Regarding the gossip among the ordinary villagers outside, Obito felt a bit embarrassed, though he didn't take it too seriously since he was accustomed to being ridiculed by his classmates from a young age. He had gotten used to it.
However, feeling that Rin was acting differently than usual at this moment, Obito genuinely didn't know what to do. Rin must be mad at him!
"Ahem! Obito! How long are you planning to hold onto her?"
After watching the scene for quite a while and seeing that Obito had no intention of letting go, Toshiro coughed lightly to interrupt. He was starting to suspect that Obito was doing it on purpose, as he hadn't let go for such a long time.
"Ah... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."
"Rin! Let me explain, I really didn't mean to!"
Obito, waking as if from a dream, hurriedly let go of his wandering hand. His whole face turned beet red, and he anxiously apologized to Rin Nohara in front of him, looking utterly terrified, fearing his goddess was mad at him. His tearful and snot-covered face added to his sincerity.
As for all those idle onlookers outside, what did they have to do with Obito?
"I'm sorry to have shown you this, Toshiro and Teuchi."
Rin, still maintaining her ladylike demeanor, even though she had been offended by Obito, managed to control her emotions well and apologized to Toshiro and Teuchi. However, her clenched fists and uncontrollably shifting steps betrayed her unease and her urge to flee the scene. Though she had grown up with Obito and knew him intimately, their contact had never gone beyond holding hands, and that too usually involved Kakashi joining in.
Being held like this in front of everyone was unprecedented. Right now, she wished she could disappear at light speed, escaping this awkward situation.
"Since Obito is fine, I'll be leaving first."
Greeting the few present, Rin ignored Obito's attempts to stop her and quickly disappeared from the scene. She wished she had her teacher's ability to teleport straight home from Ichiraku Ramen, so she could hug a pillow and calm down in peace. Yes, she needed to be alone.
"What are you looking at? Go after her!"
"Hmm! Don't forget to pay the bill before you leave!"
Seeing that things had settled down, Toshiro stood up and said to the somewhat conflicted Obito beside him. He didn't forget that Obito had promised to treat them. Toshiro didn't extend credit!
"And don't forget to help Teuchi clean up before you leave!"
Having said that, Toshiro left Ichiraku Ramen and headed home, various chaotic thoughts flooding his mind. It was possible to awaken the Sharingan through genjutsu, as proven by Obito. If Obito could succeed, couldn't he as well? But he wasn't foolish like Obito and the effects of casting genjutsu on himself were still uncertain. He decided to plan carefully after the war.
Since receiving the news of his teacher's sacrifice and failing to awaken the Mangekyo Sharingan, he realized that acquiring the Mangekyo wasn't that simple. However, he felt that his eyes had reached a critical point, just waiting for the right trigger...
Ever since he began practicing meditation, his mind had been stable. After awakening his Sharingan, his eye strength appeared somewhat lacking compared to his companions. Especially after mastering Sage Mode and continually letting sage chakra disperse within himself, this gap became more evident.
He knew that after Obito was promoted to chunin, he had gone on a mission to Kannabi Bridge with Minato Namikaze. He wondered if, with the Sharingan this time, things would turn out differently. If so, what about Madara...
Bang! Bang! Bang!
"Toshiro bro, are you home?"
That afternoon, at Uchiha Toshiro's residence, a figure wearing a blue jacket and an orange goggles was knocking on the door. The tightly closed gate indicated this individual had climbed the wall to get in.
"Hey! Kid, do you know that disturbing someone's sleep brings bad karma?"
After the small incident at Ichiraku Ramen, the exhausted Toshiro had returned home to sleep. No fatigue can't be solved by sleep. If there is, it means you're not sleeping right.
"So! Did Rin forgive you? Otherwise, why are you here?"
"Of course not! Rin wouldn't be mad at me! She's only... only..."
As he spoke, Obito's expression turned dejected. He knew he had gone too far; although unintended, Rin was still upset...
"Tell me then, what brings you here?"
Toshiro had no interest in this kid's romantic entanglements and got straight to the point.
"Didn't I awaken the Sharingan?"
"I was wondering if you, Toshiro bro, might have some advice or tips~"
Today had been a mixed day for Obito, starting with awakening the Sharingan, then hugging Rin, followed by Rin ignoring him. He felt as if he was floating on clouds.
"For such matters... go directly to Elder Hidechi in the clan! He specifically teaches newly awakened Sharingan users how to use their eyes."
Uchiha Hidechi was an elder within the clan, and with him, Obito's issues would be easily resolved. Once he finished speaking, Toshiro shut the door. He hadn't slept enough and was quite displeased at being disturbed by this kid.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Just after he closed the door, the knocking resumed.
"What else do you want?"
Toshiro, utterly annoyed, reluctantly opened the door again. He knew if he didn't, the kid would keep bothering him.
"Elder Hidechi... is on the front lines!"
Seeing Toshiro's impatience, Obito timidly explained.
"..."
Toshiro was stunned upon hearing this! If memory served... Elder Hidechi, over sixty, had put down his kunai more than a decade ago. To reenter the battlefield now...
"Come in."
With the topic disrupted, Toshiro realized falling back to sleep was unlikely. He decided to deal with Obito's matter first. Since the situation was partly his doing, helping the kid familiarize himself with the Sharingan was a given.
(End of Chapter)