Chapter 26. Obito Embarks on a Path of No Return
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My name is Uchiha Obito.
A genius ninja of Konohagakure (in his own opinion), a man destined to be Hokage (again, in his own opinion).
Currently, there are two people in the village I can't stand: one is that self-righteous Kakashi, and the other… this annoying guy!
"So, the mission failed?" Uchiha Yuto looked at Obito, who seemed a bit down but immediately put on an irritating smirk upon seeing him.
Of course, Yuto didn't mind. A 12- or 13-year-old with that kind of attitude was only natural.
"Completed it! Completed it!" Obito retorted grumpily, "What mission is impossible for me to accomplish?"
"Then you're heartbroken? I heard from my father that there are plenty of fish in the sea. Just move on to someone else; there's no need to be a bootlicker. But if you really want to, why not learn from a certain someone who's both a bootlicker and a frequent visitor of brothels, so happy there he doesn't want to leave! He's even in the village now. Want me to arrange a little party for you? Don't worry; it's on me!"
"..." Can a person even say things like this?
Obito gave Yuto a deadpan look, not even bothering to respond to his invitation to call him "Dad."
"Who's as disgusting as that?"
"It's a big world. There are all kinds of oddballs, like people who want to destroy the world over losing a girlfriend! But those details don't matter." Yuto sighed wistfully, shaking his head as he looked at Obito. "So, you completed the mission but still managed to make a fool of yourself, huh?"
Obito, you know...
Before he "turned dark," he failed almost any challenge he took on—not because he lacked skills. His abilities were decent, but somehow, bad luck always seemed to follow him.
After he "darkened"… things improved a bit, probably thanks to his shift from a starry-eyed kid to a slightly unhinged one!
The Uchiha clan's power is strange. They start off weak, but the moment they awaken their Sharingan, they become elite at the same level. If they're Genin, they become Elite Genin. And if the ambition is strong enough… well, even a novice Uchiha can turn into a powerhouse with the Mangekyo Sharingan.
Except for my second nephew… whether his eyes are open or closed, he's always getting smacked around. Even in the era of tattoos, if he tries to show off, he just ends up getting thrashed! That guy must be cursed!
"So, was it a Fire Release that got stuck in your throat, a kunai that slipped, or did you see the enemy and pee your pants?"
"..." This guy's words are infuriating!
But still...
Yuto ignored Obito's frustration and spoke in a serious tone, "Remember, you're not without options. If being a ninja doesn't work out, you can always come back and inherit your dad's fortune!"
"Idiot! I'm not your son!" Obito snapped, his face darkening. "I'm going to be Hokage!"
If he were a ninja, I'd show him the true strength of Uchiha Obito!
With a huff, Obito, who had come out for some fresh air after feeling down, was now even more irritated. He wanted to go challenge that self-righteous guy again!
He'd show him!
This time, he only messed up because he let him win!
Obito scoffed, hands shoved in his pockets, flipping his head as he turned. "I'm going back! Boring!"
"Trying to act cool now?" Yuto smiled slightly, squinting as an idea struck him. Grabbing Obito's head, he asked, "Want to get stronger?"
Grabbing Obito's head was a must.
As the younger brother of the Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Yuto felt it was his responsibility to guide these orphans in building healthy mindsets.
To help them form the right outlook on life, values, and the world—to understand that while there's darkness, there's also light, and to manage their sorrows correctly to avoid tragic fates for the Uchiha clan.
"If you're interested, I'll teach you."
"..."
Obito rolled his eyes, looking at Yuto with disdain, as if saying, You?
Just an ordinary person?
"Underestimating me? Back then, I was a genius ninja who graduated earlier than Kakashi. I was just too good to flaunt it," Yuto boasted, as if reminiscing about his youth. "But I can still teach you a thing or two!"
"No need!" Obito replied grumpily and turned to leave.
"Are you still frustrated by your failures? Still hurt by not beating your rival? Still confused about how to get the girl's attention? If you just stop and listen to me for a few minutes, all your worries, sadness, and confusion will disappear!" Yuto's voice was enticing as he spoke slowly, "What are you waiting for? This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. You don't have to spend a ryo, so listen up, and you'll profit instantly!"
After he finished speaking...
Obito's shoulders shook, and he stopped in his tracks, his eyes showing a hint of hesitation.
After all...
He wanted to get stronger, defeat Kakashi, and catch Rin's attention.
But he had no way of doing so.
Kakashi really was a genius!
However...
He couldn't shake a bad feeling about stopping to listen. This guy was really so annoying!
As Obito hesitated...
"You're interested!" Uchiha Yuto's leisurely voice came again. "Trust me! I was once a genius ninja too!"
"..." Uchiha Obito stayed silent, taking a deep breath as he turned to Yuto and asked seriously, "You're really not lying?"
"Of course." Yuto put on a friendly, businesslike smile. "I'm a businessman, and integrity has always been my business principle!"
"Fine. What are you going to teach me?"
"Don't rush! First, you have to study a ninja theory formulated by a great ninja."
"???"
"I found it in the Uchiha clan's ancient records. I was astounded when I saw it! No ordinary person could write such a supreme theory, so I suspect it was left behind by that legendary strongest ninja."
"You mean..." Obito was stunned!
As a Uchiha, he knew exactly who that ninja was. Knowing this wasn't just something this guy made up, but rather a secret legacy of the strongest Uchiha, he grew even more excited.
But Yuto covered his mouth and gave a serious "shh," saying solemnly, "Now listen carefully as I explain."
Seeing Obito focus seriously, Yuto released him and began, his voice as steady as a pine tree, "Kunai smeared with [Beep-], the ninja god will be reborn. Grab the [Beep-] with bare hands, the Six Paths will be in distress. Use explosive tags for the kill in [Beep-], the tailed beasts will suffer. Strike his [Beep-], he'll collapse in pain. [Beep-] on his face, the god will descend. Speak no more, and you're sure to win."
All in one go!
Yuto then looked at the wide-eyed Obito in satisfaction. "Did you remember that?"
With those words...
"..." Obito snapped out of it, his face darkening as he swatted Yuto's hand away. "I can't believe I fell for that. I'm an idiot!"
How could a legendary ninja say things like that?
Someone who could even fight the First Hokage, the God of the Ninja World, would never say such nonsense!
It had to be a scam!
"I'm heading back!"
"Don't be like that! This really is a powerful ninja technique passed down from him. It's how I became a genius ninja back then. You just can't understand its depth yet. Memorize it, and one day, you'll grasp its true meaning and become a genius ninja like me!"
But Yuto wasn't about to let him go just yet. If he couldn't turn him into a Prodigal Son, he could at least mold him into a rogue.
As long as he had a resilient mindset, he wouldn't crumble in the face of despair!
Yuto added earnestly, "He also left behind a matching forbidden technique, but it's very destructive, so you shouldn't use it lightly." His enticing voice rose again, "Want to learn it? I can teach you if you do!"
With those words...
Uchiha Obito stopped in his tracks, looking at Yuto with a mix of suspicion and longing. He paused before asking, "Really...?"
"Absolutely! I can teach you, but you must remember... don't use it recklessly!"
"Alright!" Given Yuto's seriousness, it seemed this might not be a joke after all!
Under Obito's expectant gaze, Yuto brought his hands together, crossing them, "Now, quickly extend both index and middle fingers, as well as the thumb, overlapping them."
"The Tiger Seal! I know this! It's the starting seal for powerful jutsu!"
Obito was thrilled.
It was real!
Yuto nodded in satisfaction. "A promising student indeed!" He then adopted a more serious tone. "Now pay close attention, and remember it!"
With that…
Obito stared intently, watching with full concentration.
Then...
He saw Uchiha Yuto form the Tiger Seal with his hands, then swiftly jab upwards, retracting his hands with a smile as he looked at Obito. "Did you get it?"
"..."
What kind of technique was that supposed to be?!