"This year is just too hot!"
Obito leaned against a large willow tree by the roadside, seeking shade under its canopy. His right hand acted as a fan, constantly waving by his ear.
But this feeble breeze carried heat and offered no relief; the sweat on his face didn't lessen at all.
Obito tugged at his green flak jacket, separating the damp fabric from his skin. Feeling slightly more comfortable, he couldn't help but complain, "If only we could take these uniforms off."
Yes, Obito was already a Chunin.
He was only 11 years old but had already become a Chunin, a year earlier than in the original work where he became one at 12.
The change in fate was naturally due to the war caused by the Mechanical City's descent upon Konoha seven months ago.
Back then, Obito was still a Genin and didn't participate directly in the war. Instead, he was responsible for evacuating civilians and guiding them to shelters.
However, during the evacuation, their group was attacked by two knight puppets, resulting in many deaths.
Among them were two elderly ladies who had always shown him kindness and help.
Then, he awakened his Sharingan, and it was already the two tomoe stage right from the start.
With the power of the Sharingan, Obito's strength underwent a qualitative leap. He performed exceptionally well in the Chunin Exams a month ago, officially becoming a Chunin, and was subsequently assigned to the Police Force.
"Yo, Obito, on duty?"
A familiar voice interrupted his thoughts. Obito looked up to see a silver-haired youth standing on the heat-hazed road.
Seeing the boy, a smile naturally spread across Obito's face. He waved, "Yo, long time no see, Kakashi!"
"Just got back from a mission."
As he spoke, Kakashi came under the willow tree.
"Seems you've had it rough these past months too!"
Obito couldn't help but sigh.
The war had caused heavy losses among Konoha's Shinobi. And the battle during the Mechanical City's descent seven months ago destroyed most of Konoha's buildings.
Most Shinobi were busy helping civilians rebuild their homes, leading to a severe shortage of personnel for regular missions.
Youngsters like Kakashi, only 11 years old but showing excellent performance, were promoted to Jonin, granted the authority to undertake solo missions.
And Rin, due to her outstanding talent as a Medical-nin, was transferred to the hospital for advanced training.
Their original team disbanded, and the two hadn't seen each other for quite some time, so they chatted there.
Having personally witnessed the cruelty of war and seen loved ones die before his eyes, Obito's personality had matured considerably. He was no longer the easily startled, boisterous, and clumsy boy.
Kakashi, accustomed to his usual noisy self, repeatedly marveled at his growth.
Suddenly, an Anbu flickered onto the willow tree.
Wearing a tiger mask, he looked down at the two from above. "Kakashi, Obito. Hokage-sama has an urgent mission and summons you."
Obito and Kakashi exchanged startled glances, then both nodded. "Understood."
…
When the two arrived at the Hokage's Office, many people were already present.
Members of the Police Force, Anbu, and even Shinobi usually assigned to missions… the room was crowded.
Everyone stood there in silence, quietly watching the Third Hokage sitting behind the desk, smoking his pipe.
"Everyone's here. Let's begin the briefing..." Hiruzen glanced at Obito and Kakashi who had just entered, put down his pipe, and said, "Three months ago, a major incident shook the foundations of the Hyuga Clan. Out of consideration for the Hyuga Clan, this matter was not publicly disclosed. But the result was that Kohinata Mukai was expelled from the Hyuga Clan, monitored as a dangerous individual, and several members of the Hyuga Branch Family were executed."
"Silence!" Hiruzen rapped the table. After the discussion died down, he continued, "That incident was an internal matter of the Hyuga Clan. We shall not inquire further. What I need to explain now is that after that incident, Kohinata Mukai, who had been keeping a low profile, has shown suspicious movements again."
"If he's not behaving even after being punished, why not just arrest him?" A Shinobi voiced the thoughts of most people in the room.
"The key issue is that our intelligence agents have only discovered some suspicious traces; they cannot confirm whether Mukai has actually done anything."
Seeing everyone fall silent, Hiruzen nodded and continued, "Although there is no concrete evidence, this matter is of utmost importance. If Mukai truly has ill intentions and succeeds, it will cause upheaval for both the Hyuga Clan and Konoha. Therefore, I want you to strengthen vigilance at all exits, including the skies."
"The skies!?"
Someone thought of something, looking at the Hokage in disbelief.
The Hokage nodded with a grave expression. "That's right. The worst-case scenario is a repeat of the events from seven months ago. Are you afraid?"
"Gulp~"
A chorus of swallowing sounds echoed in the room. Everyone broke out in a cold sweat.
"Afraid? I'm afraid they won't come! I can't avenge Mina's death otherwise!"
"That's right! You Suna bastards, come if you dare! We're prepared now, not like last time when you caught us off guard!"
"Although the weapon to counter the puppet resurrection is still under development, with the right methods, they can still be dealt with!"
"Exactly! Let those bastards come!"
Seeing the impassioned crowd, Hiruzen nodded slightly. "This is only the worst-case scenario. Although six months is not enough to restore our former glory, we, being prepared, fear no one!"
"Yeah!!!"
...
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Obito called out to Kakashi.
"What is it?"
Kakashi looked at Obito curiously.
Obito glanced left and right, his eyes flicking towards the left path. "Let's talk on the way."
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then nodded and followed.
On the way, Obito said, "Let's investigate Mukai."
"... Okay."
"The Hokage's decision, although... Huh? You agreed?"
Obito reacted a beat slower, looking over in surprise.
In his impression, Kakashi was the most boring and rule-bound Shinobi, never touching anything that violated regulations.
Investigating Mukai privately risked exposing the fact that they were aware of his suspicious activities. This clearly violated the Hokage's orders for the mission.
Obito thought Kakashi would absolutely refuse and had prepared a lot of persuasive arguments. He never expected Kakashi to agree after just a moment's hesitation. How could he not be shocked?
"Did you take the wrong medicine, or is someone else disguised as you?"
Obito scrutinized the silver-haired youth up and down, as if trying to expose an imposter.
Kakashi couldn't help but roll his eyes. "Are you going or not? If not, I'll go carry out Hokage-sama's mission."
"Going, going, of course I'm going!"
Though very curious about Kakashi's change, Obito was more eager to resolve this matter.
The reason Obito chose to violate the Hokage's orders and investigate Mukai wasn't for glory, but because he felt purely defensive measures were too passive. Only by taking the initiative and investigating thoroughly could the problem be solved.