Special Training

"Of course, it's to defeat Kakashi so he can stay in the ninja school…"

Obito answered instinctively.

He repeated this reason so many times that he even came to believe it.

But to his surprise, Natsuhiko chuckled softly and said:

"That's not what I meant."

"The reason I gave was just something I made up."

"I only said that to convince Guy to help you train."

Σ(っ°Д°;)っ

"What—!?"

Obito's face instantly showed disbelief.

He had always thought that Natsuhiko-sensei had misunderstood his intentions, so he told Guy that. He just went along with it.

Who knew Natsuhiko had known from the start that wasn't the real reason!?

Thinking about this, Obito couldn't help but puff out his cheeks and looked at Natsuhiko with a face full of dissatisfaction.

Natsuhiko shrugged and smiled, explaining: "Actually, I wasn't entirely making it up. After all, I can see that, deep down, you do want Kakashi to stay in school."

"But wanting to defeat Kakashi must have an even deeper reason."

Hearing this, Obito, who had been sulking, was slightly stunned.

As Natsuhiko-sensei spoke, Obito couldn't help but recall the time he sought advice on how to defeat Kakashi. His mind became hazy.

Although it had only been a few months, the semester's eventful and gruelling experiences made it feel like a lifetime ago.

It took Obito a moment to remember his original mindset...

Was it to teach that arrogant Kakashi a lesson?

That was part of it, but not all.

Was it to snap Kakashi out of his constant grim-faced, brooding attitude?

That was part of it, too, but again, only part of the story.

In the end, Obito realised the reason he wanted to defeat Kakashi was surprisingly simple...

It was just a competitive instinct born from recognising Kakashi's strength.

Seeing the look of realisation on Obito's face, Natsuhiko nodded and said:

"It seems you've finally remembered your original goal, Obito."

"For the things you want to do, you don't need complex reasons to take action."

"Not doing something is when you need to weigh pros and cons and search for reasons."

"Why climb a mountain? Maybe it's simply because it's there."

"Because it's there, huh…"

Obito muttered to himself.

To him, wasn't Kakashi just a mountain he always wanted to climb?

And then he heard Natsuhiko-sensei ask with a teasing smile:

"So, Obito, do you still want to defeat Kakashi now?"

Instead of answering immediately, Obito closed his eyes.

In his mind, a list of reasons to defeat Kakashi began to surface:

The opinions of his teachers and classmates, the expectations of his clan…

His jealousy and sympathy for Kakashi, the desire to not disappoint Natsuhiko-sensei, and those who helped him train…

One by one, the reasons—whether imposed by others or himself—gradually faded.

It was as if the chains binding him were suddenly lifted.

Now, only a strong sense of battle-will remained in Obito's heart, burning like a raging fire. He only wanted to have an all-out fight with Kakashi right now.

After letting that emotion settle in his heart, Obito slowly opened his eyes, his expression more relaxed.

He looked at Natsuhiko with clear eyes and replied, one word at a time:

"Sensei, I still want to defeat Kakashi!"

"Although the chances are slim, I will give it my all. So please, continue to guide me!"

Natsuhiko smiled slightly and said:

"Of course, after all, I promised to help you defeat Kakashi as much as I could."

"So as long as you don't give up, whether we laugh or cry, I'll stay with you to the end."

"And I'm not the only one..."

Halfway through his sentence, Natsuhiko snapped his fingers.

Suddenly, the door to the rooftop, which Natsuhiko had sealed with a barrier, opened, and a group of people who had been eavesdropping for a long time tumbled in.

"Rin! Kushina-sensei! Guy and everyone, why haven't you all left yet?"

Obito looked at the group of research team members who had fallen to the ground, his face filled with surprise.

Everyone struggled to their feet, looking a little embarrassed.

Kushina scratched her head and said awkwardly:

"We were just a bit worried about you, Obito…"

Rin, on the other hand, apologised with a guilty expression: "Sorry, Obito. I didn't realise you were under so much pressure..."

Guy, with tears in his eyes, said, "Obito, you shouldn't have kept things to yourself! You can always talk to me!"

Asuma chimed in, somewhat pompously, "Obito, you just lack mental toughness. I know all about the pressure of expectations. Want me to share some tips—ow!"

Before he could finish, Kurenai elbowed him, cutting him off.

"What Asuma means is, in this last stretch, we're all willing to help with your special training," Kurenai said.

Asuma nodded with a smile: 

"Yes, yes, that's exactly what I meant. Just recently, my father gave me two chakra blades as gifts. Each one is worth 17.5 million ryo."

"So, I've been studying kenjutsu lately. Though it's not as good as White Fang's sword style, it should help you a bit."

Guy gave a thumbs-up: "I'll handle the taijutsu training. I've been watching Kakashi closely for a while now, so I've got some insights into his movements."

Kurenai said, "I can help you practice breaking genjutsu. I've heard Kakashi's a jack-of-all-trades, so to beat him, you should prepare for genjutsu too."

Kushina enthusiastically added, "I heard Kakashi use the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu in class recently. So, I'll help you train against shadow clones."

Rin added, "Just like before, I'll prepare the soldier pills for you during training."

Even Ebisu, pushing up his sunglasses, said, "Although I'm not as skilled as the others, I can assist with ninjutsu by using the chakra meridian scrolls."

"Everyone…"

Hearing their words, Obito couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

Seeing this heartwarming scene, Natsuhiko smiled and, to add to the atmosphere, pulled out a card and injected it with chakra…

Suddenly, the familiar training theme "Gonna Fly Now" started playing across the rooftop, which Obito and Guy both recognised.

With the stirring music playing in the background, time began to speed forward.

With the help of the research team members, Obito threw himself into his training with all his heart.

During lunch breaks, after school…

On the rooftop of the school, in the backyard of the ninja pub…

Obito trained relentlessly, squeezing every second out of the day, even sneaking in projection practice during class.

The research team members took turns sparring with Obito, simulating Kakashi's varied fighting styles.

Guy's taijutsu, Asuma's ninjutsu, Kurenai's genjutsu, and even Kushina's shadow clone techniques…

Rin and Ebisu also provided invaluable support, saving Obito precious time.

And, of course, the most critical help came from Natsuhiko, who not only taught projection techniques but also devised and drilled numerous strategies based on Obito's current situation.

Days flew by.

Finally, the day arrived—February 10th, the annual graduation exam of the ninja school…

(End of Chapter)

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