Ever since that day, Obito had been more restrained when facing Kakashi, no longer challenging him impulsively.
Only when no one noticed him would Obito stealthily stare at Kakashi's profile. But soon after, he would shake his head vigorously, leaving Kakashi utterly bewildered.
"What is this guy Obito up to?"
"You keep staring at me, dobe. Are you plotting something nefarious?" Kakashi asked, his gaze piercing.
Caught by Kakashi's "perceptive" gaze, Obito shook his head fiercely and exclaimed, "Impossible, absolutely impossible! I would never do that to you!"
"Huh? Clarify what you mean. What are you going to do to me?"
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes fixed on Obito, giving him no room to leave until he explained himself.
"Just... just like that, no! I wouldn't do that to you!"
Obito stammered, disoriented by Kakashi's intense stare.
"Alright, you're just getting more absurd!" Kakashi retracted his gaze, crossing his arms in a gesture of indifference.
Obito hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Uh... Kakashi, do you like..."
"Nope!"
Kakashi turned his head away with a huff. Although he didn't know what Obito was going to say, he had a premonition it wouldn't be anything good and immediately refused!
"You!"
Obito was somewhat angry. He had originally wanted to ask, "Kakashi, what kind of gift do you like?"
Then Obito could find something that fit and give it to Kakashi. That way, the unique promise could be brushed aside with a smile! He hadn't expected Kakashi to refuse without even listening to the end!
Damn it! Kakashi is truly annoying!
How could I possibly kiss someone like that!
Lin Yu, who was leaning against a tree on the side, slacking off, let out a sigh of relief. He had almost used genjutsu to control Kakashi just now, but thankfully, Kakashi was quick-witted!
Sensing that he might miss out on Obito's "love," he decisively chose to refuse and exchange it for a "gift"!
Well done, Kakashi!
To express my gratitude, I'll reward you with another Might Guy later! Let you have the best of both worlds and become the happiest man in Konoha!
...
Hokage Office.
The Nara clan head, temporarily acting as Hokage, was handling documents. Many matters were beyond his decision-making authority. The Nara clan head could only read them, categorize them, and set them aside to discuss with Hiruzen Sarutobi upon his return.
Thinking about this, Shikaku Nara felt a dog-like regret! If he had known it would be so troublesome, with documents piled as high as a mountain, he might as well have fought desperately on the front lines!
As a ninja, sacrificing oneself on the battlefield at least earned a hero's reputation. But dying of exhaustion in the Hokage's office would leave a terrible legacy for eternity!
Fortunately, the Hokage was not here. If he died of exhaustion in the Hokage's office, it might have some negative repercussions.
Why am I even thinking this! Is it because of the overwhelming workload?
*Knock, knock, knock!*
"Lord Nara, urgent report from the front lines!" a ninja in a green vest entered and handed Shikaku Nara a secret scroll.
"What is this!"
Shikaku Nara's normally lethargic expression immediately turned grave. What was the Stone Ninja thinking!
"Summon Uzumaki Lin Yu! Have him come here immediately."
...
A few minutes later, four figures filled the Hokage's office, all exuding youthful vigor!
Shikaku Nara looked at the four in front of him with exasperation, "I think I only summoned Uzumaki Lin Yu. Why did you three come along? Kakashi is one thing, but Obito and Nohara Rin, what's going on with you two?"
The Nara clan feared trouble the most, especially trouble caused by brats. Now there were four brats, and he feared he wouldn't be able to handle it. Even more terrifying was that the brats' strength was not inferior to his!
Lin Yu spread his hands. "It's not my fault. They insisted on coming."
Kakashi, for once, didn't retort and looked seriously at Shikaku Nara, "I want to go to the front lines to fight. I want to reclaim the honor for my Hatake clan!"
Kakashi wasn't as carefree as he appeared on the surface. He still remembered the White Fang incident and wanted to restore the glory of his father's Hatake clan!
"And what about you two?"
Shikaku Nara looked at Obito and Nohara Rin with annoyance.
"Heh heh, we're Kakashi's teammates. How can we abandon him alone!"
Obito seemed to have regained his usual sunny disposition, grinning with his hands behind his head.
"Mm, we can help Kakashi and Teacher Lin Yu."
Nohara Rin believed her medical ninjutsu would surely be useful.
Shikaku Nara was somewhat speechless. They weren't really a team, not even with a Jonin sensei leading them. But... his gaze swept towards Lin Yu, and it seemed there was a good candidate right here.
Furthermore, according to the information sent back by Jiraiya, he had specifically requested Uzumaki Lin Yu to provide support, so his strength must be acknowledged.
It's just that he's still a bit young, and it's uncertain whether he's reliable in handling people.
After much deliberation, Shikaku Nara said to Obito and the others, "Those two can go, but you two should obediently stay in the village and train hard!"
"Why! Why can Kakashi go and I can't? We're evenly matched, you know!"
Obito clenched his fists, his face full of indignation. Wasn't this an indirect insult to him, Uchiha Obito, saying he was inferior to Kakashi?!
This was unacceptable!
Shikaku Nara: Are you sure it's evenly matched?
Lin Yu: Makes sense. Kakashi is indeed evenly matched with most people, except me!
Faced with Shikaku Nara's "Are you awake?" expression, Obito became enraged and almost initiated a battle with Kakashi right there to prove his strength!
"Senior Nara, I think Obito and the others are quite strong. And isn't a team of four a normal squad configuration?"
"Kakashi will handle the offense, Uchiha Obito has the Sharingan to scout the enemy, and Nohara Rin excels at medical ninjutsu. As for me, I can do a little bit of everything!"
Hearing Lin Yu's words, Shikaku Nara fell silent. At first glance, he actually thought this team composition was quite good, as ordinary teams rarely had medical ninjas.
Perhaps they could indeed try.
"Senior Nara, I promise you, although I can't guarantee they won't get hurt, I will absolutely protect their lives! I swear on Kakashi's future happiness!"
Lin Yu gravely spoke utter nonsense!
Kakashi was stunned. Swearing on my future happiness, is that something a person would do?!
If I, Kakashi, end up single in the future, it's all your fault, Uzumaki Lin Yu!
Shikaku Nara: Hiss! To swear such a heavy oath, it seems I really need to consider this carefully!
Shikaku Nara deliberated, looking at the determined expressions on the three young faces, and said helplessly, "Alright, I'm defeated by you."
"Uzumaki Lin Yu, Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, Nohara Rin, heed my command! Proceed immediately to the Land of Grass battlefield, destroy the Stone Ninja supply route, and blow up Kannabi Bridge!"
"Yes!"