"Dai, why don't you go and counsel Kakashi again?"
Hatake Sakumo's expression was utterly weary, his eyes bloodshot. He had truly considered taking his own life just moments ago, but thankfully Might Duy had stopped him.
Might Duy had spoken at length about his own life. He had been looked down upon since childhood, treated like a fool. No one in the village understood him, and he hadn't even had a single friend when he was young.
Yet, Might Duy had never given up hope. It was what he called "youth." He had grown up under the scrutinizing gazes of others, stubbornly burning his youth, holding onto his ideals, and persevering for over thirty years.
Unlike Might Duy, Hatake Sakumo had grown up bathed in glory. Exceptionally talented, he had been everyone's role model from a young age. Falling from heaven to hell, he couldn't accept the scorn and curses of the villagers, nor the fact that no one recognized his beliefs.
However, after hearing Might Duy's story, his mood had improved considerably. It was like the old saying, when you feel miserable, just find someone even more miserable than you, and your own plight will seem bearable.
Might Duy: ...
Kakashi offered no reply, nor did he acknowledge Obito. His eyes were unfocused, staring at the ground, seemingly still lost in self-doubt.
Rin Nohara stepped forward as well, saying, "Kakashi, if you have something on your mind, speak up. We'll figure out a solution together. Don't keep it all bottled up. Aren't we comrades?"
Kakashi's ears twitched, but he still didn't look up.
Seeing Rin's crestfallen expression, Obito's heart flared with anger. He strode forward, grabbed Kakashi by the collar, and yelled, "Kakashi, look at yourself now! Are you still the genius prodigy Kakashi?"
Kakashi shoved Obito away, tugged at his mask, and hunched down again.
Seeing this, an inexplicable fire ignited within Obito. He shouted, "I heard everything! Uncle Sakumo's decision to abandon his mission privately caused severe losses to the village. To the people of the village, it's an unforgivable mistake. They're right, in the ninja world, those who break the rules are called trash."
Hatake Sakumo, standing nearby, felt a tremor run through his body. His spirit sank even lower. Even such a young child understood this principle, yet I...
Upon hearing Obito's words, a spark of anger ignited within Kakashi. He stepped forward, grabbing Obito's clothes, his expression rather disheveled. "What did you say! My father is not trash! He had his reasons! He couldn't help himself..."
Obito brushed away Kakashi's hand gripping his clothes and said coldly, "Kakashi, where has your former calmness gone? You're probably worse than me, the dead last, right now."
Rin watched the two nervously from the side, her heart filled with worry. Obito, you...
Obito bowed respectfully to Hatake Sakumo, his expression earnest. "I admire Uncle Sakumo's decision. I truly respect you. That's right, in the ninja world, those who break the rules are called trash. But those who don't know how to cherish their comrades are worse than trash!"
Kakashi stared at Obito, dumbfounded. "Obito, you..."
Hatake Sakumo's eyes welled up. He hadn't expected anyone in Konoha to support his actions. Although it was just a young boy, he was already content.
Might Duy walked to his old friend's side and clapped him on the back. "Sakumo, see? Someone understands your decision. I believe more and more people will."
Hatake Sakumo: Does what you're saying mean that even you, Might Duy, don't agree with my actions? Damn it!
Tread. Tread.
Footsteps echoed from the doorway. Hiruzen Sarutobi, cloaked in the Hokage's robe, entered. He surveyed the scene and smiled, saying, "It seems I'm not too late!"