Chapter 8

As noon approached, Kyomu and Kakashi finally peeked into the classroom door.

"Have you two finished talking?" Seeing Kyomu and Kakashi nod, Shuzo waved to them. "Then come in, and remember to pay attention in class from now on."

"Got it, Teacher Shuzo."

Kyomu and Kakashi returned to the classroom, ignoring the gleeful glances from their classmates. They sat back at their seats and patiently waited for the end of school at noon.

After a short while, the bell rang, announcing the end of the class. Shuzo declared the end of the class and left, causing the classroom to burst into activity.

Moving seats and playful banter were common occurrences, and at this age, children were all about having fun and being carefree.

Once students formed small groups, they took out their lunch boxes from their backpacks and shared their meals with each other.

Bang.

A light sound caught the attention of Kyomu and Kakashi, who were having their lunch. They looked towards the origin of the noise—Uchiha Obito.

"Obito, can you be a bit quieter?"

The gentle voice of Rin echoed simultaneously, followed by a smile. She then asked Kyomu and Kakashi, "Can Obito and I sit here? Our place is too noisy."

"Of course."

"Thank you." Rin smiled and said, "I have saury in my lunch today. You guys can try it."

Kakashi's eyes subtly lit up; saury was his favorite.

After Rin sat down, Obito followed suit, sitting across from Kyomu and Kakashi.

Perhaps for the sake of face, Obito spoke condescendingly, "My lunch has shrimp, scallops, and beef. More than I can finish alone."

Kyomu smiled, and Kakashi rolled his eyes. Both could discern the underlying meaning in Obito's words.

Although it felt awkward, there was no denying that Obito wanted to be friends with them.

"I'll help you with some," Kyomu picked a piece of beef from Obito's lunch box. "The taste is excellent. The person who made your lunch put a lot of effort into it."

"Of course, that's my grandmother!" Obito was prompted by Kyomu's words to open up, "Let me tell you..."

Untainted by darkness, Obito's personality was friendly, making him an ideal friend. Also, with a touch of talkativeness, he was a perfect match for Kakashi.

Although Obito sometimes let out a sharp remark due to Kakashi, their banter continued.

But Kyomu, who enjoyed such an atmosphere, didn't mind. He even felt like he became a third wheel in the developing friendship between Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Obito.

After a simple lunch, the four of them became more acquainted. However, even in this camaraderie, there was still a competitive relationship between Obito and Kyomu, not because of Rin, but due to Obito's competitive spirit.

At this age, where there's no lack of competitiveness, especially considering the high-risk nature of the ninja profession, one couldn't survive without a strong will to compete.

"Kyomu, you're not suited for the ninja profession at all."

After being mocked by Kakashi, Obito, who had stopped talking to him, turned his attention to Kyomu.

"Huh?" Kyomu snapped out of his thoughts. "Sorry, Obito, I was a bit absent-minded. Can you say that again?"

"What the hell!" Obito slapped his forehead vigorously. "Kyomu, are you naturally stupid?! We're so close, and you can still daydream?!"

"Get used to it slowly." Kakashi interjected, "Besides daydreaming, Kyomu doesn't seem to have any other hobbies."

Glancing at Kakashi, Kyomu remained silent, turning his attention to Obito.

"Obito, I said, you're not suited for the ninja profession at the moment. But the truth, except for me, who else knows?" Aragami Kyomu didn't delve into further explanation. "In general, what you see and what you think might not necessarily be true."

"Yeah, just like how you took down Obito in one move. No one except him knows why, with the Uchiha surname on his back, he lost."

Every word from Kakashi stung, and Obito was hit again.

"Kakashi!"

Kakashi casually commented, "If you're not a user of the Sharingan, I don't have to consider what I say."

"Ha-ha-ha."

Unable to hold back, Rin spoke up, "Do you guys have to be so entertaining in your banter? It's really interesting."

"Who's bantering with Kakashi? I don't bother dealing with him." Obito turned away, his cheeks slightly red. "I'm just stating the facts."

"Yes, yes, it's the truth." Kakashi chimed in, "If you can't withstand my teasing, don't talk back. I only talk to Uchihas who have activated the Sharingan. You're not qualified now."

The faces of Obito became even redder, and he turned his head, ignoring Kakashi. However, he couldn't let it rest and chased after Kakashi out of the classroom.

"Kakashi, I don't want to wait until school is over. I want to settle this now!"

"Oh? You want to call a high-level Uchiha to take back your dignity?" Kakashi taunted, "And you're not that weak! don't need to do something so tasteless!"

"Nonsense, I won't do something so tasteless!" Obito decided to cut to the chase, "I mean, dare you to come with me to my usual training ground after school! We'll have a hundred rounds!"

"I think Kakashi will agree." Suddenly, Kyomu interrupted. "If you go, Obito, I promise to have a serious match with you. We'll fight for real."

"Really?!"

Aragami Kyomu extended his palm. "Really!"

Smack.

Kakashi was cooperative, extending his hand to meet Kyomu's. "That's settled. After I finish cleaning up Obito a hundred times, we can spar for a couple of rounds."

"Hey, what do you guys mean?!" Obito glared at them, full of anger. "I'm not a bargaining chip, and I'm not that weak!"

"It's not about underestimating you. Currently, you do have considerable strength," Kyomu fairly remarked, "but... well, I could beat you a hundred times in this state."

"That's true, even if you are strong, in this state, I could defeat you in a week," Kakashi didn't delve into explanations. "Overall, what you see and what you think might not necessarily be true."

"Yeah, just like how you took down Obito in one move. No one except him knows why, with the Uchiha surname on his back, he lost."

Obito was hit again, and the words from Kakashi continued to sting.

"What do you mean?" Obito fiercely stared at Kyomu, "You must explain it to me!"

"There's no need for detailed explanations, right?" Kakashi chimed in, "What Kyomu means is, when you activate the Sharingan, you will have strength, but for now... I can beat you a hundred times."

Kakashi was quite sarcastic, and with Kyomu's intentional or unintentional side comments, Obito couldn't argue with them. He could only get angrier.

"Kakashi, I don't want to wait until school is over. I want to settle this now!"

Obito pounced towards Kakashi, who deftly avoided him. However, Obito persisted, chasing Kakashi out of the classroom.

"Kakashi, it's not as difficult to get along with as it seems on the surface." Rin, who hadn't chased after them, initiated a conversation with Kyomu. "Besides, Obito's personality is not like a typical Uchiha. It's quite pleasant to be around him."

"If this continues, it could be a good start and ending."

Kyomu watched the two running further away, and his thoughts began to wander.

The ending, perhaps, could be changed.

(End of this chapter)