CH - 153 Obito’s plea.

"Very well done, you've passed!" Akihiko exclaimed, turning to Obito with a radiant smile.

Passed? Passed my foot, grumbled Obito inwardly. 'I guess I have to work hard for free again'. Actually, working for free isn't a big problem, but the issue is this guy turned all the hard-earned money into Book exercises. It's simply a scam.

Obito forced a wry smile and said seriously, "Sorry, I must have taken the wrong turn." He turned around, adding, "I should get back to studying."

However, Akihiko waved his hand dismissively, and two Grass Shinobi quickly stepped forward, blocking Obito's path. Akihiko looked at Obito with a smile and said, "You haven't taken the wrong turn. This is destiny guiding you!"

"But I'm just a thirteen-year-old kid, I'm more suited for studying than working!" Obito protested, realizing the situation was not in his favor and scrambling for excuses.

"Huh? You're already a hero. How can you call yourself a kid?" Akihiko shook his head, his eyebrow raised.

"I still have to study. Madara-Sensei has high expectations for me, Zetsu works hard every day to support my education, and Rin hopes I can accompany her until graduation. Leader Akihiko, you wouldn't want to see everyone disappointed, right?" Obito responded, attempting to use emotional tactics to escape the situation.

"That is indeed a concern," Akihiko nodded seriously, momentarily lifting Obito's spirits.

However, Akihiko continued, "But don't worry." He stood up, patted Obito's shoulder, and displayed a kind leader-like smile. "I will hire several elite instructors to provide you with one-on-one tutoring. You won't miss any homework!"

Obito's face contorted in response to the unexpected turn the conversation had taken. He realized that escaping the situation wouldn't be easy. Considering making a run for it, he hesitated. Before he could act, Akihiko called out, "Nono, come here!"

Suddenly, Nono, wearing glasses and dressed in formal attire, walked out, exuding an elegant figure. Without waiting for her to speak, Akihiko continued, "I heard that there have been complaints at the academy about a student named Uchiha Obito. They say he doesn't pay attention in class and extorts protection fees after school. Is that true?"

"Hey, I didn't extort protection fees, I only recruited some followers!" Obito protested, and his plans for escape using his ability were abruptly halted when he was unfairly accused.

Nono raised an eyebrow, glancing between Obito and Akihiko. She then focused her attention on Uchiha Obito, a name she was quite familiar with as a Konoha ninja, known as the hero of the Third War of the Kannabi Bridge Battle. However, he had later defected for reasons she wasn't entirely privy to.

Despite hearing that he had fled to the Grass Village, she hadn't expected him to be recruited and seemingly doing well. However, she wondered why he was still attending school here. Shouldn't he have graduated by now?

Although these questions lingered in her mind, as a professional spy ninja now in the role of an assistant, she knew she had to prioritize trust-building during this probationary period. Therefore, Regarding Akihiko's words, she simply needed to comply and do her best to fulfill the assigned tasks.

Maintaining her disguise, she responded with a gentle smile, "What the leader said is correct!"

As Akihiko's words landed, a gentle smile curved his lips. He turned to Obito and affectionately patted his shoulder. "By the way, there have been concerns raised by some teachers about Uchiha Obito affecting the studies of the top student, Nohara Rin. They've suggested separating the two..."

"I'll take care of it!" Obito quickly interjected, patting Akihiko's shoulder. He spoke earnestly, "It's not about the money. The crucial thing is my passion for acting. I've harbored a desire to be an actor from the beginning."

As he conveyed this, he paused, dropping a subtle hint, "But just to be clear, I don't need any payment."

"If you have such determination, it pleases me as the leader!" Akihiko nodded approvingly, continuing to pat Obito's shoulder. "However, how can you work without compensation? Am I the kind of unscrupulous leader who doesn't value hard work? Don't worry about money. I'll ensure that diligent student Obito is adequately rewarded!"

"I..." Obito raised an eyebrow, sensing an impending issue, "I really don't want money!"

"You do," Akihiko responded with a smile.

"No, I don't," Obito insisted, shaking his head emphatically.

"Yes, you do," Akihiko continued, still smiling.

An amusing scene unfolded, with one person adamantly refusing any payment and the other persistently offering it.

Nono was momentarily taken aback by this display. She knew Uchiha Obito as a warm-hearted young man in the village, always ready to help others for the sheer joy of it. Even after his arrival in the Grass Village, he seemed to retain these qualities, holding onto his principles and volunteering his assistance without seeking anything in return. Had the former hero of Konoha truly embraced the Grass Village's leadership and values of this village?

Observing the scene, Nono couldn't help but wear a complex expression. She then looked at Akihiko, the leader who had a gentle smile reminiscent of the Third Hokage. Muttering to herself, she remarked, "He's indeed an exceptional leader!"

Finally, Akihiko declared with determination, "I said, you need it Just accept it!"

"Thank you," Obito's lone eye glowed with emotion. He looked at Akihiko and hesitated before making a request, "But can I ask for something?"

"Go ahead," Akihiko responded, delighted that Obito had accepted the compensation.

"Can you not give me those exercises?" Obito cut to the chase, expressing his genuine concern. He refrained from taking money because he suspected that Akihiko would convert it into more mock assignments.

"No problem!" Akihiko readily agreed, maintaining his cheerful demeanor.

"If you don't agree..." Obito began hesitantly, only to be cut off by his own astonishment. He blinked, and looked at Akihiko in disbelief. He couldn't fathom that this guy... actually agreed. Was there something bad about this movie?

After a brief hesitation, Obito inquired, "Can I ask... what are we shooting this time?"

"Of course, no problem," Akihiko nodded, reaching for the prepared script. He handed it over with a smile, assuring, "Rest assured, you will definitely like this script. Don't worry, take it home and read it slowly. When the shooting starts, I'll notify you."

"I will definitely like it?" Obito was slightly taken aback as he received the script. Peering at the title, 'Rescue Ninja Maki,' he pondered whether this would be a story about rescuing a ninja captured by an enemy village.

While curiosity sparkled in his eyes, Obito refrained from opening it immediately. Instead, he nodded appreciatively and stated, "I will study the script carefully when I go home!"

Turning around to leave, he took a few steps before glancing back. Hesitating for a moment, he looked at Akihiko behind him and asked, "Are you really not going to give me exercise books this time?"

"No," Akihiko reassured with a leader's loving smile, "Don't worry, go home and study the script carefully."

"That's good," Satisfied, Obito finally walked away.

As Obito left, Akihiko resumed his work. Thanks to Nono, things had eased a lot during this time, giving him the leisure to attend to other matters.

Observing Nono, who stifled a light yawn beside him, Akihiko felt a pang of sympathy. He sighed and spoke, "You've worked hard. Don't worry, after the probation period is over, I'll ensure you become a regular employee and increase your salary."

Upon hearing this, Nono responded with a gentle smile, "This is what I should do!"

Considering the workload in the Land of Grass, She wondered if the recent post-war circumstances had contributed to the increased tasks, as occasionally there were matters from the Land of Rain as well.

Regardless, having a substantial workload indicated that they didn't suspect her. Nono was no stranger to hard work, having often worked late back in the orphanage.

"Thank you for your concern, Leader Akihiko," Nono expressed her gratitude for his consideration.

"No need. At least this is what I should do," Akihiko waved off her thanks. After a brief pause, he remembered something important and advised, "Oh, by the way, remember to go to the academy later!"

Nono was left puzzled by Akihiko's words. Why would she be needed at the academy?

…

Back in his dormitory, Obito eagerly delved into the script. Although he had anticipated a story about rescuing a comrade, the details of his role intrigued him. With each passing moment, his lone eye gradually turned red, reflecting a mixture of emotions. As he reached the conclusion, he closed the script, holding it with both hands, and stared at it in silence, his expression a blend of contemplation and complexity. He murmured to himself, "Prioritize saving a teammate?"

Driven by newfound determination, he rose from his seat. "I've decided. I will film this and show that idiot Kakashi and the fools of Konoha that companions are more important than missions!"

Just as he finished declaring his resolution, a sudden "Ding dong!" echoed through the room. Startled, Obito turned towards the door, opening it to find a Grass Ninja standing outside, leaving him perplexed.

"Uh, is there something?" Obito inquired, perplexed by the unexpected visitor.

"Hello, Obito! I'm a ninja who accepted your mission commission," the Grass Ninja greeted with a friendly smile, adjusting his glasses.

"I didn't commission any missions! Wait! I'm a ninja, why would I commission a mission?" Obito hastily clarified, a hint of confusion in his tone.

"I heard that Obito has been busy recently, so the leader issued a mission on your behalf, entrusting several elite Jonin to help you with your studies. They will make sure you don't fall behind in your courses!" the Grass Ninja explained, presenting the mission details.

Obito's expression suddenly froze, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, unsure of how to react to this peculiar situation.

"Don't worry; you don't need to think about the reward. The leader will use your salary to commission the mission, and if it's not enough, the leader will personally cover the rest. Let you focus on your studies." The Grass Ninja assured Obito, glancing at him with a serious expression. "Obito, what are you looking at outside? Are you searching for other Jonins who accepted missions? They will come in the next few days. Today, let me substitute for them in your class."

"No, I am not looking for them," Obito responded softly, snapping out of his thoughts.

"Then, what are you looking at?" The Grass Ninja asked with confusion, observing Obito's intent gaze.

"I'm checking which tree is suitable for your leader," Obito replied with an odd smile on his face.

The Grass Ninja's expression shifted to puzzlement. Before he could inquire further, Obito suddenly burst into tears and exclaimed, "Madara-sensei... The world is too dark!"

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