Chapter 9: Obito the Rogue

Obito, powered purely by sheer will, managed to sit through an entire morning of classes. His determination provided some solace to Kisuke, their teacher.

As the class neared its end, Kisuke clapped his hands to get everyone's attention.

"Alright, everyone, your teacher has an important announcement."

He smiled as he looked around.

"In just over a month, we'll have our annual exams. I hope everyone can—"

Before he could finish, the classroom erupted in groans.

"Ugh! Not exams again!"

"Yeah, didn't we just have one?!"

"Being born as a human… no, wait… I'm so sorry for being human!"

Obito stifled a laugh.

Man, this class is full of characters. Everyone's hilarious.

Kisuke, though exasperated, worked to restore order.

"Quiet down, everyone!"

When the noise subsided, he continued.

"I want you all to make the most of this last stretch. Study hard, aim for great results, and make our class proud!"

He added with a wink, "And if the scores are good, I'll treat everyone to a feast—on me!"

The class exchanged looks.

Hmm, that actually sounds tempting.

Well, there's no escaping the exams, so… maybe?

As Obito was zoning out, a system prompt suddenly appeared before him.

[Choice 1]: Embrace the noble title of "Last Place"! Nobody can dethrone you!

Reward: Fury of the Underdog.

(Fury of the Underdog: Lose 1 Sanity point when competing against anyone with better grades.)

[Choice 2]: Read her a hundred times, and she's not yours. But read a book a hundred times, and the knowledge is yours. Study hard and make it to the top three in class.

Reward: Fire Release Proficiency +1.

[Choice 3]: Work yourself to the bone if it means outpacing your classmates. Achieve top three in class while helping the class average rank #1.

Reward: Fire Release Proficiency +5.

Obito sucked in a sharp breath, contributing his share to global warming.

What kind of ridiculous reward is "Fury of the Underdog"?! Hard pass.

Looking at the second and third options…

Option 2 is clearly easier, but…

"I'll take Option 3."

The moment Obito made his decision, a strange, world-weary look appeared in his eyes.

Sigh. I can't believe I have to deal with competition even in this world.

Fine. Let me show you the terrifying power of a student from the motherland. Brace yourselves for the dread of true competition.

If I don't die from overworking, I'll just keep working harder!

With determination in his eyes, Obito shot his hand into the air.

"Teacher, I have a question."

Kisuke felt his heart skip a beat.

Oh no, what kind of trouble is this kid up to now?

He gave Obito a wary nod. "Go on."

Standing up, Obito glanced around at his classmates, feeling a pang of melancholy.

Right now, we're still classmates, but soon, we may be enemies.

As he hesitated, whispers began to spread.

"What's Obito up to now?"

"He's probably just making excuses to avoid studying. Not the first time."

"Yeah, why are we stuck in the same class as him? He's dragged the average down by ten points!"

Obito overheard, and his fleeting guilt vanished. With a cheerful grin, he declared,

"Teacher, I think the homework you assigned today is way too little. Since the exams are coming up, shouldn't we double it?"

The classroom fell into stunned silence.

What the—?! Is this guy nuts?!

Kisuke's grin grew wider.

I'm starting to like this kid more and more.

"Well, since Obito feels that way, perhaps today's homework is a bit light. Everyone, open your textbooks. Let me add a few more questions."

Reluctantly, the students flipped open their books, glaring daggers at Obito.

Fortunately, Kisuke only added five or six questions, which slightly eased their despair.

"That's all for today's extra homework," Kisuke announced cheerfully before leaving the room.

"NANI?!"

Obito! You're the worst!

As the teacher walked out, Kakashi hesitated before standing. He seemed ready to say something to Obito, but someone beat him to it.

Nagano slammed his hand on his desk and stormed over to Obito.

"Obito, meet me in the grove tonight. We've got some scores to settle!"

Obito rolled his eyes.

What scores? Yesterday, you peaked in life by daring to insult the Sixth Hokage and provoke a warlord. You should be thanking me.

Still, he smirked. "Sure. Don't chicken out and make me look down on you."

Nagano snorted. "Same to you!" Puffing out his chest, he strode off like a triumphant hero.

Rin leaned in, concerned. "Obito, are you really going to fight him?"

Obito laughed. "Of course not! I'll be at home doing my homework. I was just messing with him."

Rin sighed in relief and smiled. "You're so sneaky, Obito."

Obito grinned.

Bad boys are more charming, after all.

As he chatted with Rin, Obito's peripheral vision caught Guy excitedly talking to Kakashi, practically bouncing with enthusiasm.

Huh. Boys bonding everywhere…

Looking around, Obito realized that almost all the boys were paired off, enjoying their camaraderie.

Only he was chatting with a girl.

"Wait."

Obito suddenly froze in thought.

In this world of bromances and undying bonds, wasn't he… out of place?

And in Naruto, those who pursued romance? Their fates weren't exactly enviable.

Obito, Asuma…

A solemn expression crossed Obito's face.

Maybe I should swear siblinghood with Rin first. Wonder if the universal will would accept that... Tough decisions.

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