The voice belonged to a girl dressed in black.
She had long, black hair, an unremarkable appearance, and a shy expression. A pair of tiny sunglasses rested on her young, delicate face.
It took Obito a moment before he recognized her.
"Ryoko?!"
Aburame Ryoko, their classmate from the academy.
What?! Obito couldn't believe it.
They got along fairly well, so why did his mind go completely blank when he saw her?
Rin chuckled as she grabbed Ryoko's small hand.
"Ryoko, when did you get here? I didn't even notice!"
Ryoko's voice was tinged with a bit of grievance.
"I've been standing right next to you for a while, but none of you paid me any attention."
What the—?
Obito was stunned.
So...the Aburame clan's lack of presence was hereditary?!
After a brief chat, Shikayu excused himself and left. Rin pulled Ryoko along to join the other girls, while Obito walked over to Kakashi, slinging an arm around his shoulder with a grin.
"Got something to say?"
Kakashi frowned slightly and coldly pushed Obito's hand off. He hated being touched.
Obito chuckled sheepishly.
"I was just thinking... I kind of miss your uncle's cooking. Do you think I could crash at your place for a meal sometime soon?"
Kakashi stared at him with a blank expression, clearly lost in thought. After a moment, he nodded.
"Fine. Tomorrow at noon. My father should be free then."
Just then, a green-haired boy with a bowl cut inserted himself between them.
"Kakashi, let's have a youthful duel!"
"No."
"Come on!"
"I said no!"
The bromance levels in the area were skyrocketing. Feeling overwhelmed, Obito made a quick escape before he got infected.
"Rin, let's go. I'll walk you home."
"Okay!"
On the way home, Obito held Rin's hand the entire time. His heart felt like it was about to leap out of his chest. It wasn't until he reached her doorstep that he reluctantly let go.
"See you later, Rin. I'll come visit when I can!"
Rin gave him a bright smile and waved enthusiastically.
"Promise me, okay? Bye, Obito!"
Waving back, Obito watched her disappear inside, feeling a strange sense of loss.
He made a decision: he wasn't going to wash his hand tonight.
The next day at noon, Obito arrived at Kakashi's house. His goal for visiting Hatake Sakumo wasn't just the food.
First, Sakumo was one of the strongest ninja in the current era. Interacting with him might trigger system prompts.
Second, Obito wanted to find a way to lift Sakumo's spirits, hoping to prevent him from falling into despair.
He wasn't sure if he could succeed, but it was the least he could do.
Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
A moment later, the door opened to reveal Sakumo. The man's eyes carried a deep sorrow that seemed almost tangible, but when he saw Obito, a genuine smile appeared on his face.
"Ah, Obito, you're here."
Obito scratched his head with an awkward laugh.
"Uncle, your cooking is just too good. I couldn't resist bothering you again!"
Sakumo chuckled warmly and ruffled Obito's hair.
"You're no bother at all. Come in and have a seat."
Sakumo's cooking did not disappoint. Obito ate to his heart's content, especially since Sakumo wasn't stingy with the expensive cuts of meat.
After the meal, Sakumo noticed Yingshu by Obito's side.
"Did you bring your sword? Are you here to discuss kenjutsu?"
Before Obito could reply, a system prompt appeared in front of him.
[Options:]
Request guidance on Iaido (Draw-Slash Technique). Reward: Double progress on the current mission (Iaido).
Request guidance on basic sword techniques. Reward: Unlock the basic sword techniques mission.
Request guidance on cooking. Reward: Hatake Family's Secret Recipes.
Obito quickly dismissed option three and made his decision.
"Sakumo-uncle, I'd like to refine my Iaido with your guidance." His tone was earnest.
Sakumo nodded approvingly.
"Very well. Follow me. Kakashi, you join us too."
He led the two boys to the training ground and began their lesson.
Obito threw himself into the training wholeheartedly, and before he knew it, the entire afternoon had passed. That evening, he shamelessly stayed for dinner again.
During the meal, Obito intentionally flattered Sakumo.
"Kakashi's so lucky to have such an amazing father like you."
"No wonder he's so talented—it's all thanks to your excellent guidance."
"You should invest more time in him. Who knows? Maybe he'll be Hokage someday!"
Sakumo seemed unfazed, but Kakashi's face flushed bright red under his mask.
What's with Obito today?! He didn't remember him being this... smooth before.
After dinner, Obito cheerfully asked, "Uncle, your food is simply irresistible. Can I come over again sometime?"
Sakumo laughed and held down his son, who was clearly less enthusiastic.
"Of course, you're always welcome."
Bidding them farewell, Obito left the Hatake household, feeling accomplished.
Sakumo really is a good man…
Back at home, Obito lay on his bed with a smile. His efforts today had paid off handsomely—his Iaido progress, which had been approaching 4,000 repetitions, had now doubled to nearly 8,000. The finish line was in sight.
Exhausted but satisfied, he drifted into a deep sleep, dreaming of the plans he had for tomorrow.
The next day, Obito didn't wake up until noon.
Yawn.
"Why does it feel like I always have half the day less than everyone else?"
Grumbling, he quickly dressed, grabbed a bite, and headed out.
Today's objective: mastering ninjutsu.
In the world of shinobi, ninjutsu was indispensable. The more techniques a ninja knew, and the higher their level, the stronger they were considered.
However, ninjutsu was a resource monopolized by clans and Konoha's upper echelons. At the academy, civilian students could only learn the basics—the Three Academy Techniques:
Clone Jutsu
Substitution Jutsu
Transformation Jutsu
Anything beyond that?
Dream on.
Unless you joined Konoha's official ranks or a major clan, high-level and destructive ninjutsu would remain out of reach. Most civilians resigned themselves to being mediocre their entire lives.
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