At that moment, the wind howled fiercely, causing the trees to sway in rhythm. Kabuto adjusted his glasses, pushing the large box forward. "Here it is," he announced, then paused, a hint of uncertainty in his voice. "Actually, I've been wondering, why all the secrecy? Why meet here for the exchange?"
He couldn't help but liken the situation to a clandestine rendezvous, Kabuto thought wryly. Rolling his eyes, he attempted to continue, "We could have simply traded right after school. Obi... Ugh..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Obito swiftly covered his mouth, lowering his voice. "Didn't I warn you not to mention my name? What if someone overhears us?"
Obito regarded the younger boy with a mix of exasperation and concern. It was evident that Kabuto didn't grasp the gravity of their circumstances.
"What if we get caught? Have you forgotten what happened to your father? why he was arrested in the past?" Obito pressed on, emphasizing the seriousness of their situation.
Kabuto, who had been struggling against Obito's grip, momentarily stiffened. He had almost forgotten about his father's past troubles. It was a grim reminder that his father had been imprisoned for involvement with prohibited items. Though the leader had eventually pardoned him in acknowledgment of his years of dedication to the Grass Village.
However, Kabuto remained unaware of the specifics regarding his father's illicit dealings. When he broached the subject with Yahiko and Asui, their reactions were somber, hinting at a past they preferred to leave buried, merely sighing in response. It was clear that his father had been entangled in serious affairs back then. Yet, thanks to the leader's leniency, he had been released.
Reflecting on the situation, Kabuto admitted, "Indeed, I was careless." He extricated himself from Obito's grasp, readjusting his glasses. "However, I don't believe our transaction is of significant concern. It's nothing critical, and there's no one present to raise alarm."
"Hmph! You're still too naive," Obito retorted, his gaze piercing. "If we're caught, the repercussions will extend far beyond just us. We'll face harsher punishment and maybe even be criticized by the whole school. This is no trifling matter!"
With a dismissive gesture, Obito turned his attention to the box beside Kabuto, excitement gleaming in his eyes. It had only been a few days since the Tournament had concluded. Obito had returned to the academy amidst widespread acclaim, hailed for bringing honor to the school, and bestowed with various 'rewards'. What were these 'rewards' precisely? Obito couldn't list them all. There were simply too many.
Regardless, Obito realized that even after graduation, he would likely be unable to complete all the assignments he had received this time. The sheer volume was overwhelming. Hence, he needed an alternative approach. Eventually, he had stumbled upon a solution.
This Kabuto guy supposedly possesses a device capable of doing automating homework. Naturally, he coveted such a tool. However, the potential discovery of such an arrangement had him on edge, leading to their current clandestine exchange. Caution was paramount; if caught, not only would the device be confiscated, but he would likely be burdened with even more assignments.
"This better not disappoint me," Obito asserted, a subtle threat lacing his tone as he directed a pointed glance at Kabuto. "Remember, if you deceive me, I won't hesitate to hold you accountable. You're aware that I'm acquainted with Black Zetsu, right? Many of your classmates used to be his followers. If you betray me, I won't hesitate to let him take care of you."
"Don't worry, I've tested it already. You know my workload..." Kabuto paused for a moment, a tinge of melancholy coloring his tone, before continuing, "is no less than yours."
With that acknowledgment, they exchanged glances and sighed in unison. Both of them were drowning in endless homework, allowing them to empathize with each other's plight to some extent.
"How did you manage to get your hands on this?" Obito inquired, eagerly retrieving the box and opening it to reveal a square-shaped device nestled within. Excitement flickered in his eyes as he remarked, "You know, those questions aren't just numerous; they're also tricky. Even with Shadow Clones, I couldn't keep up. I ended up confusing myself."
"Actually, most of the questions in the leader's rewards were repetitive or similar," Kabuto explained, adjusting his glasses. "So, as long as you input the correct answers that you've already written, it will automatically complete similar or identical questions in the future."
He had discovered that many of the questions were repetitive or merely required slight modifications to the answers. To expedite the process of completing them, he had devised this device.
"Do you have the manual for this?" Obito inquired eagerly as he observed the device.
"It's all included," Kabuto replied, adjusting his glasses. "With diagrams and explanations. You should be able to figure it out on your own. Rest assured, I wouldn't deceive you. But regarding my request..."
"Are you certain this isn't a scam?" Obito interjected, his hands clasped behind his back as he eyed Kabuto with a hint of menace. "You know, if I discover you've misled me, don't expect leniency from me. I'm certain you wouldn't want 'that guy' to learn you used this device for your homework... Wait, what are you doing?"
"I believe you've raised a valid concern. The risk is indeed considerable," Kabuto stated earnestly as he swiftly reclaimed the device. "Let's call off the deal. The repercussions of being caught are not something either of us desires."
As Kabuto's words hung in the air, Obito suddenly offered an apology. "I apologize for my arrogance."
"What about my terms?" Kabuto inquired with a smirk.
"I'll do my utmost to comply," Obito hastily agreed.
With a satisfied smile, Kabuto pressed further, "And regarding Black Zetsu..."
Obito patted his chest reassuringly. "Just refer to him as Little Zetsu. He's struggling with his studies. Always causing trouble at the academy. I should have disciplined him sooner."
"In that case..." As he heard Obito's words, a pleased expression appeared on his face. "Transaction complete. We should return now."
However, Before they could react or prepare to depart, a chilling voice pierced the air. "You are surrounded. Drop the contraband and do not resist."
Instantly, Obito and Kabuto's expressions shifted with alarm. Before they could grasp the situation, several figures materialized seemingly out of thin air. Guards from the Security Department? How had they been discovered?
Takeshi Chinoike, stepping forward, addressed them sternly. "We received a report from vigilant citizens regarding suspicious activity in this area. Please accompany me for further questioning."
Who could have mistaken their meeting for espionage? Kabuto momentarily faltered, then stepped forward, ready to explain. At worst, they would face reprimand, and the 'contraband' would be confiscated. But being labeled as spies would be catastrophic. It was all just a misunderstanding.
However, just as Kabuto was about to speak up, Uchiha Obito, standing nearby, abruptly vanished into thin air before Kabuto could utter a word.
"Someone's attempting to escape using Space-time Ninjutsu!" The guards from the Security Department around them immediately changed their expressions.
Before Kabuto could react, the guards surged forward. "Get down on the ground with your hands on your head. Do not resist! Suspect resisting arrest, execute immediate apprehension!"
"I haven't done anything!" Kabuto protested, bewildered by the sudden turn of events. "You are mistaken. I'm just a fifth-year student at the academy!"
"We're aware," came the unexpected response from the guards.
"I swear we weren't conducting any espionage activities," Kabuto reiterated desperately.
"We know," the guards repeated, their tone unyielding.
If they were aware, then why were they still arresting him? Kabuto was momentarily stunned, then frantically continued, "You've misunderstood! I'm not a spy. My father is Advisor Mubuki."
As his words hung in the air, the footsteps of the guards hesitated slightly, offering a glimmer of hope to Kabuto. He was about to provide further clarification when suddenly, a distant voice resounded, "Mubuki's son? Ensure he's secured tightly!"
Kabuto, upon hearing this voice, stood frozen in disbelief. What on earth was happening?