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The ANBU operatives came and went in the blink of an eye, leaving behind a single sentence and two ninjutsu scrolls before vanishing without a trace.
If not for the two scrolls resting on the table, Rong Lin might have thought he was dreaming.
Being granted unrestricted access to the Ninja Academy's library was understandable enough, but the two ninjutsu scrolls left him utterly baffled.
The techniques contained within the scrolls were both relatively mundane C-rank Fire Release techniques. For someone from the Uchiha clan, these could easily be learned by visiting the clan's shrine. However, Rong Lin, who was ostracized by both the Uchiha and Hyuga clans, had no such opportunities. He wasn't even eligible to learn the Hyuga clan's signature Gentle Fist or taijutsu styles.
Despite possessing both the Sharingan and Byakugan—two powerful bloodline abilities—he preferred keeping his Sharingan exposed rather than revealing his Byakugan. Activating the Sharingan wouldn't raise suspicions among the Uchiha, but the Byakugan was another matter entirely. Given the Hyuga clan's strict rules, if they discovered he possessed the Byakugan, they would undoubtedly capture him and place a cursed seal on him.
Rong Lin had no intention of letting anyone control his life with a cursed seal. Thankfully, as long as he didn't deliberately reveal it, the Byakugan could remain hidden while still allowing him to use its abilities alongside the Sharingan. The Sharingan served as a perfect cover, drawing attention away from the Byakugan. In fact, showcasing the Sharingan might even earn him some resources or opportunities to grow stronger.
Picking up the scrolls, Rong Lin felt deeply perplexed. No matter how hard he racked his brain, he couldn't fathom why the Third Hokage would send him these two seemingly ordinary scrolls. After pondering for a while and finding no answers, he decided to let it go. Whatever the reason, the scrolls were now his, and given their rarity in his current situation, he resolved to make good use of them. Still, today's events had left a deep impression on him, and he vowed to investigate further when the time was right.
Originally planning to train after dinner, Rong Lin abandoned that idea and instead devoted himself to studying the two techniques.
"Ah~"
This decision led to him being groggy and yawning nonstop the next day at school. Though C-rank techniques were relatively simple to grasp, mastering them to the point of practical application was far more challenging. Overusing chakra left him feeling drained, serving as a stark reminder not to push himself too hard in the future.
A skyscraper can't rise from flat ground without a solid foundation.
"Hey, did you hear? Kakashi has already applied to graduate early from the academy! If he passes the test, he'll become a Genin."
"He's amazing."
"Yeah, yeah, and he's only five years old!"
As soon as Rong Lin entered the classroom, he overheard chatter about Kakashi's application for early graduation. Such news couldn't be concealed, nor would Kakashi bother hiding it given his personality.
Was this unfolding just like the original storyline?
Glancing at Kakashi, who stood aloof with his arms crossed, Rong Lin wasn't surprised. Taking his seat, he began mulling over certain thoughts.
"Hmph, what's so great about him?"
No sooner had Rong Lin sat down than Obito's sarcastic remark reached his ears. The animosity between Obito and Kakashi stemmed largely from Kakashi's dismissive attitude toward "dead-last" students and the constant attention Rin lavished on Kakashi.
Early graduation sounded impressive, sure—it marked someone as a prodigy—but would everything go smoothly for Kakashi? Graduating early meant he wouldn't be assigned to a balanced team for proper training. Instead, he'd find himself stuck in an awkward position, neither here nor there. That was precisely why, in the original timeline, Kakashi hadn't been paired with Obito and Rin until after they graduated. By then, Kakashi was already a Chuunin, while Obito and Rin were fresh Genin—a glaring disparity in skill levels. Their uneven team dynamic was fraught with issues.
"Aren't you bothered by it?" Seeing Rong Lin's indifferent expression, Obito leaned closer in surprise.
"Why should I care?"
Rong Lin glanced up at him indifferently. "Are you jealous?"
"Jealous?! Of course not!" Obito's face flushed red, and his voice rose several decibels, drawing stares from everyone around.
Talk about giving yourself away—the fidgety eyes and tomato-red face screamed guilt.
Shaking his head, Rong Lin chose not to respond further.
"The teacher's here!!"
A shout silenced the entire room. Even Kakashi, who had maintained his usual stoic demeanor, visibly relaxed slightly. Clearly, despite his outward calm, he was still just a child who felt nervous under scrutiny.
"Good morning, everyone."
Sensei Bonkon walked in holding a textbook, smiling warmly as he greeted the class. Scanning the room, he paused curiously. "Does anyone know why Sarutobi Asuma and Hyuga Tarin aren't in school today?"
Seeing the empty seats of Asuma and Tarin, the sensei asked the question aloud.
"No idea," the children replied, shrugging and shaking their heads. Meanwhile, the only one privy to the truth—Rong Lin—kept his gaze fixed ahead, feigning ignorance.
"Well then, let's begin class."
Opening the textbook, Bonkon resumed yesterday's lesson. Below, the students whispered amongst themselves, speculating wildly about why Asuma and Tarin hadn't shown up.
Meanwhile, those two idiots probably realized coming to school would be embarrassing, so they stayed home to nurse their wounds. At least they had the self-awareness to do that. Unnoticed by anyone, a faint smirk tugged at the corner of Rong Lin's lips.
"Rong Lin, we don't have class this afternoon. Let's grab some dango together! Rin will come too."
After lunch, Obito eagerly extended an invitation to Rong Lin once classes ended.
Glancing at Rin's cheerful smile and Kakashi's deadpan glare, Rong Lin shook his head. "Sorry, you guys go ahead. I need to visit the library to look up some materials."
"That's too bad." Obito looked disappointed. Inviting Rong Lin was partly to ease the tension in their group. Without him, hanging out with just Rin and Kakashi would likely result in an awkward atmosphere, with all of Rin's attention inevitably focused on Kakashi. But with Rong Lin declining, Obito could only resign himself to enduring yet another uncomfortable outing.
What a transparent little scheme—you think dragging me along for your clumsy attempts at romance is going to work? Only a fool would fall for that.
Declining Obito's invitation, Rong Lin slung his bag over his shoulder and headed toward the library, leaving the teaching building behind.