Time passed quickly in the peaceful days, and more than half a year slipped by without notice.
It was April again. At this time in Konoha, cherry blossoms drifted through the air.
On the streets in the early morning, Chiya walked with Uchiha Obito in the direction of the Ninja Academy.
Today was the day the new students enrolled.
Obito wore a brand new blue short-sleeved shirt, and on his head he wore the goggles Chiya had given him.
He looked around excitedly, bouncing on his feet from time to time, like a lively little beast full of energy.
"Clan Head, will the teachers at the Ninja Academy really teach us ninjutsu?"
Obito tilted his head up, his eyes shining with anticipation.
Chiya smiled faintly and ruffled his spiky hair.
"Of course. But the condition is that you study seriously."
"I will definitely become the best student!"
Obito clenched his fist and declared with full confidence.
"Then I will join the Military Police Force and protect the Uchiha just like you!"
Chiya nodded, feeling a quiet warmth in his heart.
His reason for sending Obito to the Ninja Academy rather than closed-door training was his hope that Obito could interact with peers his own age and develop richer emotions.
A ninja who only knew how to fight would never truly understand the future of the village and the clan.
The Uchiha's advantage was naturally the Sharingan.
And the awakening of the Sharingan had to be accompanied by emotional entanglement, one after another.
Richer emotions were without a doubt the best nourishment for awakening the eye.
The two had just turned the corner when they saw a familiar father and son walking toward them ahead.
Hatake Sakumo and Hatake Kakashi.
Kakashi still wore his mask. His dead-fish eyes swept lazily over the surroundings, looking as if nothing could hold his interest.
"Chiya, what a coincidence."
Sakumo greeted him with a smile.
"Sakumo, you are sending Kakashi to enroll too?"
"Yes. I am worried he will not be able to fit in with the group at school."
Chiya's gaze moved between the two of them.
The moment Obito spotted Kakashi, he dashed forward with excitement.
"Kakashi! Want to go into the school together?"
Kakashi glanced at him and gave a flat "Mm" in response.
Seeing this, Sakumo smiled warmly and patted Obito on the shoulder.
"Obito, this kid Kakashi is going to be at the same school. Please look after him."
The moment Obito heard this, he immediately puffed out his chest with great confidence and patted himself on it.
"Leave it to me, Sakumo-ojisan! I will definitely take good care of Kakashi!
From now on at school, I have got his back!"
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes rolled and he shot back without any hesitation.
"You? We do not even know yet who will be looking after who."
Obito bristled immediately.
"Hey! Kakashi, stop looking down on me! I am going to become a ninja in the Military Police Force!"
Kakashi gave a cold snort.
"The Military Police Force? Beat me first, then we can talk."
The two faced off against each other, neither one willing to back down.
Sakumo felt a headache coming on.
Just as the two were at a standoff, a loud, booming voice came from behind them.
"Kai, keep your spirits up!"
Everyone turned around. Two watermelon-bowl-haired figures with thick eyebrows and wide eyes, dressed in green jumpsuits, were striding over with great energy.
The two were none other than Might Dai and Might Guy, father and son.
They radiated a vigorous and overflowing energy, and every step they took seemed to carry a gust of wind with it.
Might Dai spotted Uchiha Chiya and his eyes lit up. He called out a greeting right away.
"Clan Head Chiya! Are you sending a clan child to school?"
Chiya smiled and nodded.
"Dai, it has been a long time!"
Sakumo looked at the two familiar with each other and smiled, joining in with a greeting of his own.
"Hello. Nice to meet you. I am Hatake Sakumo. My son will be in your care at school going forward."
Kakashi beside him looked at his father in surprise, wanting to say something but holding back.
"Please get along with him well!"
Sakumo said sincerely.
Might Dai's gaze moved to Kakashi, but he shook his head.
"I am sorry. I cannot do that."
Sakumo was taken aback.
"Why is that?"
Kakashi let out a quiet sigh nearby and explained calmly.
"Dad."
"He did not pass the entrance exam for the Ninja Academy this time."
Kakashi looked toward Might Guy.
"Come to think of it, this guy has his heart set on entering the Ninja Academy but cannot use ninjutsu. No matter how you look at it..."
"Hey, Kakashi, do not go too far!"
Obito suddenly cut in.
He shot Kakashi a glare.
Seeing Obito step up, Kakashi also felt that what he had just said was a bit too harsh.
He did not say any more about it.
"Forget it. It is getting late. We will be late if we do not go now, Dad."
After saying that, Kakashi walked toward the Ninja Academy.
"Oh, oh!"
Sakumo scratched his head.
"Sorry, we will be heading off first!"
Sakumo gave Might Dai an apologetic nod, then walked toward the school with Kakashi.
Might Guy watched Kakashi go. After a moment, the corner of his mouth curved up into a confident smile.
The two had only taken a few steps when Might Guy called out from behind them.
"You are Hatake Kakashi, right?"
Kakashi paused, stopped walking, and turned around to look at Might Guy.
Might Guy's face was full of confidence. He pointed his thumb at Kakashi.
"Kakashi! Thank you for standing up for me!"
Kakashi stared at him blankly.
Sakumo's expression took on a more serious look.
"Kakashi, making friends is a good thing. Do not always keep such a cold face."
"You passed the Ninja Academy entrance exam, but do not let it go to your head!"
Kakashi gave a small pout.
"Yes!"
"At this rate, that kid will surpass you!"
Sakumo's gaze dropped to the calluses on Might Guy's hands and feet, worn there from years of relentless training.
He looked at the thick eyebrows in front of him, giving a thumbs-up with a slightly dazed expression on his face.
Kakashi was a little skeptical.
"Him?"
Sakumo shook his head, his tone growing somewhat more serious.
"The waiting list has not been posted yet. The school is not foolish either. Go ask him his name. Remember it."
Kakashi was quiet for a moment, the doubt in his eyes growing heavier.
Sakumo patted Kakashi on the head.
"He will become a worthy rival."
Hatake Kakashi looked toward Might Guy and finally opened his mouth.
"Hey, kid!"
"What is your name!"
Might Guy struck a pose and called out his name in a loud voice.
"Might Guy!"
"I will become a man stronger than anyone!"
On the other side, Obito curiously moved close to Might Guy.
"You really cannot use ninjutsu?"
Might Guy nodded, his eyes steady and determined.
"That is right. But I believe that as long as you work hard, taijutsu can become the greatest power of all!"
Obito was moved by his passion and clapped him on the shoulder.
"Keep at it! I believe in you!"
Might Guy broke into a brilliant smile.
"Thank you! What is your name?"
"I am Uchiha Obito!"
"Obito, we are friends from now on!"
The two looked at each other and smiled, as if they had found someone who shared their spirit.
Chiya watched this scene, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.
Obito's kindness and enthusiasm in these early days were his most precious qualities.
"Let's go, Obito. Time for school."
Chiya reminded him gently.
Obito nodded and waved goodbye to Might Guy.
"Guy, I believe you can pass. See you at school!"
Might Guy called back loudly.
"See you at school, Obito! Thank you for the support!!"
Soon, the two arrived at the entrance of the Ninja Academy.
The school grounds had already gathered many new students and parents, full of noise and liveliness.
Obito looked all around, curious about everything.
Chiya crouched down, meeting Obito's eyes directly, his tone sincere.
"Obito, remember. School is not only a place to learn ninjutsu. It is also a place where you make friends.
When you grow up, the Ninja Academy will also become a precious memory for you."
Obito nodded firmly.
"Clan Head, I will not let you down!"
Chiya ruffled his hair and said warmly.
"Go. Enjoy your time at school."
Obito flashed a bright smile, turned around, and ran into the school.
Just then, Sakumo walked over and stood beside Chiya. He spread his hands and said with a sigh.
"That kid Obito, his personality is really something.
Much better than my Kakashi's temperament! Sigh!"