Bathed in the bright sunlight, Toshirou felt an impulse to go home and rest immediately.
The brutal and prolonged missions had left him physically and mentally exhausted, pushing him to his limits.
"Alright! It's decided!"
Becoming a Jonin recently had not stirred any feelings within him. He wandered over to Ichiraku Ramen, ordered a bowl of bone broth ramen to his liking, and prepared to fill his stomach.
"Toshirou-senpai! Long time no see!"
Just as he was about to lift the curtain and enter the shop, a slightly immature female voice called out to him.
"It's Rin!"
When he turned around, it was indeed Rin Nohara. At the moment, she was alone on the street, seemingly out shopping for something.
How leisurely!
"I haven't seen you in the village for a while. Are you back to rest this time?"
"Yeah, just resting for two days."
To this day, Toshirou didn't exhibit much enthusiasm towards this girl, Obito's beloved figure.
"Isn't it rare that that fool Obito isn't with you today?"
While sitting down and placing his order, Toshirou casually chatted with her. Unexpectedly, Rin also ordered a bowl of ramen. It seemed she hadn't eaten breakfast either.
"Obito is preparing for the Chunin exams, so…"
"Sorry to make you see this, Senpai!"
Looking at the young girl with two purple paints on her cheeks, Toshirou couldn't help but sigh. Such a gentle girl, no wonder Obito went crazy for her.
"I wonder, what do you think of that fool Obito?"
Ignoring the Chunin exam that Obito was about to take, Toshirou asked this question instead, secretly observing her expressions.
"…"
Seeing Rin stirring the noodles silently with her chopsticks, Toshirou silently commented on whoever came up with the three-man team model. These kids were precocious and even turned into love-struck fools!
"Obito and I grew up together and have always been good friends and comrades."
"Obito is kind, passionate, and ambitious, and he is now working hard to achieve his dreams. I'm very happy for him!"
"I think we will be friends for life."
After much thought, Rin finally expressed her feelings. After saying these words, it was as if a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She wasn't blind, she knew about Obito's affections for her.
As children, they were close playmates, but as they grew up, Rin, being the more mature of the two, realized his feelings for her exceeded mere friendship.
She was partly flattered and didn't reject these feelings. But Obito's usual antics were hard to overlook. She didn't want to lose this pure friendship, so she became hesitant, fearing she might unintentionally hurt this simple-hearted friend.
She didn't hold back when Toshirou asked and disclosed her thoughts. She felt much lighter after speaking out about something that had been weighing her down for so long.
"I see! It's his own stupid fault then!"
That fool, even though Kakashi graduated early, had missed his chances due to his awkward behavior.
"Rin! So, you were here!"
"I've been looking for you forever!"
"Huh? Toshirou-bro is here too!"
At that moment, Obito appeared out of the blue, panting heavily. After seeing Rin, he skidded to a stop and only then noticed Toshirou.
"Ah! Judging by the look of you, I can tell you haven't had breakfast yet. This one's on me!"
Seeing this boy, hands on his knees and gasping for air, Toshirou decided to show some rare generosity and treat him to a meal. It was a small consolation for a doomed romance.
"Really? That's great!"
"Heh! Heh! Heh! Toshirou-bro, are you celebrating my upcoming success in the Chunin exam?"
While talking, he didn't forget to order, "A large serving of seafood ramen, please!"
Completely oblivious to the fact that his love had already died before it even started, Obito was over the moon. It was rare for Toshirou to treat anyone, and he wasn't holding back.
Seeing Rin next to him with a helpless look, Toshirou massaged his forehead, feeling a headache.
This kid had been a ninja for quite some time now and was about to become a Chunin. How could he still behave like a new academy graduate? No wonder he remained an eternal lovesick puppy.
"You better be careful and not get easily KO'd like last time. That would be way too embarrassing!"
"Ugh~"
"I definitely won't! I've been training hard for two years, and this time, I'm sure I'll pass the Chunin exam!"
"Then I'll be a Chunin, just like you, Toshirou-bro! How about that… awesome, right?"
As he spoke, he even looked at Toshirou proudly, asking for praise like a husky wagging its tail, waiting for treats.
"Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm a Jonin now at Konoha. You'll never be able to catch up!"
Calmly finishing his last noodle, Toshirou took a sip of the rich bone broth and said quietly.
"What!"
"Really?"
Not only Obito but even Rin beside him was very surprised. A fourteen-year-old Jonin was quite impressive indeed!
"What do you think…"
Glancing sideways at Obito, Toshirou didn't elaborate further. But his attitude spoke volumes.
"Damn it! If only I could awaken my Sharingan, I too could become a Jonin!"
Grumbling, Obito suddenly thought of something and looked at Toshirou full of hope.
"What are you looking at?"
"Toshirou-bro… do you have any tips for awakening the Sharingan? Could you share them with me?"
"Don't worry, if I awaken it, this meal's on me!"
As he spoke, he patted his chest loudly.
Toshirou's eye twitched at the sight. Even if there were tips, a bowl of ramen wouldn't be enough to trade for it.
(End of this chapter)