Chapter 52
Chapter 52
Upon hearing this, Haneda smiled, placing a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, and said:
"Why not? Maybe we can still fight side by side like we did five years ago."
After speaking, he extended his right fist, and a smile also spread across Kakashi's face.
The moment their fists bumped, both understood each other's thoughts—*True friends stay connected, even if separated by great distances.*
"We'll talk later, Kakashi."
Haneda waved and walked past Kakashi, heading toward the Third Hokage.
"You have a good relationship with your classmates, Haneda," the Third Hokage said with a smile, choosing to overlook Haneda's tardiness.
"Not bad. I get along well with my classmates," Haneda responded politely.
Hearing this, the Third Hokage smiled again.
He remembered how his own son had mentioned Haneda numerous times. At this moment, the smile on his face grew even more sincere.
"Congratulations on graduating, Haneda," the Third Hokage said, handing Haneda his graduation certificate.
Looking into Haneda's eyes, he asked with a smile:
"As one of Konoha's most outstanding young talents, what are your plans after graduation?"
Upon hearing this, Haneda's smile faded. He paused in thought, then carefully chose his words before speaking:
"I plan to become an excellent ninja."
"Like Uncle Sakumo, wielding the sharpest blade while treating my comrades with kindness."
"Sakumo, huh?" The Third Hokage nodded thoughtfully.
Given Haneda's behavior over the years and what he knew about the Uchiha clan, the Third Hokage saw no reason to doubt him.
He patted Haneda's shoulder, smiling as he said:
"Not bad. In the world of ninjas, those who break the rules are called trash, but those who don't care for their comrades are worse than trash."
"That's something you said a long time ago. I hope you always remember it."
Hearing Obito's famous quote after five years, Haneda felt a tinge of awkwardness.
Back then, he'd said it mainly to gain Kakashi's favor.
But now, thinking back on it, he found it both amusing and oddly profound.
Fate truly works in mysterious ways.
"I will, Lord Hokage," Haneda replied, standing tall with a smile.
After Haneda left, the Third Hokage continued calling the names of the students one by one.
When the name *Uchiha Obito* was called, the room fell silent, and no one responded for a long time.
"Uchiha Obito? Is he not here?" the Third Hokage asked again.
At that moment, two people stood up simultaneously—Haneda and Rin.
Haneda glanced at Rin, who had stood up, then silently sat back down.
Obito's fate with Rin was his own, and Haneda wasn't going to interfere.
"Lord Hokage, may I collect Obito's diploma on his behalf?" Rin asked, clenching her fists and gathering her courage.
If no one took Obito's diploma, he would have to delay his graduation.
Even if it meant embarrassing herself in front of the entire class, Rin was willing to step up and help Obito.
"Yes, Obito has met the graduation requirements. There's no need to worry," the Third Hokage said kindly. "I believe your name is Rin, correct? You're a brave girl."
Rin nodded, quickly running up to the podium to collect Obito's diploma.
"Thank you." Rin bowed repeatedly, clearly embarrassed.
"It's no trouble. Obito is a fine boy. I've often heard others mention how helpful he is."
"He probably had some urgent matter to attend to and couldn't make it," the Third Hokage said gently.
Rin's face flushed, and she hurried away with Obito's diploma.
After the remaining students had received their diplomas, the graduation ceremony came to an end.
The Third Hokage addressed the students once more, this time with a more serious tone:
"From the moment you receive your diploma and don the forehead protector representing the ninja of Konoha, you are no longer academy students but true ninjas."
"You will be assigned to teams of three, under the guidance of a jounin instructor, and carry out missions for the village."
"From this moment on, you will contribute your own strength, not just for yourselves or your families, but for the entire village."
"This also means that starting today, you will bear the responsibilities of adults."
The Third Hokage paused for a few seconds, allowing the students' excitement about graduating to turn into thoughtful consideration of their future.
Then, he continued:
"Now, I will announce the team assignments."
"Team 1..."
"Team 3: Might Guy, Anko Mitarashi, Genma Shiranui. Jounin instructor: Orochimaru."
...
"Team 7: Kakashi Hatake, Obito Uchiha, Rin Nohara. Jounin instructor: Minato Namikaze."
...
"Team 9: Haneda Uchiha, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi. Jounin instructor: Sakumo Hatake."
...
As the teams were announced, Haneda was stunned.
Although he could understand why the Third Hokage assigned Guy to Orochimaru, the difference in their personalities was just too vast!
It was hard for him to imagine how Orochimaru would interact with a youth full of passion and energy like Guy. Would Orochimaru eventually get so annoyed that he'd turn Guy into an experiment?!
Hmm...
After all, Orochimaru had earned the nickname "Cold Lord" for his icy demeanor.
As for his own assignment, being placed with Uncle Sakumo, alongside Asuma, the son of the Third Hokage, and Kurenai, Asuma's love interest, felt rather ordinary by comparison.
Overall, Haneda noticed that the team formations seemed heavily influenced by political considerations.
Assigning Guy to Orochimaru was likely a move to align Dai (Guy's father) with the Hokage's faction.
Meanwhile, pairing Asuma with Sakumo and himself was a clear attempt by the Third Hokage to strengthen ties with Sakumo and the Uchiha clan, hoping Asuma would form a bond with them.
Even though Kakashi's team was the same as in the original story, it also demonstrated the Third Hokage's desire to maintain Sakumo's loyalty.
As Haneda pondered these things, Kakashi, who stood next to him, spoke in a low voice:
"It seems, Haneda, that we'll be apart for a while."
"But we're still friends."
Haneda smiled, recalling Obito, and said to Kakashi:
"Besides, you've got great teammates."
"Obito is a really interesting guy. Sure, he's a bit loud, but being around him is truly fun."
"And Rin... she's kind, attentive, and very brave."
"Good luck, Kakashi. You've made new friends."
Hearing Haneda's words, Kakashi paused for a moment but quickly smiled in return.
"Maybe so. My father also suggested I make more friends."
After speaking, Kakashi glanced at the crowd.
With the team announcements complete, the students began to leave the room one by one.
"So, where are we headed next?" Kakashi asked, out of habit.
"Let's go check on a poor soul. Come on, Kakashi!"
As Haneda was about to drag Kakashi away, Guy appeared, challenging him to another duel.
"Let's have a youthful showdown, Kakashi!" Guy said excitedly, clenching his fists.
Upon hearing that familiar voice, Kakashi's face immediately dropped.
He shot a glance at Haneda, who had already turned his back, hands in his pockets, pretending not to notice. Kakashi could only sigh in exasperation.
***
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