29 - Obito Uchiha’s Purpose for Training

Kakashi Hatake's expression was somewhat unnatural.

Yuto Souta's demeanor gradually turned serious as well.

"When?"

It had finally arrived.

The village rumors.

The past few days of D-rank missions had been dull, but amid that boredom, the conspiracy targeting the Hokage's right-hand man, Konoha's White Fang, had unfolded as expected.

Kakashi Hatake was living through it all.

His once-revered father had, in just a few days, become a sinner in the villagers' mouths.

It infuriated him—more than once, he'd wanted to draw his blade and argue.

But beyond the anger, there was more helplessness…

He wanted to help his father.

Yet he knew that if he drew his weapon—or even raised his voice—it would only backfire.

So, he endured.

Every day, he masked his frustration with complaints about the tedious missions, hoping to coax comfort and encouragement from his father.

He hoped it might ease some of the gloom in his father's heart…

But lately, it was growing harder.

His father's encouragement had become perfunctory, and the forced smiles on his face pained Kakashi!

Using this chance to dine with friends, Kakashi had extended an invitation to his teammates under his father's name.

He'd hesitated when making the decision.

His father's situation wasn't something a kid not even six could sway.

But he had an inexplicable feeling…

Yuto Souta, a teammate he could entrust his back to in the future, seemed… to have seen through everything already?

Maybe his Uchiha identity gave him some insight.

That was Kakashi's conclusion.

This teammate of his seemed indifferent to everything, yet he always viewed things through a unique lens…

It put Kakashi at ease.

He was a partner worth trusting completely.

"Around eight tonight, probably… It's still early. Want to grab something to tide us over?"

"My treat."

With a rare show of generosity, Kakashi offered, given he was the one asking for help.

The trio headed straight to a dessert shop to replenish some sugar.

This place was famous too.

Sweet but not cloying, with an excellent texture, it drew customers of all kinds and boasted a stellar reputation.

It was evening, but business was still bustling.

They waited a bit before snagging a seat in the lively shop.

Yuto Souta spotted many familiar faces here.

Fellow students from their year… like a certain watermelon-headed kid, a boy already hitting his rebellious phase early, and some girls won over by the desserts.

The future Might Guy, who'd kick off the grand finale.

The Hokage's second son, Sarutobi Asuma, a wind-and-fire dual-nature user like him.

And Orochimaru's future disciple and revival seal vessel, Mitarashi Anko, along with her bestie, Yuhi Kurenai.

Just missing Obito Uchiha's long-time crush, Nohara Rin…

Yuto Souta had heard she was also prepping for early graduation, but aiming for medical ninja.

When Obito was hospitalized recently, he'd seen Rin helping out at Konoha Hospital…

No denying it—Obito had been influenced by Yuto Souta.

Before, his sole training goal was singular… beat Kakashi Hatake.

Part of it was to prove himself to a girl he liked, but mostly, it was just to show off.

And Yuto Souta? Who was he?

A fine youth shaped by Kyushu's ideals, aspiring to benefit humanity!

Under his sway, Obito quickly ditched those skewed priorities.

Now, every second he spent training was purely… to flex.

Like right now.

"Hey! Aren't these my old classmates, my future subordinates in five years?!"

"I just finished a mission entrusted to Konoha today. Didn't expect to see you all after serving the village—feels great!"

"Come on, today's on me! You guys are strapped for cash and can't earn your own yet—don't hold back!"

Obito Uchiha was feeling himself.

Finally, his moment to shine…

Hard work paid off. He, Obito Uchiha, was no longer like these ordinary students.

He snuck a glance at the cluster of girls.

Nice.

Good effect.

Just a shame Rin wasn't here—bit of a letdown.

But his antics were so brazen that a certain Konoha elite's son couldn't stand it.

"Obito Uchiha, what's a genin got to brag about?"

"Don't think I don't know… your missions are just petty D-ranks. The pay probably doesn't even cover my daily allowance!"

"And… you dare say you passed the exam without Kakashi Hatake carrying you?"

Sarutobi Asuma tore into Obito mercilessly.

As the Hokage's son, he had the insight to shred Obito's flimsy flexing…

And, of course, the clout to back it up.

But the moment his words landed!

A kunai suddenly appeared at his throat!

It was razor-sharp, glinting coldly, and pressed against his skin with an icy chill…

And its wielder spoke in an even colder tone.

It was none other than Yuto Souta—whose taijutsu was a negative score but had somehow raised his Body Flicker to Lv2.

Body Flicker, the only mobility skill for a mage like him, was something Yuto Souta knew was crucial.

"So what… gives you the right to act so high and mighty?!"

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