Chapter 72: What a great relationship!

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After the matter of early graduation, Hatake Kakashi didn't bring it up again. It seemed he had been convinced. Seeing his expression, Yuichi Yuuki let out a sigh of relief. It wasn't that he didn't want Kakashi to graduate early; rather, he simply thought it would be a waste. In Yuichi's opinion, Kakashi would benefit more from a few additional years of training at the ninja academy.

He truly saw his friends as people he wanted to protect and help grow. Kakashi was incredibly talented, even without Yuichi's own unique advantages. Kakashi could easily catch up with him—a true genius. Yuichi knew that if Kakashi trained calmly for a few more years, he could become unbelievably strong in the future.

Early graduation may sound honorable, but it sacrifices potential. At this age, one should focus on gradual improvement rather than rushing off to kill. Kakashi, due to his talent, had still managed to progress rapidly, but it took a toll on him, especially after a series of emotional setbacks.

"Let's go eat."

Kakashi nodded, though he was still pondering Yuichi's words. While he agreed with many points, there were still questions he intended to ask his father later. Yuichi and Kakashi walked ahead, with Kurenai following Yuichi, and Might Guy and the others trailing behind. The shadow clones in the distance, their training done for the day, disappeared with a sigh of relief.

"Obito, how are you feeling?" Asuma Sarutobi asked, noticing Uchiha Obito catching up. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Obito replied, his voice still a bit hoarse, though his chest pain had almost completely subsided. The medicine in the ninja world was truly effective.

"Glad to hear it!" Asuma grinned, draping his arm around Obito and giving him a hearty slap on the back. Obito winced in pain.

"You idiot! I just stopped feeling pain!" Obito complained, and Asuma, embarrassed, scratched his head.

"Sorry, sorry! Next time, you can smack me back."

"Damn it, you and Kakashi are gonna get it one day!" Obito vowed loudly. His bold declaration made Kakashi glance back, a smirk playing on his face.

"Yeah, sure, last place," Kakashi teased.

Obito's anger flared. "Just you wait! I'll beat you in front of Rin!"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Rin? Who's that?"

As Kakashi and Obito exchanged sharp remarks, Yuichi quietly turned to Kurenai. "They're really close, huh?"

Kurenai looked over at Obito and Kakashi, nodding. "Yep, they seem to get along well."

Her words stirred up the two boys' rebellious spirits, as they instantly retorted in unison, "I'm not friends with that guy!"

Yuichi chuckled, "See? Even their arguing is in sync."

"Annoying jerk!" x2

"Don't mimic me!" x2

"Hmph!" x2

"Haha!" Asuma bent over laughing, clutching his stomach. "You two are hilarious!"

"Ah, youth!" Might Guy chimed in, struck by their camaraderie. "Oh, the beauty of friendship!"

With laughter and teasing all around, the group headed down the mountain. Yuichi felt warmth seeing everyone together like this. It was a good life, wasn't it?

The afternoon at the academy was uneventful. After school, Yuichi and Kurenai returned home, only to be met by Yuhi Shinku standing in the living room, a suspicious smile on his face. Holding a small note, he asked, "Yuichi, care to explain what this is?"

Yuichi immediately recognized the note without even reading it. It was the list he'd made that morning. Kurenai, sensing danger, stepped in front of Yuichi, arms spread wide. "It's mine! I wanted to buy it!"

Shinku looked from his daughter to the weight listed on the note—fifty kilograms. "Really?" Shinku raised an eyebrow.

Seeing Kurenai standing protectively, he couldn't help but feel a little hurt. Wasn't she supposed to be his "little girl"? But ever since Yuichi had come into her life, she'd always sided with him. He couldn't help but think, Perhaps my "little cotton-padded jacket" isn't so warm after all.

Coming back to himself, Shinku glared at Yuichi and tossed the note onto the table. "Hurry and eat! Afterward, I'll teach you both some taijutsu."

He cleared his throat and added, "Even if taijutsu isn't our primary skill as shinobi, it's crucial to train hard!"

Realizing that Shinku was up to something, both Yuichi and Kurenai could only exchange a glance and stifle a laugh.

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