Chapter 77. STOP!
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Let's rewind time a bit.
Today.
The weather was clear.
In the crisp autumn afternoon, a gentle breeze blew, refreshing and invigorating.
"Kakashi."
"Rin." Kakashi nodded slightly as he looked at Rin, who ran up to him with a cheerful expression. His tone was calm as he said, "Let's go."
"Alright~" Rin pouted slightly at Kakashi's usual indifferent demeanor.
Today.
She had specially worn a white dress!
Unfortunately, she had originally planned to invite Obito as well, but he had been nowhere to be found the past few days—who knew where he had gone?
After all, Kakashi had already been promoted to Jonin, whereas Obito... according to what Minato-sensei had said, it seemed he still needed a few more days.
Still, Rin was happy to spend time with Kakashi.
Even though... it was just to train together.
With a smile, Rin trailed behind Kakashi. "Kakashi, you're already a Jonin?"
"Mm."
"Does that mean you'll be leading missions next time?"
"..." Kakashi fell silent for a moment, then nodded. "Either me... or Obito."
As soon as he finished speaking, he looked up and said, "We're here."
Yuto Dance Hall.
The dance hall usually started operating after six in the evening. Now, its vibrant neon lights had lit up, indicating that it was open for business.
Of course, Kakashi wasn't here to dance.
Although every time he passed by, he had an odd feeling about the place, he didn't have the time for dancing!
It was just that this place could also be used for taijutsu training!
A while back, out of boredom, he had entered the hall with Rin for a look. They had been stopped by an elderly man inside, who then taught them some taijutsu techniques.
Though the moves looked rather peculiar, they did make Kakashi's body noticeably more agile.
Apparently, the elderly man was a Uchiha Elder, and the taijutsu was a secret technique of the Uchiha clan. So afterwards, he started bringing Rin along for training.
Initially, he was skeptical—after all, the moves really did resemble dancing.
Fluid, rhythmic!
Even synchronized with music!
But after seeing a chubby little kid also "training," Kakashi began to believe it.
That kid was the son of the Uchiha clan leader!
He had seen him once while accompanying Minato-sensei.
Although the boy had gotten a bit chubbier, with round cheeks, Kakashi's ninja instincts had recognized him at a glance!
It was indeed a testament to the power of the Uchiha clan's secret taijutsu that even a chubby child could move so nimbly.
So Kakashi decided to dedicate a few days of his Konoha downtime to some intense training.
"Let's go in," Kakashi said flatly, buying tickets at the entrance with Rin and preparing to head inside.
Suddenly.
He stopped in his tracks. His hip muscles tensed instinctively, a chill ran down his spine, and his brows furrowed deeply.
"???" Rin noticed Kakashi halting and asked in surprise, "What's wrong?"
Kakashi didn't answer right away. He stayed silent for a moment, scanning his surroundings with a puzzled expression. Only after a while did he shake his head and calmly say, "Nothing. Let's go in."
Just now.
He had sensed killing intent!
But it had flickered and vanished before he could identify its source.
"I must have imagined it. After all, this is Konoha!"
Reassured by that thought, Kakashi entered the hall with Rin.
Today.
He was determined to train hard!
…
Meanwhile, somewhere nearby...
What are they doing together?!
Obito's eyes glistened with unshed tears as he clung tightly to a lamppost, biting his lower lip and staring straight ahead.
At the very moment, Kakashi had sensed something...
Obito had panicked.
And hidden himself!
But why had he been afraid of being seen?
"Maybe it's just a misunderstanding?" he muttered to himself.
Unlike the previous two times, Obito didn't immediately break down. However, his eyes held a look of despair, as though he were a puppy bringing a bone home to impress its owner, only to witness something it shouldn't have.
Dull, stunned, pitiful, and full of disbelief!
But.
A dance hall!
There was no way Rin and Kakashi were training in there!
Who are you trying to fool?!
His grandmother had said that places like this were meant for dancing and... confessions!
The thought made Obito's heart ache all over again.
For the past few days, he had been working so hard, preparing a surprise for Rin. And now... what was he seeing?
His chest felt tight with pain, and his Sharingan involuntarily activated.
His vision sharpened.
He watched Rin cheerfully walking alongside Kakashi as they entered the dance hall. The scene slowed, each frame becoming agonizingly vivid.
Until finally.
They disappeared from sight.
His heart shattered.
Ignoring the puzzled stares of passersby, Obito cried out in anguish, "No! No! No!"
The breeze rustled his short hair as he stood there, lost in thought.
In that moment.
A single phrase echoed in his mind—he felt as though he had gained another epiphany.
Yet the misunderstandings from the previous two times still left him deeply remorseful.
Conflicted!
Women!
Ninja Way!
"Maybe... it really is a misunderstanding?"
His crimson eyes seemed to regain a faint glimmer of hope.
"I-I-I... must have misunderstood Rin again!"
A wry smile, both self-deceptive and pitiful, tugged at the corner of his lips.
Rin must have her reasons!
Taking a deep breath, Obito's expression grew firm and resolute.
This time.
He wouldn't run away!
Determined, he took a bold step toward the neon-lit entrance.
But...
He failed to notice a pair of eyes watching him from behind with a pained expression.
This is the third time!
And he's still this persistent!
Even a certain toad wouldn't be this loyal!
Oh, Obito!
...
Inside the Dance Hall.
At this moment, the hall was packed with people.
There were elders and young adults alike. This enclosed space, filled with music and dazzling lights, seemed to be a haven for everyone to let loose.
Many were here.
Swinging wildly, venting their frustrations!
Kakashi glanced at Rin before him—her fluttering long lashes were so vivid, and her slightly flushed cheeks under the lights looked quite endearing.
Rin was a good person.
"No wonder Obito likes her so much!"
Today's training objective was teamwork. According to the elder, who seemed to be from the Uchiha clan, only bonds could make a ninja stronger and more resolute. Especially teamwork—sometimes just a glance was enough to understand a comrade's intentions!
Thus, teamwork training was essential.
And getting close to each other... was unavoidable.
However.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, noticing Rin's nervous expression. He said calmly, "Maybe... this is enough for today."
Rin took a deep breath, smiling as she shook her head. "It's fine!"
"But!"
"No buts!"
She grabbed Kakashi's hand directly!
"We're just training, really!"
But then.
Suddenly.
Just as Kakashi froze momentarily at Rin's action—
"Kakashi! I challenge you to a duel!"
A roar erupted from behind them.
It was a familiar voice, filled with overwhelming anger.
"Obito?!"
Both Kakashi and Rin quickly let go of each other's hands, startled as they turned to see a furious Obito.
Especially his eyes...
"Obito! You've awakened three tomoe?!" Rin exclaimed excitedly.
However.
The enraged Obito seemed oblivious to her words. His gaze was fixed, unyielding, on Kakashi's... hand.
That stare.
That look.
It made Kakashi's buttocks tense up instinctively.
What did Obito just say?
A duel?
You've got to be kidding me!
"No time!" Kakashi said flatly. "I still have training to do."
Those words.
They only fueled Obito's rage further.
You call that training?!
Did I imagine that little hand grab just now?
Lies!
Deceit!
"You're not even a man! Fight me! Lying to me makes me angrier than anything else!"
"???"
Who lied to you?
Kakashi looked at Obito in confusion, about to ask when—
"Obito," Rin said worriedly. "You..."
"Shut up, Rin! This has nothing to do with you!" Obito interrupted her, turning back to Kakashi. "Coward! You don't even dare to step up! I'm so disappointed in you, Kakashi! Do you dare to face me in a duel?"
"..."
If you don't use that move, sure, I dare.
Kakashi rolled his eyes and sighed inwardly. He glanced at Obito, then at the crowd that had gathered, stopping to watch the commotion.
It seemed training wouldn't be happening today.
Calmly, he said, "I'm leaving now. Calm down, and we'll talk tomorrow."
As he tried to walk past Obito—
"You coward! I misjudged you, Kakashi! And now you're trying to run away?" Obito shouted, blocking Kakashi's path. His right hand sparked with flashes of lightning. "You're not leaving today!"
"Bang!"
Kakashi's expression changed as he looked at the large crater on the floor. Dodging quickly, he shouted, "Are you insane?!"
"Why did you lie to me?"
"What did I lie about?!"
"Fight me!"
"No time!"
"Coward! I'm going to beat you up!"
"..." Kakashi raised an eyebrow, suddenly feeling a stomachache coming on. He had just come here for a bit of training, nothing more!
Why was Obito so angry all of a sudden?
But seeing Obito's intense gaze, Kakashi trembled slightly. He seemed to understand.
Obito.
He was serious.
"Fine!"
With that, lightning flickered in Kakashi's right hand as well.
Rin panicked. She had no idea what was happening, her face filled with confusion. Why was Obito so angry?
She quickly shouted, "Stop it! Don't fight!"
There are civilians here!
However.
The two seemed to have forgotten Rin entirely. Their eyes locked... staring deeply at each other, as if there was only each other.
Even the Chief Elder and the Hyuga clan elder watching this bizarre scene felt a chill. Just as they were about to intervene—
Suddenly.
"STOP!"
A loud shout boomed through the hall, amplified by the sound system.
Everyone froze in shock.
Who was that idiot?!
Even Obito and Kakashi paused, stunned.
At that moment.
A striking figure appeared, drawing all eyes. Holding a microphone and wearing a faint smile, he said, "First, no acting on impulse. Second, no overlooking any wrongdoing. Third, no biased judgments. The honorable referee and owner of Yuto Dance Hall is here to preside over you!"
Fight?
What fight?
Were they planning to demolish the place?
He gazed at the dumbfounded duo, who seemed too shocked to react. "So you two want to have a dance battle?"
"???"
The crowd was utterly confused.
What was going on?