"Fine, fine, I'll tell you. But afterward, you have to tell me what crying feels like, okay? I'm super curious."
Seeing Obito's gaze gradually turn dangerous, White Zetsu stopped messing around and quickly spoke up.
"Obito, listen I just heard about something huge that happened in a place called the Land of Snow these past couple of days. It used to be covered in snow everywhere, but now there's not a single flake to be seen."
"Land of Snow? Never heard of it. Is there anything worth caring about?"
When White Zetsu mentioned the "Land of Snow," Obito's brows furrowed slightly. These years he had been fully occupied with the Eye of the Moon Plan and had no energy to pay attention to some insignificant little country.
As for back when he was in Konoha let alone that. You think the Second Hokage was joking? Even knowing a little about extracurricular stuff like that would be disrespectful to the Second.
"The Land of Snow itself isn't much, but the one who caused the change there is someone you care a lot about: Kakashi, and especially his student Furina.
She's gotten really strong. I felt like if I got any closer, she would have noticed me. And from the strength she showed, she doesn't seem any weaker than you, hehe."
"Furina"
After hearing White Zetsu's report, Obito didn't care about Kakashi and instead muttered Furina's name. He knew White Zetsu could be exaggerated at times, but on matters like this, he still knew the weight.
If White Zetsu said she could compare to him, then she must have displayed corresponding strength. More importantly, she was still young and closely connected to his target the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.
Plus, the tailed beast capture plan hadn't reached the right timing yet. Letting her train for longer would inevitably make her a massive stumbling block in the plan later.
As for Kakashi? Hmph. That trash still hadn't awakened Kamui in that eye after so long what use was he? Let him keep living in regret with his eye.
"I understand. I'll handle it."
Ever since he awakened Kamui and Madara passed away of old age, there weren't many people left in the ninja world who could make Obito take them seriously.
Even the current leader of Akatsuki Nagato with the Rinnegan was, in his eyes, nothing more than a puppet collecting tailed beasts. His arrogance couldn't get any higher.
But Furina was different. If geniuses like Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju who pacified the chaotic world were the strongest he had heard of, then Furina might be the strongest genius he had ever seen.
She had no kekkei genkai; she was matching him with his Sharingan purely on talent. That kind of aptitude was truly unparalleled.
She was even more troublesome than that Uchiha Itachi guy. Although Itachi wasn't easy to deal with either, at least Obito knew his weakness: his little brother, Sasuke Uchiha. He could threaten him at a critical moment.
But Furina? Heh. Although she was enthusiastic toward everyone and quite valued her comrades in the village.
Obito had a feeling that if he really treated that as her weakness, he would at the very least suffer a major loss.
Carrying these concerns, Obito no longer had any mood to chat. With the Mangekyo Sharingan spinning in his eyes, his figure vanished from the spot in an instant.
"Hey hey hey, don't go! You still haven't told me what crying feels like, Obito, aaaaah."
.....
Konohagakure
"Hm, I've read the report. Not only did you complete the mission this time, but you also managed to establish friendship between Konoha and the Land of Snow along the way. Well done."
"Hehehe, of course! With you giving the word, Sensei, I had to put my all into it. Since the mission is done, then I..."
In the Hokage's office, looking at her disciple rubbing his hands and sidling closer, Tsunade couldn't help but feel a bit of self-doubt.
Was being around her really that bad? Why was he in such a hurry to leave? That was really hurtful, you annoying brat.
"Hmph. Since you want to go out, then go. I'm not bothering with you anymore. But even though you're going out to train, don't forget to come back to the village every once in a while.
Also, although you've learned the ninjutsu I taught you, you can't slack off outside. Practice it regularly. As my disciple, you have to master these things proficiently, and..."
"I know, I know."
Seeing that Tsunade seemed about to launch into another long lecture like some monk Furina couldn't help but feel her head throb. She quickly put her hands together in prayer, begging the other to finish quickly. She really didn't want to hear any more!!!
"Hmph, look at that impatient face of yours. Then get lost already." As she spoke, Tsunade waved her hand repeatedly in a "hurry up and go" gesture.
"Hehe, how could I? I love listening to your teachings the most, Sensei."
"Hmph ╭(╯^╰)╮"
Ignoring Furina's clowning around, Tsunade's only response was a disdainful look.
"Then I'm off! I'll miss you, Sensei o(￣︶￣)o"
After Furina left, Tsunade quickly returned to her usual state. But after staring at the spot where the other had left for a while, a smile crept into her eyes.
Being with this disciple of hers always easily stirred her emotions. But this feeling... wasn't bad at all.
Not long after, Tsunade sat back at her desk to handle official business. But soon her office door was knocked on again.
"Come in."
The door opened, revealing a slightly awkward figure with pink hair, head slightly lowered, looking as if she had something embarrassing to say.
"Oh, it's Sakura. Coming to see me at this time is there some problem with your medical ninjutsu training?"
Seeing the other's state, Tsunade could roughly guess why she had come. But she didn't feel annoyed at all; instead, she felt a bit happy.
This was more like it. A disciple should come across difficulties every once in a while and ask the teacher for guidance otherwise, how could the teacher's role be shown?
Unlike a certain someone who just came asking for a training method, then bam learned it, learned it!!! What even was that? Seriously.
"Yes, Lady Tsunade. While training the Mystical Palm Technique, there are some parts I really don't understand, so I..."
"Oh~ that. Small problem. No need to be formal. I took you as my disciple to teach you it's only right. Come over and tell me in detail what exactly you don't understand."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade!"
Hearing Tsunade's assurance, Sakura's original awkwardness completely turned into positive emotion. She quickly trotted over and explained her confusions one by one.
...
"I've understood all these problems now. Thank you so much for your guidance, Lady Tsunade."
"No problem. If you have any more questions in the future, just keep coming to ask me. I'd be more than happy to answer them."