Chapter 159: Konoha Classic Project
"I'm really looking forward to it—the life of a real ninja!"
Obito woke up early, washed up in record time, and rushed out toward the meeting point Mugetsu had given him.
"Who will the other teammate be? Could it be Rin? Maybe Mugetsu-sensei is trying to surprise us!" he thought, smiling to himself as he jogged down the street.
"Hey, Hand-Grilled Uncle! One pancake!"
He grabbed breakfast from a familiar stall, eating as he walked, too excited to sit still. Today wasn't just another day—it was the start of something big. After years in the Academy, he was finally going to experience the life of a true ninja.
"Grandma, do you need help?"
Spotting an elderly woman struggling with her basket, Obito quickly tossed the last bite of his pancake, threw the wrapper in a nearby bin, and ran over to lend a hand.
"Today's off to a great start," he said proudly after helping a second elder along the way.
Then he froze. "Wait—I'm supposed to be meeting up with everyone!"
Panicking, he took off at full speed toward the training ground, thankful he'd woken up early. Even with the delays, he should still make it on time.
When he finally arrived, two familiar voices caught his attention.
"As expected of my eternal rival and best friend—we meet again in yet another training ground!"
"No, I'm not here to train. I'm here to find my new team."
"Then let's have a youthful and passionate competition! A race!"
"I told you, I have something to do today."
"Hey—Kakashi?!"
Obito blinked, disbelief written all over his face as he ran up.
A sinking feeling hit him immediately. "No way… don't tell me Kakashi's the other teammate…"
"It can't be. He's already a Chunin. He must just be here for training. Yeah, that's it," Obito muttered, trying to reassure himself.
Kakashi turned at the sound of Obito's voice, confusion flickering across his face. Running into Guy was one thing—but Obito too?
"I should be the one asking you that. Shouldn't you be in class right now?" Kakashi asked coolly.
"You idiot! Ninja School went on break last week!" Obito snapped back immediately.
"My mistake," Kakashi said with mock politeness. "After all, I graduated so long ago, my memory must be dull. It's been, what, three years? And you're still there."
"You—!" Obito's face twisted in frustration. No matter what he said, he couldn't argue that—it was true.
"I don't have time to waste with you guys today," Kakashi said, turning away. He had no intention of lingering—he wasn't like Obito, who made a habit of being late.
"You must be Kakashi Hatake, right?"
A calm voice sounded behind Kakashi. He turned—and his pupils contracted sharply.
Mugetsu had appeared beside him without a sound. Kakashi hadn't sensed a thing. Instinctively, he stepped back.
"So fast…" he thought, eyes narrowing.
Coming to his senses, he replied, "I am. Are you Captain Hayate?"
The Hokage had told him that his new squad's instructor was named Hayate Mugetsu. Looking at him now, Kakashi recalled seeing this man once before—perhaps during the Youth Ninjutsu Competition.
"Yes, that's me," Mugetsu said with a mild smile.
"Captain?" Obito's heart sank. His worst suspicion was confirmed.
"That's right," Mugetsu said. "Kakashi will be your teammate."
"What? No! This is completely wrong!" Obito burst out.
He couldn't believe it. The "someone you know" Mugetsu had mentioned turned out to be Kakashi! Out of everyone, it had to be him!
"Obito, do you have an issue with that?" Mugetsu asked calmly.
"Kakashi graduated years ago! He's a Chunin now—why would he be on an Intern Ninja team with us?" Obito blurted out, scratching his head in disbelief.
"Intern Ninja?" Kakashi echoed, equally puzzled. He had thought running into Obito and Guy was just coincidence—but now it seemed they were supposed to be his teammates.
"The reason's a bit special," Mugetsu explained, his voice gentle but firm. "For the next few months, Kakashi will be part of your squad. That's already been decided."
Turning toward Kakashi, he continued, "Obito and Guy haven't graduated yet. This is part of the Ninja School's Intern Program—an opportunity for top students to experience real missions before graduation."
Kakashi's expression darkened slightly. "So that's it… Hokage-sama really tricked me into this."
Still, his sharp eyes lingered on Mugetsu. Was I really that careless? I didn't even sense a teacher approach me…
"Alright," Mugetsu said, bringing the group together. "Let's start with introductions. You may be interns, but you're also ninja now. Treat this seriously."
He began first. "My name is Hayate Mugetsu. I enjoy teaching and watching my students grow stronger day by day. My hobby is calligraphy—and I like dishes made with eggs." He smiled softly.
"As expected of Mugetsu-sensei!" Guy gave an energetic thumbs-up.
"I'm Might Guy!" he declared. "I love training, and my dream is to become the strongest Taijutsu ninja in the world! I want everyone to know—even if you can't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, you can still become strong!"
Kakashi sighed inwardly. Only he would say something like that.
"I'm Uchiha Obito! I like helping people, I hate doing homework, and my dream is to become a Hokage who surpasses all others!" Obito shouted proudly.
Kakashi remained silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
"I'm Kakashi Hatake. I don't want to talk about what I like or dislike. I have no particular interests… or dreams."
"Hey, that's not an introduction! You only said your name!" Obito protested.
Kakashi didn't even look at him.
Mugetsu simply smiled. "Such personal things can't be forced." He then took out three small bells from his pouch.
"Now, let's begin our first training."
He held the bells up for them to see.
"For the rest of the day, your goal is simple—snatch a bell from me. Those who fail…" He paused, his tone light. "…will have to prepare their own dinner and miss out on my special cooking."
Kakashi stared blankly. That's it? What kind of childish test is this?
He sighed internally. "Boring."
But deep down, even he couldn't shake the feeling—there was something about this Mugetsu that wasn't ordinary.
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