Chapter 9: Obito's Jealousy
"Sensei, can't we have more real combat practice? We're training to be ninjas, not marathon runners!"
A chorus of complaints echoed across the training field.
Compared to the monotony of physical conditioning, the students far preferred sparring matches—at least then, they received cheers and attention.
"Yo, Kakashi! It's time for my favorite part of training!" Might Guy beamed, his polished white teeth gleaming as he gave a dramatic thumbs-up. "Care for a passionate duel of youth?!"
"…"
Kakashi, with his usual dead fish eyes, gave Guy a brief glance—specifically at his bright green bodysuit—and instantly regretted it. Watching Guy strike yet another bizarre pose, Kakashi could only think about scrubbing his eyes clean.
He had no idea why his father, Sakumo Hatake, had once warned him that Guy would someday be a worthy rival. Right now, it just felt ridiculous.
"If you don't start running, you'll fall behind." Without waiting, Kakashi took off.
"I'm coming, Kakashi!" Guy dashed after him in a burst of energy.
"Kakashi's so cool…" Many of the girls watched him dreamily as he ran, feeling as if their exhaustion faded just by looking at him.
Even Rin Nohara snuck a few glances at Kakashi while trying her best to keep up.
"Can you keep pace?" Kakashi asked calmly.
"I can," Rin nodded with determination.
At the back of the group, Obito clenched his jaw at the sight of Kakashi and Rin chatting so naturally. With a burst of speed, he rushed ahead, blocking Rin's view.
"Kakashi, aren't you running a little slow?" he said with forced nonchalance.
"Idiot," Kakashi muttered. He saw right through Obito's act. They had barely started, and Obito was already breaking his rhythm to show off. He shook his head and picked up speed again.
"That's… Uchiha Seiji." Kakashi's eyes narrowed. While distracted by the others, he had failed to notice that Seiji was now among the front runners.
It wasn't just that—Kakashi couldn't help but feel Seiji was getting faster as the laps went on. For the remainder of the run, Kakashi kept a close eye on him. When it finally ended, Seiji was barely sweating, unlike the rest of the class, who were panting and sprawled out.
Seiji calmly pulled out a small notebook and began reading, which didn't escape the notice of their instructor. "From the Land of Lightning, huh…" the instructor recalled the Cloud ninja—famed for their physical prowess and hand-to-hand combat.
It made sense that Seiji's stamina surpassed the others. Even compared to the Senju or Uzumaki, the Land of Lightning had the edge in raw physical talent.
"Aren't you tired?" Kakashi came over, genuinely curious. Seiji looked so skinny—how could he have that much endurance?
"I'm okay." Seiji took a sip from a water bottle he'd prepared beforehand. Thanks to chakra, a ninja's stamina far exceeded that of ordinary people.
He looked up at Kakashi. This boy would go on to develop the S-rank jutsu Chidori at age twelve. Ironically, the Sharingan Obito gave him had hindered his growth in some ways.
In the official book *Kakashi Hiden: Lightning in the Icy Sky*, Kakashi, after losing his Sharingan, developed Purple Lightning—a new, sealless Lightning Release jutsu as a Chidori replacement.
"Kakashi, aren't you the one who's more outstanding?" Kakashi was at the top of the class in every category, including physical fitness.
"Seiji, so you're a fellow warrior of youth!" Might Guy ran over, his bowl-cut hair bouncing with every step.
"No, I'm just trying to build up my body." Seiji pointed at his thin frame and added, "If I want to be a proper ninja, I can't stay like this."
"That's true." Guy nodded seriously. Under that green suit, Guy had already built up a powerful physique. Seiji clearly needed the work.
"Seiji-kun, you're really dedicated." Rin walked over, wiping the sweat from her fair skin. A light sheen glistened on her cheeks.
Meanwhile...
"I must look cool now," Obito muttered to himself.
But having ruined his pace earlier to block Rin's view of Kakashi, Obito was utterly exhausted. He was the last one still running.
He finally finished the final lap, dragging his feet and scanning the field for Rin. If he could show her his hard work, the exhaustion would be worth it.
"Rin…" He spotted her from the side and hurried forward, ready to greet her—until he saw who was in front of her.
Not just Guy—he didn't count. It was Kakashi and that annoying kid from the Land of Lightning.
"Rin, could I trouble you to teach me another jutsu today? I've started to grasp the chakra control technique for tree climbing. I'd like to learn an E-rank ninjutsu next."
Kakashi looked over, puzzled. His father had called him home early yesterday—he hadn't realized Rin had been tutoring the transfer student.
So she taught him tree climbing yesterday…?
"Of course," Rin said with a sweet smile. "That way, Seiji-kun can catch up and adjust to our class more quickly."
Naturally, she made sure to act kind and gentle in front of Kakashi. Her words, however, reached Obito's ears like poison.
"Him again?" Obito stopped in place, fists clenched tight.
He barely had time with Rin—as most of the time it was the three of them: Kakashi, Rin, and himself. Yesterday, he had practically forced himself into their group. If he hadn't, it would've just been the two of them—alone.
His grandmother had told him that his parents died early in the war. At that time, the Land of Lightning and the Land of Fire had been at war.
Now this transfer student, this Lightning Country brat, was always hovering near Rin.
Obito could endure a lot—but not when it came to Rin.
He had accepted Kakashi as a rival, even if begrudgingly. But why was this guy also drawing Rin's attention?
"What's wrong, Obito?" Sarutobi Asuma, chewing on a lollipop stick, noticed his expression.
"Nothing." Obito waved him off.
Asuma, sensing he wasn't welcome, didn't push. They weren't especially close anyway.
Following Obito's gaze, Asuma smirked. Ah, Rin. It all made sense now. Everyone in class knew Obito had a thing for her.
"Tch." Asuma shook his head. He didn't have much respect for guys who played the lovesick puppy. A real man should have some pride.
He turned and headed toward another group, smiling as he called out, "Hey Kurenai, tired? I've got some candy for you…"