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Outside the school, Sarutobi Asuma and the others were a bit curious when they saw Might Guy rushing out with Yuki Yuichi, but no one commented on it. After all, having more or fewer people training together didn't really matter. Only Hatake Kakashi eyed Might Guy, recalling something his father had once mentioned.
That guy in the green tights is supposed to be my lifelong rival?
Kakashi found it hard to imagine someone like Might Guy as his opponent. In his mind, his only true rival was Yuki Yuichi. A seemingly unreliable guy like Guy couldn't possibly be his competition! Kakashi silently scoffed, but the smirk on his face was hidden by his mask.
There's no way Guy could be my rival, Kakashi thought confidently.
Just then, the school bell rang.
"We should get moving!" Sarutobi Asuma urged. "Even though the teacher might overlook us skipping, staying at the gate could make it obvious."
Kakashi and Yuuki Yuichi exchanged glances, both looking at Asuma strangely. Yuhi Kurenai, hesitant but amused, finally said, "Aren't we technically skipping class already?"
Sarutobi Asuma fell silent, realizing how pointless his comment was. Without further discussion, the group sprinted toward the training grounds.
As luck would have it, they ran into Uchiha Obito, who was rushing wildly towards the school.
"Obito, late again?" Asuma asked, though he already knew the answer. After all, Obito had only been on time once in the past four days.
Gasping for breath, Obito replied between gasps, "I'm not late... just... waiting for you!"
Even Sarutobi Asuma, who had a good relationship with Obito, couldn't help but think his excuse was ridiculous. But before anyone could respond, a green blur rushed towards them—Might Guy.
"Obito!" Guy cried, grabbing Obito in a bear hug. "You were waiting for us? This is the passion of youth!"
Obito, startled, could barely react before Guy's powerful arms squeezed him tightly, slapping him on the back in excitement. Already breathless from running, Obito struggled to breathe as Guy continued his enthusiastic celebration.
"Obito, you've felt the power of youth, haven't you? How exciting!" Guy shook Obito's shoulders, tears of joy streaming down his face.
Watching the scene, Sarutobi Asuma took a few cautious steps back, whispering to Kakashi and Yuichi, "Is Obito going to be okay? It looks like Guy might accidentally kill him."
"Don't worry," Yuuki Yuichi said, grinning. "Guy may be a bit reckless, but he's careful enough. He'll send Obito to the hospital before he dies."
Kakashi shot Yuichi a look of disdain, his eyes showing complete disbelief at the nonsensical reassurance.
"We should probably leave before things get worse," Kakashi muttered, deciding that Yuichi, like Guy and Obito, was now among the ranks of unreliable people in his mind.
Yuichi, still smiling, teased, "Don't take it too seriously, Kakashi. You're going to end up alone if you keep that attitude."
"I don't need you telling me that!" Kakashi snapped, a bit flustered. "Besides, those fangirls of yours should stop bothering me."
Yuichi chuckled, shaking his head. He couldn't help but think of Kakashi in the future, once Jiraiya published his Icha Icha series. If only Kakashi knew what was coming.
Speaking of which, Yuichi's curiosity was piqued about those famous "erotic novels" that were so popular in the ninja world. Having read similar novels in his previous life, he wondered how the ninja world's versions compared. He mumbled to himself, "I should check it out when I get the chance."
Yuhi Kurenai overheard him and tilted her head, smiling sweetly. "Whatever it is, I'll go with you, Yuichi."
Her smile was pure and genuine, her eyes curving into crescent shapes. Yuichi blinked, taken aback for a moment. "Kurenai, you're the best," he said with a grin.
"Of course!" she responded proudly.
Kakashi and Asuma, meanwhile, exchanged glances and moved forward, separating Guy and Obito. Asuma, dragging Obito along, vowed, "One day, I'll find a girlfriend who's even gentler than Kurenai!"
Kakashi glanced at Asuma with a disbelieving look, saying nothing but clearly communicating his doubt.
Asuma, noticing the look, fumed. "What the hell, Kakashi! What does that look mean?!"
"Nothing," Kakashi replied calmly. "Just don't stress about it."
"I'm not stressing!" Asuma shot back, his temper rising. "Stop implying things!"
Kakashi sighed, his hidden smirk growing as his eyes remained deadpan. "Sure, no stress at all."
Behind them, Yuuki Yuichi and Kurenai walked hand in hand, watching the bickering with amusement. Yuichi's mind, however, was already on the training ahead. He was determined to master the shape and nature transformation of chakra.
One technique, in particular, was on his mind—Chidori, one of the three signature jutsu he had inherited from Sasuke Uchiha's template.
A powerful fireball jutsu, the Sharingan, and the Chidori. Each was invaluable to Yuichi. But Chidori, a technique created by Kakashi himself, wouldn't be developed for another six years.
Yuichi couldn't wait that long. He needed it now.
With a look of determination, Yuichi clenched his fist. Today, I'll take the first step towards mastering it.
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