Chapter 276. Passing By
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"It's a pleasure doing business with you!"
"It's a pleasure doing business with you!"
Yuto escorted Suikazan Fuguki out. Watching that already large waistline grow even bigger, he sighed with emotion. "This guy really knows how to do business."
As a ninja, his moral integrity might be questionable, but his business acumen was undeniable. For example, during a film production last time, Yuto had casually mentioned something, and Fuguki had immediately gone back to change both the protagonist and the movie title.
And now—
He was even planning to become the president of Yuto Group's Land of Water division for Yuto Motors.
No wonder Kirigakure had been thriving in recent years.
With such a fat man with a sharp mind and proactiveness on their side, how could business not boom?
Shaking his head, Yuto was about to close the door when—
"Yuto~"
Hearing someone call him, Yuto turned his head in confusion. It was Minato, strolling over with a cheerful grin. Surprised, Yuto raised an eyebrow. "Isn't the Chunin Exams happening in a few days? How do you have time to be here?"
"Hehe, everything's already arranged." Minato smiled sheepishly. "I heard Jiraiya-sensei was in town, so I went to see him. Then I happened to pass by and saw you, so I figured I'd stop by." He paused. "How about a drink?"
After a moment of thought, Yuto nodded. "Alright."
Then—
He called into the house to let Suzune know before heading out with Minato.
They grabbed some beer and found a high spot, drinking while gazing at the scenery below.
It was clear—
Minato had come out specifically to relax. He downed half a bottle in one go, then let out a hearty exhale. "Ahh, that hits the spot!" He chuckled. "I've been exhausted lately!"
The Chunin Exams were indeed a lot of work.
Especially today—there weren't enough parking spaces. Even Jiraiya had complained, and now he had no choice but to park in a lot that charged ten ryo per hour.
Yuto simply nodded and continued drinking in small sips, also looking down at the streets below.
Meanwhile, Minato kept chatting away, smiling. "Kakashi and Obito are both outstanding—especially Obito. His reputation in the ninja world is even bigger than mine!"
"You're being modest. The fame of Konoha's Yellow Flash still surpasses that of the 'Konoha's Ass-saulter'!"
"…"
Even if it was true, why did it feel like he wanted to punch someone?
Minato sighed helplessly and took another sip. Tonight, he was here just to vent. Resting his left arm on the railing, he mused, "Naruto is growing up fast. Soon, he'll be starting school… I'm really looking forward to it!"
He paused. "I heard that Clan Leader Fugaku's youngest son will also be enrolling. Maybe the two of them will become friends?"
"…"
Yuto rolled his eyes.
It was obvious that Minato was too excited about Naruto starting school. It seemed… ever since Naruto was born, Minato and Kushina hadn't really had time for just the two of them.
"Obito's doing well. His reputation wasn't great at first, but he's been improving over the years." Minato sighed, shifting the conversation back to his students. "A few years ago, I was really worried about him—especially after what happened with Rin and the changes in him…"
Who would have thought—
What was supposed to be a simple trip to broaden his students' horizons had ended up like that?
Better not dwell on it.
The Hokage Building was cold at night, and hobbling to the bathroom on a crutch was a hassle.
Too bad—
He had once thought Kakashi and Rin might end up together. But now… Rin was working at the hospital, while Kakashi was at the academy training new students. They barely saw each other.
Especially Kakashi—
At some point, he had become obsessed with racing, and many new students who had ridden in Kakashi's car ended up not wanting to be ninjas anymore.
Minato sighed in exasperation and downed another half bottle, then chuckled. "I heard recently that Obito fell in love online. It seems she's not from Konoha, but as his teacher… I'm quite relieved."
Otherwise—
He'd keep talking about wanting to be with Kakashi.
As a teacher, Minato worried not only about Obito… but also about Kakashi and Rin!
However—
Just as the words fell—
"Look over there~" Yuto, who was idly enjoying the breeze, suddenly gestured downward with his chin. "He's already meeting her in person."
"???"
Minato froze for a moment, then followed Yuto's gaze. Sure enough, he spotted Obito walking side by side with a woman who had straight, yellow-green colored hair.
Immediately, his eyes narrowed slightly, his tone laced with gossip. "That woman… looks kind of familiar~"
…
"Hey, you pervert!"
"I am Uchiha Obito! The man who will become Hokage!"
"Heh, you haven't changed at all!" Nii Yugito looked at the proud fool in front of her and smiled helplessly. "I heard you're leading a team now. That's impressive! But becoming a Kage isn't that simple!"
"Hmph!" Obito scoffed dismissively, raising his head high. "Defeated one! When I was a Jonin, you were still just a Chunin! Listen up! I will definitely become Hokage!"
"…"
Is this guy an idiot?
Yugito rolled her eyes at him and straightened her posture. "If I hadn't surrendered back then, do you really think you would have won?"
Originally, she had brought her students to Konoha for a visit. Since it had been a while, she decided to take them around the village. Then, by pure chance, she saw this guy eating ramen alone. So, she figured she'd come over to say hello… and maybe have him show them around.
But seriously—
Was he trying to make her die of frustration?
She thought back to their online chats…
This guy was the ultimate conversation killer!
Hadn't the internet said he was a total fool back in school?
How did he turn into this?!
"If you weren't a one-trick pony, I would've won ages ago!"
"Hey, hey! I'm really strong! Wanna spar?"
"Are you an idiot? A girl comes looking for you at night, and the first thing you think about is fighting?"
"Women will only affect the speed of my ninjutsu!"
"…"
Yugito gave Obito an exasperated look, then seemed to remember something. "Oh right, the upcoming Ninja Grand Prix in Kumogakure—are you going to participate?"
"Not interested."
"You're not coming? I was going to show you around Kumogakure!" Yugito shook her head in disappointment. "Are you really not going? I already signed up! You should come and see my racing skills!"
She watched him carefully—
This guy, avoiding eye contact yet pretending to be arrogant…
Was this what they called tsundere?
Was every Uchiha like this?
With a chuckle, she shook her head, and as if she'd thought of something, pulled out a ticket. "Consider this a gift for showing me around Konoha. Whether you come or not is up to you. I'm heading back. Seriously… why does it feel like someone's been following me? Anyway, see you at the race! And try not to lose to my students!"
With that—
She ignored the perverted idiot and ran straight back to her hotel.
And Obito… stared at the ticket in his hand, then at her disappearing figure. After a moment, he shook his head and tucked the ticket away. Then, he looked up. His scarlet Sharingan flared to life. He immediately turned his head to the side, narrowing his eyes and forming a hand seal.
The Tiger Seal snapped into place—
And instantly—
The air roared as if a storm had been unleashed.
Fierce winds howled!
Shadows flickered—
And several figures awkwardly leaped out, laughing nervously.
"O-Obito-sama! Wait! Hold on! We were just passing by!"
Don't complete that seal…
That seal looks like… my ass hurts!
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