Chapter 42

Chapter 42

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Just at this moment, someone else came in.

"Lord Hokage." Uchiha clan leader brought Fugaku in and greeted respectfully.

"Kenji and Fugaku are here as well, please find a seat."

The Third Hokage watched as the two quickly arrived, feeling more and more that the situation was troublesome.

Especially when the Uchiha clan leader naturally led Fugaku to sit next to Sakumo, this feeling of trouble made him feel as if he were sitting on needles.

"Lord Hokage personally visiting the Uchiha clan's younger generation is truly an honor, haha," the clan leader laughed.

After finishing with the Third Hokage, the clan leader started chatting with Sakumo.

"Sakumo is here too; this incident with Kakashi is partly due to Haneda, which caused your son to be seriously injured. On behalf of Haneda, I apologize to you."

Sakumo shook his head:

"It's nothing; that was Kakashi's choice."

"To use his own strength to protect his companions, I am proud of his choice. This is the principle I have always taught him."

"I see... Hearing you say that, I'm happy for Haneda to have a friend like Kakashi," the clan leader said with a smile.

...

Next to Hatake, the Third Hokage felt a bit awkward listening to their conversation.

The more familiar they chatted, the more disadvantageous it was for him.

Just as the Third Hokage was about to say something, someone else arrived at the door.

"Lord Hokage, you are here too."

Might Dai appeared at the entrance.

He disregarded the several people in the ward and loudly spoke to Haneda:

"I'm sorry, Haneda; Uncle Dai didn't protect you well last night, nor did I protect Kakashi."

"It's alright, Uncle Dai; you were just doing your duty to protect Lord Hokage," Haneda smiled.

At this moment, Sakumo also spoke up:

"Haneda is right, Dai."

"You were thinking of the mission; besides, staying close to Lord Hokage was a form of safety."

Hearing Haneda and Sakumo's words, the Third Hokage felt even more awkward.

Both were emphasizing duty, and Sakumo even said being near him was a guarantee of safety...

If he didn't know Sakumo's character, the Third Hokage would have suspected he was intentionally mocking him.

But luckily, his Shadow Clone had worked hard to hold the three root ninjas back; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to stay here for even a moment.

"Alright, Haneda, you always think of others first."

Dai smiled, placing the carnation he had brought on the bedside table.

Then, he naturally sat down next to Sakumo and the others.

This scene was secretly noted by the Third Hokage, and he suddenly felt isolated.

Fugaku, who had been by the side, expressed his gratitude:

"Uncle Dai, thank you for taking care of Haneda. You've looked after him on the way here and back."

"No trouble, no trouble... And you are?" Dai curiously looked at Fugaku.

"Ah? I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Uchiha Fugaku; I'm sort of Haneda's half-teacher and also his older brother."

"Yeah, his genjutsu has always been guided by me," Fugaku introduced himself.

"Ah, so you're the one teaching Hatake... Well, it's clear you taught him well; no wonder he could defeat Kakashi," Dai gave Fugaku a thumbs up, making him feel a bit overwhelmed.

But in the Third Hokage's eyes, it was a sign that the talent he just tried to recruit could be pulled away by the Uchiha!

The Third Hokage felt even more uneasy.

Just as he was about to say something polite, a loud commotion of footsteps came, and someone else was about to enter...

"Damn Haneda, how could you hide this from me..."

Obito walked into the room, confused when he saw Haneda surrounded by people, including the Third Hokage sitting by the bedside.

"Lord Hokage, Clan Leader... and Uncle Sakumo and Uncle Dai are all here, haha..."

Obito scratched his head, laughing awkwardly.

He was about to close the door and go back but heard Gai's loud voice from behind:

"Runta, why are you turning around? Go in!"

"Damn it, my name is... Uchiha, Uchiha Obito."

Obito's excited voice grew quieter until only he could hear it.

There was no way he could act casually in front of his idol, the Hokage; he needed to appear more composed.

"Just go in, Obito; don't just stand there," Rin came over and said softly.

For his crush, Obito had no choice but to harden his resolve and walk in.

"Lord Hokage." Gai and Rin saw the Third Hokage and greeted him respectfully.

"It seems the young buds of Konoha have arrived, haha. Please take a seat," the Third Hokage said with a gentle smile.

However, what he was thinking inside was anyone's guess.

In any case, Haneda could tell that the Third Hokage was currently feeling as uncomfortable as if he had eaten something bitter.

He kept wanting to say something, but each time he tried, someone would barge in and interrupt him.

Obito, Gai, and Rin placed their gifts down and stood next to Haneda on his left.

Since the elders were all seated and there were many people, the space was cramped, so they had no choice but to stand.

Seeing that no one in the ward was speaking, Haneda asked:

"Obito~ what were you going to say to me just now?"

"Nothing, nothing, just checking on you, Haneda."

While speaking, Obito shot a glare at Haneda, warning him not to ask further.

But Haneda didn't care and continued:

"As expected of my longtime friend, you're the first to come to see me, and you're not even late."

"Ah haha, how could I be late? I'm a punctual person, right, Haneda?"

As he spoke, Obito desperately threw glances at Haneda.

As the future Hokage, how could he let the Third Hokage find out about his "good habit" of often being late?

"Yeah, Obito is the most punctual; he's never been late with me," Hatake responded with a smile.

Watching the two kids chat back and forth, the Third Hokage had almost gotten used to the awkwardness.

But why was it that everyone who came in greeted him first, only to then ignore him?

The Third Hokage felt quite hurt by this.

Moreover, he had completely missed the opportunity to connect with Haneda, even though he was the first to arrive.

"Haneda, it looks like you're recovering well. I'll go visit Kakashi now."

At this moment, Sakumo stood up from his chair and said to Haneda.

Seeing that Haneda's classmates had all come in, staying here would only interfere with them.

As Sakumo was about to leave, the clan leader pulled Fugaku along to say goodbye:

"Haneda, you should rest well. Fugaku and I will come back to see you later."

"Okay, Uncle Sakumo, Uncle Clan Leader." Haneda gently nodded, then said to Fugaku:

"Fugaku, I remember the three-color dumplings you brought me last time were delicious. Can you bring me a portion later?"

Hearing this, the clan leader immediately understood Haneda's intention.

He was afraid Fugaku would foolishly refuse, so he quickly tugged on Fugaku's pants.

"Sure."

Fugaku felt a bit helpless about his father's behavior; with his relationship with Haneda, he wouldn't refuse anyway.

Noticing that the "adults" were leaving, Dai also bid farewell.

"Haneda, take good care of yourself; chat with your classmates and relax. I won't disturb you any longer."

"Alright, Uncle Dai, safe travels." Hatake smiled and said goodbye.

Soon, only the Third Hokage remained in the ward.

Obito, Gai, and Rin stared at him eagerly.

At this moment, the Third Hokage felt as if the world was isolating him...

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