"When you ask that question, you already have a choice in your heart."
Haneda didn't answer Kakashi directly.
He couldn't.
It wasn't that he didn't have thoughts on the matter—it was just… complicated.
Especially when it came to a question with no clear right or wrong.
If he truly answered, he'd base it on his own self-interest.
If he were Sakumo Hatake, Haneda would've chosen the mission. Without hesitation.
Because, for him, the mission was the road to advancement. Teammates? Temporary.
But he couldn't say that. Not now. Not to Kakashi, whose father had been condemned for making the opposite choice.
If he lied? Kakashi would probably see right through him.
Haneda wasn't a good actor—and Kakashi was sharp.
He knew his limits.
"A choice, huh…? For someone as unpunctual as you, it's obvious companions are more important."
Kakashi spoke with his hands in his pockets, tone flat as always. He walked back toward the classroom the same way he always did.
Only… the confusion in his eyes had deepened.
He could somewhat understand Haneda.
But when it came to his father... and the village... and himself...
Kakashi felt more lost than ever.
---
Afternoon – Academy Training Grounds
The students gathered in small groups, laughing and chatting under the clear blue sky.
Just like in Haneda's previous life, any lesson outside the classroom was automatically ten times more enjoyable.
As they arrived at the field, Obito threw an arm around Haneda's shoulder with a sly grin.
- "Haneda, be careful today. The title of dead last loser is up for grabs—and it's going to you!"
Haneda rolled his eyes.
- "Is it possible you're still dead last?"
- "No way! I've been preparing for this day for ages, you bastard Haneda!"
- "Heh…"
Haneda didn't respond further.
If Obito ever did shed the title of class dunce, the sun would have to rise from the west.
Though... if he awakened his Sharingan and turned edgy, all bets were off.
- "You don't believe me, huh? Bastard Haneda!!"
Obito glared, his eyes twitching like a certain dead-fish-eyed prodigy's.
Kakashi looking down on him was expected—he was top of the class.
But Haneda? Only second-to-last?! How dare he mock him!
- "Boring," Haneda muttered, brushing him off.
Just as Obito's temper was about to flare again, Rin stepped in like always.
- "Alright, Obito, don't argue. The teacher's coming."
Obito froze. Hearing Rin's voice always took the wind out of his sails.
- "Rin, I wasn't arguing… I was just explaining to Haneda that I don't want to argue…"
- "Mhm," Rin giggled, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
- "Come on. Let's go line up."
She gently tugged Obito's hand and walked toward the instructor's platform.
Without hesitation, Obito dropped Haneda like yesterday's trash and trotted after her with a goofy grin.
- "Tch. Hateful love-brain…"
Haneda watched the two walk off, muttering bitterly under his breath.
---
Practical Training Class
Unlike theory lessons, practical classes emphasized hands-on skills—closer to P.E. or combat drills.
For first-year students, the curriculum usually involved basic shuriken training, physical coordination, and simple combat exercises.
More advanced subjects like the Three Basic Jutsu, wilderness survival, or stealth and counter-intelligence would come later.
At this stage, it was all about foundation.
The Academy used unsharpened shuriken—same weight as real ones, but dulled for safety.
Haneda weighed one in his hand, feeling its cold, familiar weight.
He'd known these tools since early childhood.
Both his parents had been jōnin. Whenever his mother had training shifts and couldn't leave him home, she'd bring little Haneda to the training field.
Back then, he could only watch.
But he always watched intently, especially when his father trained.
Maybe that's why, on his third birthday, his father gave him his very first shuriken.
Since then, he'd occasionally train with his father—those rare moments forming the backbone of his current technique.
---
- "Everyone got their shuriken?"
The teacher surveyed the class with a warm smile. Seeing no objections, he nodded.
- "Good. Kakashi, come demonstrate for the class."
- "Understood."
Before even reaching the practice stand, Kakashi flicked his wrist.
Thwip—Thwip—Thwip!
Three shuriken shot forward like silver flashes.
Thunk! Thunk! Thunk!
Each one hit dead center—perfect bullseyes.
The class stood frozen.
Some hadn't even seen him throw.
- "As expected of Kakashi… so clean, so precise."
- "His throws were so smooth… He didn't even try!"
- "Aaaaah! Kakashi-samaaaa~!"
A few girls practically melted into puddles. The Kakashi fan club was alive and well.
Like Sasuke would be years later, Kakashi was the cool genius—sharp-eyed, mysterious, and untouchable.
Rin also watched, eyes sparkling, though it was more admiration than love.
Obito didn't know the difference. To him, it all stung.
- "Stupid Kakashi…"
Jealousy twisted in his chest. He looked to Haneda for some kind of reaction.
- "Hey, bastard Haneda, how are you not mad?! That idiot Kakashi stole all the spotlight!"
Haneda took a bite of rice from his bento, expression unchanging.
- "You should be thankful you weren't the one on stage."
- "Huh?!"
- "If you were, you'd steal the spotlight too… but not in a good way."
Obito fumed.
- "Hmph! I've got a secret move today! A super cool ninjutsu—just you wait!"
- "Oh?"
Haneda glanced at him, curious now.
Had Obito secretly been training with a clan member?
The Uchiha were famed for their shurikenjutsu. Even a basic clan technique would let him leap ahead of the other kids—at least everyone except Kakashi.
Just then, Kakashi returned to his place, expression calm as ever.
The teacher nodded approvingly.
- "Excellent demonstration. Kakashi's technique may look effortless, but it's a result of steady practice over time."
- "To reach that level would take most students a year or more of diligent training. Everyone should use him as a model."
- "Yes, Sensei!" the class echoed, though many clearly weren't planning to.
After all, comparing yourself to a genius was just asking for depression.
Then, the teacher looked around and called:
- "Next, Uchiha Obito."
Obito had still been boasting to Haneda and didn't hear his name.
Haneda elbowed him.
- "Your turn, dead last loser."
- "Tch. I heard him!"
Obito marched up confidently, flashing a grin over his shoulder.
- "Watch carefully, Haneda! I'll only show you once!"
His loud voice made the teacher raise an eyebrow. The class turned to watch, surprised.
Even Haneda felt a twinge of uncertainty.
- Since when is this guy so confident?