Chapter 79

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit a cigarette and spoke about yesterday's basketball game.

"It's really a pity that Asuma's team was only three points short."

"It's indeed a pity, but this is the charm of competitive sports; it's hard to determine the outcome until the last moment."

Haruki followed his tone, naturally showing a regretful expression.

"You're right. Yesterday, seeing those young kids so energetic and lively made me nostalgic for my youth. Those were beautiful memories. The only regret is that not many of my classmates from back then are still alive."

Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed a bit sentimental today.

Haruki glanced at him.

Most of his classmates were students and bodyguards of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, but they mostly died in the wars.

The ones still alive included Danzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Torifu Akimichi.

"Do you know what Asuma said when I asked him about his feelings after losing last night? He said it was his fault for the loss, that he didn't consider his teammates and acted too impulsively."

Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, his face full of emotion. "Asuma has grown up."

Haruki finally understood why he was different today.

He was getting old, no longer having the vigor of his youth.

In the future, he would tacitly allow Danzo to suppress others for the so-called stability of Konoha.

"After all, he is the son of the Hokage," Haruki said with a smile.

"No need to flatter me." Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff of his cigarette. "I know the reason for his change. I should thank you for it."

"It's my duty, and I quite like Asuma." Haruki continued to flatter him with a straight face.

"Having a ninja like you is truly a blessing for Konoha," Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but say.

"Hokage-sama, you praise me too much." Haruki bowed slightly in thanks. "I have another request today."

"Oh? What is it? If it's about marrying Tsunade, I agree."

"Marriage? Are you urging me to get married too?" Haruki handed a scroll to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"You two aren't young anymore. At your age, I already had a son who could run errands."

Hiruzen Sarutobi unrolled the scroll and was slightly stunned.

"You are so generous. Setting up scholarships and financial aid at the ninja academy and improving students' meals with the revenue from basketball. Those kids are really lucky to have you as their principal."

"Since the basketball game attracted so much interest, I wanted to do something for these kids."

"Great. If everyone were like you, Konoha's future would be bright."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "Who are the 'Three Good Students' for this term's scholarship?"

"There are three: Asuma, Kakashi, and Obito."

"I can understand Asuma and Kakashi, but why Obito? I remember he's from the Uchiha clan but without much talent."

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly. He didn't like the Uchiha clan.

"Because he's an anomaly among the Uchiha."

Haruki briefly explained Obito's background and character, then added a seemingly casual but intentional remark, "I think he's an Uchiha who can inherit the Will of Fire."

Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately thought of Uchiha Kagami.

His former teammate, who perfectly embodied the Will of Fire and was also a bodyguard of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

It was a tactic of his teacher's to split the Uchiha clan, drawing in those loyal to the Hokage to monitor the others.

But unfortunately, Uchiha Kagami died.

No successor to his legacy had appeared so far.

Perhaps Obito could be the one.

"Since it's your judgment, I trust it." Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded.

"If Hokage-sama agrees, I'd like to use your name for something."

"What are you planning now?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.

"You'll see in a few days. For now, it's a secret." Haruki winked, looking mysterious.

"You kid."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed and shook his head but wasn't angry.

Haruki had become as dear to him as a disciple, so a little joke was nothing.

After Haruki left, he ordered, "Put Uchiha Obito on the observation list."

"Yes." A voice responded from the empty air.

---

**Afternoon**

**First Year Class A**

Haruki stood at the podium, holding a rolled-up piece of paper.

The students below looked at him curiously, not knowing what interesting thing would happen today.

They were used to Haruki's occasional surprises.

Like opening a blind box, some were fun, and some were quite challenging.

"I met with the Hokage this morning. He's very pleased with your performance in the game yesterday and hopes you'll keep up the good work." Haruki cleared his throat and smiled.

The classroom erupted in cheers.

Receiving praise from the Hokage was rare even for their parents, let alone themselves. It felt like reaching the peak of their lives.

"Don't get too excited yet. There's one more thing."

Haruki clapped his hands, and the students quieted down immediately. "The school plans to set up scholarships, awarding three students who perform best each term thirty thousand ryo."

"Thirty thousand ryo?!"

"Oh my! That's so much!"

"We're rich, we're rich!"

The room buzzed with excitement.

For these generally five-year-old kids, thirty thousand ryo was a fortune.

Even a genin needed a considerable time to accumulate such money.

"Now I'll announce the three students receiving the scholarship this term."

Haruki looked at the expectant and nervous faces below and read out the names of Asuma, Kakashi, and Obito.

He noticed the students' unsurprised reactions to the first two names, but they were shocked and puzzled about Obito.

"Why Obito?"

"Teacher, is there a mistake?"

"How can a loser like him get the scholarship?"

Haruki expected their reactions.

He looked at Obito.

The earlier smile had vanished, replaced by discomfort.

Only Rin Nohara and Kakashi seemed concerned for him.

"Did you all forget the lesson on respecting your classmates?"

Haruki knocked on the blackboard, lowering his voice.

"If I chose Obito, I naturally have my reasons. If you deny something just because it doesn't fit your knowledge, you've wasted your lessons."

Haruki scanned the room; no one dared to meet his gaze.

Obito, however, looked touched.

"You'll understand why when you read tomorrow's 'Konoha Daily'."

Haruki flicked his wrist, and three certificates landed in front of the students.

Obito trembled as he opened his.

'For outstanding performance in the first year, first term, Uchiha Obito is awarded the title of "Three Good Student".'

The next day, everyone who bought the newspaper found something different on the front page.

'Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi Calls for Everyone to Learn from Obito.'