Chapter 78: 76: Obito Uchiha
You can read 20 chapters ahead on Patreon.
Patreon - patreon. com/Chizihn
----------------------------------------------------------------
On the following day, Sakumo made his way to the Hokage Building alone. He now set to venture forth alone. Starting today, the Hokage would assign him new comrades to form a fresh Sakumo team for mission assignments.
Upon reaching the office door, Sakumo gave it a gentle knock. He entered after hearing a "come in" from within and closed the door behind him.
"Hokage-sama."
"Welcome, Sakumo."N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.
Sakumo, now in his prime, had concealed his aura entirely. If he wasn't in his ninja attire, he'd appear no different from an average person. The distinctive aura that Konoha White Fang typically exuded was entirely absent.
Hiruzen nodded in approval. Among the many Jonin in Konoha, Sakumo indeed stood out. His sharpness surpassed both the genius Jonin of the new generation and those of his own generation.
This diminished the surrounding pressure significantly. Businessmen and foreign officials now explicitly requested Sakumo to undertake their missions, attesting to his reputation and trustworthiness.
"Apologies, but the original Sakumo team needed to be disbanded."
"From the day I began leading them, I've been prepared for this. They are all independent ninja now."
Sakumo voiced his understanding.
Hiruzen shared Sakumo's sentiment.
Since the formation of the team Sakumo, they had completed countless S-level and A-level missions. Leaving aside the sole medical ninja on the team, who wasn't a combatant, the other two hailed from influential clans. They had recently been promoted to Jonin and become vital assets to Konoha.
Dissolving the team Sakumo was a carefully considered decision, primarily influenced by Uchiha and Hyuga stance.
"I'd like to know their future plans," Sakumo inquired with concern.
"Hyuga Ayane will serve as the guardian for the next Hyuga clan patriarch, while Uchiha Ruri will join the Uchiha Police Force as a deputy captain. As for Chiba Shiraishi, I intend to place him in Konoha Hospital or assign him as a teaching assistant at the Academy. Tsunade mentioned that his theoretical knowledge is exceptional, as he made no fundamental mistakes during his studies. He's an outstanding medical ninja."
In recent years, Konoha had intensified its efforts to train medical ninjas. Consequently, they now had twice the number of medical ninjas compared to a few years ago during the Second Ninja World War.
Yet, given Konoha's status as one of the five major ninja villages and its large ninja population, even doubling the number of medical ninjas from the previous figures wouldn't suffice. Both the Academy and Hospital faced shortages of medical ninjas.
"Indeed? I heard Tsunade is currently teaching at the Academy currently..."
"Yes," Hiruzen agreed, and a shadow of regret crossed his eyes momentarily, though he swiftly composed himself and continued, "Tsunade just needs an assistant, and Shiraishi can fill that role."
Sakumo smiled, feeling a sense of relief. He was more concerned about Shiraishi's future path than Liuli and Ayane's.
Working at the Academy or Hospital would provide a stable and risk-free life. Political factors didn't interest Sakumo, who lacked any inclination towards political affairs. His focus remained on enhancing his strength, safeguarding his comrades, and executing missions with precision.
"This is a member of your new team. See if they are suitable."
Hiruzen placed information materials about the other three members of the new team on the table. Sakumo picked them up and quickly perused the contents.
"No issues. We have a sensory ninja, a medical ninja, and a Jonin for battle support. The setup isn't much different from before."
"As long as you agree. I've been feeling my physical condition deteriorating lately. Having a team led by you will alleviate some of the pressure."
Hiruzen chuckled.
"Hokage-sama you're joking; you're not even fifty yet."
"I'm getting there, and sitting in this office all day, my only free time is for occasional ninjutsu practice. I don't even know if my abilities have declined."
Hiruzen wore a melancholic expression.
"As a professor of ninjutsu, you're highly esteemed Hokage trusted by Konoha."
"Haha, no need to worry. I can hang on until I pass the mantle to the next Hokage."
Hiruzen understood that once a ninja reached the age of fifty, their abilities began to decline. Additionally, he had old injuries from his earlier battles alongside the Second Hokage. Recently, he felt more and more powerless.
Indeed, it was high time to consider the next Hokage. The ceremony for Hokage candidate selection would take place in two or three years. Hiruzen thought about the matter, unsure whom he should entrust with the role of the Fourth Hokage. There were numerous viable options.
White Fang, the Sannin, and the new generation all had many exceptional Jonin, each possessing the qualifications to vie for the position of Hokage. Each of them was an outstanding ninja capable of upholding the Will of Fire. It was a blessing to have such an array of choices, yet it was troubling
Thinking of this Hiruzen felt lighter.
◎
Hyuga Clan.
In the vast courtyard corridor, people bustled about. Leading the procession was Hyuga Hiashi, the next head of the Hyuga clan, flanked by a man and a woman.
The man, in his twenties, had a peaceful expression. He was an exceptionally skilled Jonin from the Hyuga clan, entrusted with the crucial role of guarding the future Hyuga head.
The woman at his side, still in her teens, donned a white ninja kimono. She too was a Jonin of the Hyuga clan and served as an elite bodyguard for the heir, Hyuga Hiashi. Her name was Ayane.
Upon completing her training mission with Sakumo's team, it was only natural for her to comply with the clan's arrangements and commands. It had been decided from the start that she would become a day-foot bodyguard, committed to the mission of protecting the main family, a duty she must fulfill as a member of a branch family.
Although the Hyuga clan's overall strength was inferior to the Uchiha clan, the Hyuga clan was known for its strict adherence to clan rules.
"You two just wait here."
"Understood."
Ayane and the man nodded respectfully and stepped back, leaving Hiashi to continue alone.
Further down the path, a young girl in a kimono waited for Hiashi. She didn't wear a forehead protector nor the 'caged bird' seal; instead, she had the emblem of a branch family.
"It seems that the time for Hiashi-sama to succeed as Patriarch is drawing near" remarked a male Hyuga Jonin.
"What do you mean?" Ayane inquired.
"This event is a matchmaking ceremony. After the marriage, Hiashi-sama will soon ascend to the head of the family... It's a tradition within the clan" explained the senior Jonin named Hyuga Fuyuma.
He hailed from Ayane's generation and possessed remarkable talent. His mastery of the Byakugan and Gentle Fist exceeded that of most in the Hyuga clan. Additionally, being a member of a branch family, he understood the spirit of sacrifice for the clan, which earned him a place as one of Hiashi's guards.
"It's good to have that mindset," Tsunade replied, approaching Shiraishi. She had grown stronger and taller since their last meeting. Shiraishi couldn't help but notice her bust seems to have increased again.
She was undoubtedly a formidable Jonin, and Shiraishi mused about the connection between her physical prowess and her rank.
"Don't fret. This isn't a battleground. Working here is much safer than being with Team Sakumo," Tsunade assured Shiraishi.
Tsunade greatly appreciated Shiraishi's medical knowledge.
Despite having some deficiencies, as long as his knowledge met the requirements and he gained more experience, he would make an excellent deputy, helping to instruct the newcomers.
"Yes, I am very satisfied with this job," Shiraishi sniled.
He couldn't help but think about his previous team, Sakumo. They completed missions swiftly and efficiently, with the other three members swiftly dealing with any threats. Shiraishi's role was more about giving orders and offering support.
"Come with me," Tsunade beckoned as she led the way, and Shiraishi vividly remembered the direction to their destination.
They were heading to the classroom where he had once learned medical knowledge. The experimental class had progressed through several sessions.
Shiraishi was genuinely looking forward to interacting with the young and lovely juniors.
The class time of the medical ninja training experimental class, in order to avoid conflict with the main class, is still after 3 pm and ends after 5 pm.
In the graduation exam, the passing score will be lowered for the students in the experimental class, and the usual subsidies will also be provided.
There are more students in the class than Shiraishi's original class, close to 40 people. It seems that in recent years, the importance of medical ninjas has been vigorously promoted internally, and a lot of subsidies have been added, which has achieved a lot of results.
There are mostly girls, and only a few boys.
The boys and girls looked at the youth next to Tsunade very curiously, and they all guessed who it was.
"This is your senior, Chiba Shiraishi, who was also one of my students a long time ago. Now he will cooperate with me in my work. Everyone welcome him."
As Tsunade's former student, he was introduced to the class as a senior, and the students warmly welcomed him with applause.
Next was the official class time. Tsunade's teaching methods were far more innovative compared to what Shiraishi remembered. She had an impressive ability to analyze complex issues sharply, which greatly impressed the students. Their dedication to learning surpassed that of Shiraishi's previous students.
When Tsunade felt tired, she allowed Shiraishi to continue teaching. Thanks to his extensive knowledge, he managed to keep up with her pace.
Their teamwork proved effective, and Tsunade had few criticisms. Shiraishi had undoubtedly grown since their time together, and Tsunade couldn't help but smile at the thought that she had made the right decision by poaching him from Team Sakumo.
"He really has come a long way. Maybe with him around, I can take a break for casino and tavern visits," Tsunade mused.
She considered him a perfect tool.
"Seriously, it's only the first day, and you've left all the work to me?" Shiraishi sighed as he noticed Tsunade had disappeared from her seat beside him.
"Um, Shiraishi-senpai, can I ask you some questions?" a girl approached after everyone else had left. She had shoulder-length dark brown hair and a gentle smile, appearing quite cute.
"No problem," Shiraishi replied, readily agreeing to help her with any medical inquiries.
Just as they were about to start discussing medical knowledge, a sudden commotion erupted outside the classroom door. A boy named Obito barged in, shouting, "What do you guys want with Lin? You're too close, back off!"
Without hesitation, Obito leaped at Shiraishi aggressively. However, Shiraishi swiftly evaded, causing Obito to crash into the wall. His shouting ceased abruptly as he slid down.
"O.. Obito!!"
Rin, the girl, rushed over to check the condition of the boy who attacked Shiraishi recognizing him as a fellow classmate.
"Are you okay?"
"Haha, I'm fine," Obito said, trying to downplay his injuries. "This little injury is not a problem at all. Look at how strong I am? This little thing is all right!"
As he spoke, he immediately blushed and jumped up from the ground, doing exaggerated stretching exercises there, indicating that he was fine.
"Student, were you trying to show us some gecko-like moves? Even though it's after class, you should still be careful,"
Shiraishi came over and looked at the boy with a headache. Appeared, the brat who often made teachers difficult when he was in school.
Obito attempted to save face: "Hmph, don't think I don't know your background. You're that 'Shiraishi who lives off others' in our Uchiha, right?"
The other party seemed to want to embarrass Shiraishi.
Shiraishi nodded, unashamed, and said, "Yes, that's me."
This admission caught Obito off guard. He seemed unsure of how to respond.
"Speaking of which, you mentioned 'our Uchiha.' Are you also part of the Uchiha clan?"
"Of course, can't you see the logo on the back of my cloth?"
"I didn't notice it. Maybe you put it there yourself to pretend to be one," Shiraishi retorted.
Obito's frustration was reaching its limits. He shook his fist in annoyance.
Shiraishi, in turn, laid on the ground with his back facing the ceiling, seemingly unfazed by the situation.
"You leech... you're truly shameless! You even set a trap under my feet!"
"Obito, you slipped and fell on your own; it has nothing to do with Shiraishi-senpai" Rin chimed in, frustrated with Obito's antics.
Shiraishi found himself at a loss for words as he observed this scene. He couldn't help but wonder if Obito truly belonged to the Uchiha clan, or if he was simply a genuine troublemaker.
############################
Want more chapters? You can read more on Patreon...
patreon. com/Chizihn
You can also check out:
Naruto: Escape From Konoha
American Comics: Creating An Oasis and Rise Of Mutants
Versatile Mage: Start With The White Tiger Pendant
Soul Land: Power Of Space
