Chapter 145
Chapter 145
Chapter 145: Confession Under the Cherry Blossom Tree
Under a cherry blossom tree in the park, as spring arrived, the pink blossoms covered the tree with no hint of green. The petals, like soft pink snow, fell gently with each gust of wind.
After Rin informed Obito, he arrived early, carrying a bouquet of red roses, the most expensive ones he could buy at a flower shop on the way. Nervously pacing back and forth, he steeled himself for the confession he planned.
Clutching the roses in his right hand, he tightly clenched his left. "Today, I'm definitely going to confess to Rin!" he encouraged himself.
At that moment, he heard familiar footsteps—Rin was running towards him, waving. Quickly, he hid the roses behind his back, hoping to surprise her.
"Sorry, I'm a bit late…" Rin said, catching her breath with a bashful smile.
Just as Obito was about to tell her it was no big deal, he froze upon hearing her address "everyone." Looking around, he noticed that Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, and their other former classmates were also gathered.
Feeling a bit embarrassed, Obito tried to hide his roses further, disappointment settling in. It dawned on him that Rin hadn't called him here for a private meeting but had invited everyone for a get-together. Maybe he'd been overthinking things...
But where were Haneda and Kakashi?
As he pondered their absence, Rin smiled and continued, "I called everyone here to discuss how we should celebrate."
"Celebrate what?" Obito asked, confused, wondering if there was a village event or something.
Rin handed him a stack of papers with information about Haneda and Kakashi's recent accomplishments and explained, "Haneda and Kakashi have both been promoted to Jonin! I thought we should all pitch in and get them some gifts."
"Of course, I'm so proud of them," Rin beamed.
Hearing that, Asuma immediately added, "That's right! The news about Haneda being promoted has spread all over the village! I, Sarutobi Asuma, am deeply proud of him!"
Guy also chimed in, "Indeed! Haneda and Kakashi are now Jonin! I'm overflowing with youthful pride for both of them!"
Rin then turned to Obito and asked, "What do you think we should get them, Obito?"
Still reeling from disappointment, Obito forced himself back to the conversation. "Um... Haneda… he'd probably appreciate anything we give him. As for Kakashi… maybe some useful ninja tools."
Just then, a familiar figure approached with a cool, confident air—it was Haneda! A few girls in the group looked on, starry-eyed, as he made his way over.
"Where have you been?" Haneda asked Obito with a hint of exasperation. "I've been waiting at the gate for almost two hours!"
Haneda's sharp eye noticed the roses hidden behind Obito's back, instantly understanding what they were for—and realizing that the confession had probably been thwarted. With a smirk, he teased, "Are these roses for me, Obito?"
Caught off guard, Obito instinctively tried to hide them further, glancing nervously at Rin. But she had already spotted the bouquet, looking at him curiously.
"Oh, uh… Haneda, I thought I'd get you a little something to congratulate you," Obito stammered, handing over the roses with an awkward smile.
Haneda held back a laugh as he accepted them. "Thanks, Obito. Even if these roses already had someone else in mind, I'm still grateful for the gesture."
At that moment, Asuma picked a fresh cherry blossom from a branch above and handed it to Haneda. "Congratulations on making Jonin, Haneda!"
Noticing the fresh sap still on the stem, Haneda chuckled, "Freshly picked, I see?"
Asuma, suddenly embarrassed, quickly improvised, "Oh, I actually… I plan to gift you an entire cherry blossom tree!"
"Thanks, Asuma," Haneda replied with a smile.
Not wanting to be outdone, Guy shouted, "Wait for me, Haneda! I'll be right back with my gift!" and sprinted off, leaving a trail of dust behind.
Just then, Kakashi, who'd been watching from a distance, stepped out from behind a fence. He had originally come to ask Haneda to join him for some training but had been hesitant to approach because of Guy's presence and inevitable "youthful challenge."
"Hey, Obito. You passed the Chunin Exams, right?" Kakashi asked as he walked over, barely sparing a glance before looking at Haneda.
"Of course! I passed it easily!" Obito boasted, holding his head high.
"Good for you," Kakashi said indifferently, before turning to Haneda. "Want to train this afternoon, same place as usual?"
"Sure, let's go," Haneda replied, nodding. He'd been training with Kakashi a lot lately, so he wasn't about to turn down the invitation.
But Obito immediately grew frustrated. Normally, this time was reserved for his own training sessions with Haneda. "Hold on, Kakashi! I was here first!" he protested.
Haneda leaned over and whispered to him, "Aren't you going to confess? I can get everyone else to leave."
Hearing this, Obito blushed, realizing that Haneda had seen right through his intentions. Haneda was really a true friend, helping him out at this crucial moment!
Obito nodded and whispered back, "Alright."
Just then, Guy returned, this time holding a pair of matching dumbbells. Spotting Kakashi beside Haneda, his face lit up with excitement. "Kakashi! Accept my challenge of youthful rivalry!"
"I refuse," Kakashi replied without hesitation, glancing at the dumbbells in Guy's hands. "Are those gifts for Haneda?"
Guy hesitated, realizing it might seem unfair not to give Kakashi something too. "Yes! These are for both Haneda and you. Congratulations on becoming Jonin!"
Kakashi took one of the dumbbells, casting a sly glance at Obito and Haneda, clearly noticing the roses. Sensing the silent tease, Obito snapped, "What are you staring at, stupid Kakashi! I'd rather die outside the village than congratulate you on becoming Jonin!"