Seeing that Obito had nothing left to say, Natsuhiko announced that Obito's birthday party was officially starting...
So, over the next little while, everyone began the usual birthday festivities for Obito: singing the birthday song, making a wish, blowing out the candles, cutting the cake, and giving presents...
This was the first time Obito had so many people celebrating his birthday, so he temporarily forgot about the unpleasant things, and his mood improved significantly.
The only thing he regretted was that, despite wishing for Kakashi to disappear immediately, that guy was still swaggering around right in front of him.
Fairy tales really do lie, after all.
Moreover, Obito's good mood didn't last long because after the birthday activities were over, everyone gathered around Kakashi to talk to him.
Obviously, compared to the familiar fool Obito, the handsome, strong, and mysterious Kakashi seemed more attractive.
So, although he was the main character of this birthday party, Obito was left on the sidelines, looking resentfully at Kakashi, who was surrounded by everyone, his teeth gnashing in anger.
Damn it!
Is this guy Kakashi not content with just copying me and joining the research group? Does he also want to steal all my friends?
This is nothing less than an attempt to replace him in the research group!
It's not just copying; it's outright possession!
Obito grew increasingly indignant but soon realised he seemed somewhat powerless.
After all, he wasn't even sure if he would be able to stay in the research group next school year, so he didn't dare stir up more trouble and clash with Kakashi now.
Especially since the teacher had made an exception to let Kakashi join the research group early, which showed he really appreciated that jerk.
Damn, is it because they both have white hair?
Obito muttered to himself, contemplating whether he should dye his hair white, too...
As for Kakashi, who was being surrounded and chatted with, he wasn't as happy as Obito imagined.
To be honest, as someone aiming to become a true ninja, he actually preferred not to be in the spotlight.
He had even worn a mask since he was young for this very reason.
In fact, if he could, he'd like to switch places with Obito.
Thinking this, Kakashi couldn't help but glance in Obito's direction.
In the next instant, their gazes met...
Both were surprised to see the envy in the other's eyes.
Is this guy an idiot?
What's there to be envious of about me right now?
They both complained inwardly at the same time, then, noticing each other's slight surprise, quickly averted their gazes, thinking to themselves:
"Hmph, copycat."
"Heh, crybaby."
The astonishing synchronisation between them made Natsuhiko, who was watching the scene while snacking, start to worry for Rin...
...
After everyone had their fill of food and drink, the simple birthday party came to an end.
Natsuhiko casually snapped his fingers, making the long table and all the food on it disappear.
Everyone was already used to such displays and didn't react much to the teacher's masterful use of the storage jutsu.
Only Kakashi, who was seeing it for the first time, was slightly surprised.
However, judging by everyone else's calm demeanour, this must have been an essential move for Natsuhiko, so he didn't show much reaction.
Then Natsuhiko clapped his hands, and once everyone quieted down, he said:
"I don't need to remind you all that the final exams are just a few days away."
"So, starting tomorrow, the research group's activities will be temporarily suspended."
"This means that today is the last time we'll be together as a group this semester."
"So, taking this opportunity, I want to fulfil a promise I made earlier..."
The young ninjas were a bit stunned upon hearing Natsuhiko's words, and they couldn't recall immediately what promise he was talking about.
Soon, they remembered that the teacher had mentioned giving a special reward to the students who performed their best at the end of the semester to encourage them to study.
Thinking of the examples the teacher had given about the rewards, everyone looked at Natsuhiko with expectant eyes.
Only Obito, who was still sulking because Kakashi stole the spotlight at his birthday party, wasn't paying much attention.
Kakashi, being new, had no idea what this was about.
Seeing that everyone had remembered, Natsuhiko smiled and said:
"Honestly, all of you have done a great job and provided me with a lot of valuable data."
"For example, the radio callisthenics and projection techniques that will be promoted at the ninja school next school year are partly thanks to your efforts."
"So, I want to express my gratitude to all of you here."
"—Thank you."
Natsuhiko nodded to them.
"Natsuhiko-Sensei, it's us who should thank you because we've gained far more from the research group than we've given."
Rin stepped forward, looking gratefully at Natsuhiko-Sensei and Kushina-Sensei.
To be honest, she still couldn't believe that, coming from a family of ordinary people, she could surpass many children from ninja clans in actual combat.
Clearly, if it weren't for Natsuhiko-Sensei's guidance, she would never have achieved this.
The other young ninjas also echoed Rin's words, expressing their gratitude to Natsuhiko-Sensei for their tremendous growth this semester.
Natsuhiko waved his hand and said, "Given the effort and sweat you've put in, it's only natural that you've made such progress."
"And I've simply fulfilled my duty as a teacher, pointing you in the right direction."
"Just as I found my direction from the sealing techniques textbook compiled by Teacher Mito..."
"So, if you think I've taught well, then when you become teachers or lead a class in the future, teach every child as diligently as I have taught you."
"After all, isn't the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next the best embodiment of the Will of Fire?"
Everyone nodded thoughtfully, imagining themselves as future teachers.
Only Kakashi felt it was strange why Natsuhiko-Sensei kept looking at him while saying these words.
Then Natsuhiko shook his head and laughed:
"But it seems too early to tell you these things now."
"—Well then, let's get to the point. It's time to announce the winner's name..."
Hearing this, everyone started to feel nervous, clenching their fists tightly.
Even Kakashi, who had nothing to do with this, was a little curious about what kind of reward they were looking forward to so much.
After a long, suspenseful pause, Natsuhiko finally spoke:
"Asuma..."
"I won!"
Asuma, hearing his name called by Natsuhiko-Sensei, jumped up excitedly and walked forward with giant strides.
However, after taking a few steps, he hesitated and looked at Natsuhiko with a face full of doubt.
"Teacher, you wouldn't have given me the reward just because my dad is the Hokage, right?"
After all, he knew that he wasn't at the top of this research group in terms of effort, talent, and relationship with the teacher.
So he couldn't help but think of this possibility.
Natsuhiko rolled his eyes and said:
"No, actually, I hadn't finished. I just wanted you to step aside so Obito could come up..."
(End of chapter)
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