread was deeper, more unsettling.
Madara snorted again. "Now, tell me. Who do you think is in danger? Just say the first name that pops into your head."
"Obito," Kakashi blurted without hesitation.
"Him?" Madara narrowed his eyes. Then, without another word, he forced Kakashi and Guy out of the game—and exited himself.
The two were stunned by Madara's sudden departure. Then Might Guy said, "Kakashi, looks like that old man made it clear—you feel something's wrong with Obito! So let's go find him!"
"Youth won't allow us to stand idly by while our friend is in trouble!"
Fired up and full of energy, Might Guy didn't care whether Madara's speech made sense. His best friend felt something was wrong—so it was time to save their *other* best friend.
Kakashi hesitated briefly, then nodded. The two left the game and immediately asked staff members where Obito and the "ANBU" had gone.
The reason for the quotes? If Obito *was* in trouble, then whoever took him might not have been real ANBU.
The staff had seen them leave and pointed the way. The two dashed out.
But by the time they reached the spot, they found nothing. It was like Obito had vanished—spirited away by the fake ANBU.
Growing increasingly worried, Kakashi decided to find Minato Namikaze. Their teacher had placed Flying Thunder God seals on all three of them—if he acted now, they could locate Obito instantly.
Meanwhile, Madara Uchiha left the venue using what appeared to be a slow gait—but in reality, his movement was swift and ghost-like. He entered a deserted alley, cast a silence barrier, and tapped the ground with his cane.
A White Zetsu emerged from underground.
Madara's order was simple: find Obito. Someone had dared kidnap the heir he had chosen—and Madara would deal with them *personally*.