The Tilted Balance

Obito couldn't help but roar in his heart.

What was all the special training he did this semester to defeat Kakashi? 

The sensei clearly knew that Kakashi might still show up at the Ninja Academy, yet he didn't tell him at all.

Obito didn't believe for a second that the sensei had simply forgotten to tell him; clearly, he just wanted to watch a good show!

After all, he knew from the start that Natsuhiko-Sensei was actually a sly person...

And judging from everyone's calm reaction after hearing what Natsuhiko-Sensei said, they probably knew about this all along.

Was he really the only one who didn't know? 

Natsuhiko seemed to have seen through Obito's thoughts and patted his shoulder to comfort him: 

"Alright, the reason why no one told you beforehand was actually to prevent you from developing a false sense of hope. This way, you could prepare with all your might."

"And what you learned during the special training wasn't a waste; it will all become nourishment for your future growth. None of it was in vain."

Obito had to admit in his heart that what the sensei said made sense...

But that's not the real issue!

The real issue was that he had previously thought he wouldn't see Kakashi for a long time and wouldn't have to worry about being teased by him for crying!

And now Natsuhiko-Sensei was telling him that he would still see Kakashi frequently in the future? 

Wasn't this just playing with him?

Thinking of this, Obito couldn't help but sneak a glance at Kakashi, who was not far away.

Although the other person still had a blank expression, Obito felt like the corner of his mouth beneath the mask was slightly curved, as if mocking him.

Obito felt utterly hopeless thinking about how Kakashi, who had grasped his weakness, might tease him in the future.

Fortunately, a sudden thought occurred to him, and he quickly raised his head towards Natsuhiko and said, 

"No, Natsuhiko-Sensei!"

"Sensei, you're being unfair to the other students who want to join the Sealing Technique group!"

Obito looked indignant as he spoke.

"All the others have to wait until the next school year to take the exam to join the research group, so why can Kakashi, who hasn't even taken the Sealing Technique course and knows nothing about it, join directly?"

Natsuhiko looked a bit speechless upon hearing this.

Coming from someone who got into the research group through the back door, you have no right to say that.

However, to maintain his image, Natsuhiko patiently explained:

"Obito, you have a point, but there's one thing you got wrong."

Seeing Obito's confused expression, Natsuhiko continued:

"Kakashi indeed hasn't taken the Sealing Technique course, but he's not as clueless as you think."

"In fact, while you were still unconscious, I gave him a simple test and found that Kakashi had already self-studied the entire semester's material very thoroughly and had even started learning the content for the next school year."

"Although, since he learned on his own, his understanding of some knowledge is a bit biased, and some textbook content is outdated..."

"But if he were to take the final exam in a few days, he could probably rank in the top twenty..."

"Now that I think about it, this could be an interesting proposal..."

Natsuhiko smiled, "Why don't we have Kakashi take the exam, too, and see who gets the better score, you or him?"

"No... no need for that, Natsuhiko-Sensei."

"That would be too unfair to Kakashi, who's a self-taught learner."

Obito forced a smile as he refused, but inside, he was roaring again:

Oh my god, the top twenty? Is Kakashi even human?

Although Obito had learned the Projection Technique, he had done so by forcing his body to memorise it, so his theoretical knowledge of Sealing Techniques was actually a complete mess.

To be honest, he felt that getting into the top fifty in the final exam would be an exceptional achievement for him.

Natsuhiko continued:

"So theoretically, the research group exam next school year shouldn't be too difficult for him."

"Plus, this semester is almost over, and Kakashi is about to graduate and start his busy ninja life..."

"To ensure he catches up with your progress and doesn't waste the entire two-month summer break, I decided to let him join our research group early."

"However, Obito's concerns are not unfounded..."

Natsuhiko pondered for a moment, then turned to Kakashi and said, "To be fair, Kakashi, you'd better participate in the exam next school year."

"I understand."

Kakashi nodded, indifferent.

"By the way," Natsuhiko suddenly glanced around at everyone, smiling, "Why don't you all take that exam too? Consider it a test of what you've learned over this period."

"—Just so you know, if you don't pass, you won't be able to participate in the research group's activities next school year..."

"But if you all join, the exam might need to be a bit harder..."

"Eh—!"

The research group members immediately groaned.

Although they had learned a lot in the research group this semester, gaining a significant lead over their classmates in Sealing Techniques.

But there's always the risk of failure, and if they slip up, they could lose the chance to join the research group and witness all the new and exciting things in advance.

So, they all glared at Obito in unison. 

Even Rin was no exception.

After all, if it weren't for Obito's big mouth, the sensei wouldn't have suddenly thought of testing them.

Realising that he had caused trouble again, Obito looked at Natsuhiko-Sensei pitifully, hoping he would change his mind.

However, Natsuhiko just patted his shoulder and said: 

"Obito, you should worry about yourself first. Honestly, with your current grades, it's going to be tough to pass the exam..."

"What, I have to take it too?"

Obito looked surprised, pointing to himself with his index finger, then suddenly realised.

Oh, right, now that his sparring with Kakashi was over, the deal with the sensei was naturally over, too, so there was no reason for him to stay in the research group!

This means that if he doesn't pass next term's exam, he'll really be kicked out of the research group!!

So it's not just about whether Kakashi joins the research group; it's about whether he can stay in it!

Realising this, Obito suddenly felt like he was at his wits' end and couldn't care less about Kakashi anymore...

Hmph, Obito really is an idiot.

Kakashi, who had been watching all this from the side, thought to himself.

Obito hadn't realised that this was just a deliberate plan by Natsuhiko-Sensei to motivate him to work hard.

Clearly, the sensei also saw that Obito, if not given a clear and urgent goal, would easily slack off.

So, after sparring with Kakashi, the sensei immediately gave him another goal.

However, this sensei also has a good grasp of student psychology, as well as high teaching skills.

Kakashi nodded slightly, feeling more satisfied with his decision to join this research group.

It seemed he would learn quite a lot here.

To be honest, when Obito fainted and Natsuhiko-Sensei invited him, Kakashi initially wanted to refuse.

Although he was curious about Obito's rapid progress, a big reason he left the Ninja Academy was to end the childish games of ninja play with his classmates.

Because he had already decided to follow the ninja code and abandon all emotions, his heart would unconsciously start to soften in school life.

Sometimes, he would even think...

Maybe that man's choice was the right one...

To avoid such weak thoughts from appearing again, he chose to graduate early.

Even accepting Obito's challenge before the graduation exam was partly to sever this karmic tie.

However, as he walked to the infirmary with Obito on his back, his thoughts began to shift slightly.

Although it was a minuscule change, it was enough to tip the balance in his heart to the other side.

That's why he had inexplicably gone to the rooftop of the teaching building and chose to accept Natsuhiko-Sensei's invitation.

But he kept telling himself repeatedly in his heart:

He hadn't changed his mind because of Obito...

—Alright, maybe it had something to do with Obito!

It's just that Obito's growth made him feel slightly threatened, and he worried that if he didn't get a good sensei in his class, that idiot might surpass him!

So, to be safe, he joined the research group.

It definitely wasn't because he couldn't bear to leave Obito or anything!

Definitely not!!

Kakashi kept emphasising this to himself while also reminding himself:

He joined this research group to become stronger and must not be softened by these people.

Even if it meant dying or jumping off the roof, Kakashi would never become friends with them...

However, the research group members were clearly not scared off by his aloof demeanour; instead, they all crowded around to talk to him.

After all, whether it was his sparring with Obito or his status as the youngest Genin, they were all very curious about him.

"Kakashi, how tough was the graduation exam? Was it similar to the final exam?"

That question, of course, came from the upperclassman Ebisu.

Kurenai looked eager as she said: 

"I heard you also know Genjutsu, Kakashi. Why don't we have a sparring match in Genjutsu?"

Asuma, feeling a bit irritated by Kurenai's interest in Kakashi, quickly pointed to the short blade on Kakashi's back and bragged: 

"I heard your White Fang short sword is also a chakra blade. Well, I have one, too, and it's two blades. How much is yours worth?"

Rin looked at Kakashi with a joyful expression and said: 

"Kakashi, I'm glad you could join us here. If you have any questions about Sealing Techniques, feel free to ask me for help."

And, of course, there was Guy, the blue beast of youth.

He gave a thumbs-up and said excitedly: 

"Kakashi, don't forget, I am your number one rival! Now that we have the chance, why not have a passionate and youthful duel under the sunset?"

Kakashi instinctively looked at the sky, confirming it was only noon...

Indeed, the real challenge to learning something in this research group is dealing with this bunch of people.

Making up his mind, Kakashi sighed quietly, already feeling a headache coming on...

(End of Chapter)

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