When Uchiha Obito, considered a loser and a failure within his clan, heard the words "The future is yours" from Konoha's revered figure, Haruki, his first reaction was to think he misheard.
He was just a dropout, a talentless member of the Uchiha clan. How could he deserve such praise?
However, Haruki was very serious, showing no signs of joking.
"Teacher, I..."
Obito opened his mouth but didn't know what to say. His heart was filled with emotions, swelling with motivation.
"Do you believe me?" Haruki patted his shoulder. "I have a good eye for talent."
"I…" Obito lost his confidence. If Kakashi had said this, he would have replied with a confident "I know, no need to tell me."
But this was Haruki speaking. Over time, Haruki's place in his heart had become second only to his grandmother.
"Do I really have what it takes?"
After hesitating for a moment, Obito asked with little confidence.
"You know Mikoto, right?" Haruki asked instead of answering directly. "What was she like before she became my disciple?"
"She was…" Obito paused, realizing he had no recollection.
"I told you I have a good eye," Haruki said confidently. "Mikoto awakened the Sharingan with three tomoe immediately, but before that, no one saw her potential."
Obito's body jolted. Could he really be a genius?
"Obito, let's make a bet." Haruki looked at him, his figure against the sunlight resembling a sage who could see through fate. "One day, your eyes will change the shinobi world."
The statement was calm yet full of conviction.
Obito clenched his fists tightly. At that moment, he felt a surge of infinite strength within him. Haruki's image grew even more heroic in his eyes. Even if it was false hope, he decided to work hard to live up to Haruki's trust because he already had an unacknowledged dream of becoming Hokage and ending the wars.
"This kunai is made of diamond and is invaluable," Haruki said, handing him a sparkling kunai. "I'm giving it to you because I'm betting on your future."
Obito stared dumbfoundedly at the diamond kunai. Its golden glow mirrored Haruki's words, radiating a charm that couldn't be ignored.
"Teacher, I will definitely achieve it!" Obito swore loudly, filled with heroic spirit, as if he had transcended.
Haruki raised an eyebrow. The effect of this motivational speech was quite impressive. No wonder the most powerful technique in Naruto is "talk no jutsu."
"Do you want to know why you can't surpass Kakashi?" Haruki asked, knowing that motivation alone wouldn't suffice and that action would deepen its impact.
"I… I don't have his talent," Obito blurted out.
"Talent?" Haruki shook his head. "In my eyes, your talent surpasses his. If you want to know the answer, come to my house at seven tonight."
"Huh?" Obito looked at him in confusion. Why wait until evening?
"You'll find out then," Haruki said, offering no further explanation. "Go home now. See you at seven."
"Okay, see you, teacher!"
Obito carefully stored the diamond kunai, thinking he might never use it but would always remember this day when someone told him his future could change the shinobi world.
Haruki smiled, watching him leave. He recalled an experiment showing that a child praised for being talented would grow more significantly than in a normal environment. Hence, the influence of parents, teachers, and peers was crucial.
Haruki returned home. Tsunade was sitting on the sofa, glaring at him with a fierce expression.
"Huh?" Haruki blinked.
"I'm hungry." Tsunade immediately clutched her stomach, looking pitiful. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."
"There's food in the fridge," Haruki said, laughing and touching her forehead. "How did you become so silly?"
Because I want to eat with you, Tsunade thought, but didn't say it. She huffed, "I forgot, and I don't want to eat cold food."
Haruki pinched her cheek. She seemed different today, like a girl wanting to be pampered but too proud to admit it.
"What do you want to eat?"
"Did you already eat outside?" Tsunade asked.
"Yes, I had barbecue with the students."
"Then I'll have some noodles, something simple."
Tsunade's tone softened. She didn't care about the food, just the company.
"Alright, wait here."
Haruki ran to the kitchen and returned fifteen minutes later with a bowl of beef noodles. Tsunade picked up the chopsticks and, after a few bites, said, "Stop staring at me."
"In my hometown, there's a saying: 'A beauty is as delightful as a meal.' It means a beautiful woman is as pleasing as a delicious meal."
"Aren't you full already?" Tsunade glanced at him.
"Well, I didn't eat enough."
Tsunade gave him a skeptical look. "Don't lie to me."
"Would I dare?" Haruki moved closer, inhaling her fresh scent and softly said, "I feel like eating you."
Tsunade froze.
"Look at you, getting all nervous," Haruki shrugged. "I wasn't serious."
Tsunade snapped out of it and punched him on the head. "Idiot!"
"Why hit me? You're so ruthless," Haruki said, holding his head and looking hurt.
"Who told you to tease me?"
Tsunade angrily resumed eating her noodles. After finishing, she went to the kitchen to wash the dishes. Haruki scratched his head and followed her.
"I need to go out later."
"What for? Didn't you finish teaching Orochimaru's class?" Tsunade asked, stopping her dishwashing.
"It's about Obito."
"What are you planning to do? You're not taking him somewhere inappropriate, are you?"
"Do you think I'm Jiraiya?" Haruki said, angry. "Oh, so now you don't trust your boyfriend?"
"…"
Tsunade was stunned, feeling wronged. Wasn't she the one questioning him? How did it turn into her fault?
Then, a kissing sound broke the silence. Tsunade felt a kiss on her cheek.
"That's your punishment," Haruki said, licking his lips and whistling. "Beautiful lady, I'm off now. Be good and wait for me."