Path Of War

While the two continued to wait, William thought of one more topic that had been pressing on his mind. Something that could derail the "happy ending" they were striving for.

"Naruto," he carefully asked, "are you still planning to take revenge on Obito?"

Naruto’s step faltered. His face hardened instantly. The goofy, love-struck teenager vanished, replaced by the shinobi who had once lost his parents.

"I am," he said. "He killed my mom and dad and attacked the village by using Kurama. He’s the reason I grew up alone."

This deeply troubled William.

In the original story, Naruto was the key to Obito’s redemption. It was Naruto’s empathy, his ability to see himself in Obito, that turned the tide of the Fourth Great Ninja War. If Naruto hated Obito—if he sought pure vengeance instead of understanding—then Obito wouldn’t turn.

So the ending would change, and likely not for the better, if they didn’t carefully watch things.

"Why don’t you hate him like I do?" Naruto asked, looking at William. "You have every right to."

"Ugh... I never really met him, so I can’t say I feel it personally."

"You’re smart, cuz," Naruto began, stopping to look William in the eyes. "If you give me a reason why I shouldn’t want him dead, maybe I’ll change my mind about him."

William’s thoughts raced. He tried to think of an argument.

Perhaps stating that Obito was actually being manipulated by Madara? No, that sounded too weak since Madara was technically manipulating everyone. Naruto would have to see it for himself before making a conclusion.