As the sun dipped westward, casting a golden hue across Konoha, three figures strolled together—Satoru, Eren, and Minato—passing through the gates of the Hatake compound, where Kakashi resided.
The Hatake residence bore the hallmarks of traditional Japanese design. Minimalist yet refined, the wooden walls held old swords and scrolls, whispers of a once-glorious lineage. Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi's father, was once a legendary ninja known as the "White Fang of the Leaf." Though the era had passed, its aura still lingered.
In front of the house was a broad courtyard lined with bamboo. It was here that Kakashi and Obito would face off.
Kakashi stood quietly, mask covering half his face, eyes calm but sharp. He wore his standard black ninja gear, exuding composure and unreadable focus.
Across from him, Obito Uchiha stood with fiery determination.
"Yosh! Stupid Kakashi! This time, I'm going to beat you!!" Obito shouted, forming a hand seal. His Sharingan lit up, a single tomoe swirling in his right eye.
Satoru and Eren sensed it through their Observation Haki—Obito's chakra had surged to nearly double its usual level.
Minato folded his arms and smiled softly, turning to Satoru and Eren. "Bloodlines are such a mystery in the shinobi world. Strange, isn't it? Neither of us has any kekkei genkai, right, Satoru? But you—Eren—your mysterious origin might as well be one."
Eren replied with a small smile. "But you two are strong regardless."
Minato laughed sheepishly. "Thanks."
**Match 40: Obito vs. Kakashi**
The evening sun painted long shadows across the stone courtyard. Petals drifted from nearby sakura trees, filling the quiet air with a solemn beauty. Kakashi stood still, one hand in his pocket, appearing nonchalant. His left eye half-closed, watching quietly.
Across from him, Obito radiated fiery energy. Sharingan spinning slowly, he focused intensely.
"Yoshhh!! Stupid Kakashi, I'll win this time!" Obito declared.
Obito struck first, moving with surprising speed. He launched five kunai at Kakashi, aiming straight for his vital points.
Kakashi barely moved, shifting slightly so each blade grazed harmlessly past.
"Still using that lazy dodge of yours?" Obito muttered.
He formed hand seals quickly, creating three shadow clones. Two sprinted up walls and onto the rooftop, flanking from above while the original prepared his jutsu.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
A massive fireball blazed toward Kakashi, roaring like a dragon. Obito grinned, confident his attack would hit—there was no room to dodge.
BOOM!
Flames exploded, but as the smoke cleared, all that remained was a tall earth wall.
"Figures. Earth Style again?!"
"Now!" Obito commanded.
The clones descended from above, grabbing Kakashi's arms. Obito leaped, kunai aimed for Kakashi's neck.
Just as the blade was about to strike—
POOF!
Smoke. A clone.
"Wha—a clone!? Since when?!"
Before he could react, a hand emerged from the ground.
"Earth Style: Rising Earth Strike."
Kakashi yanked Obito down by the ankle, burying him up to the neck.
"That's win number 40," Kakashi said casually, spinning his kunai.
"GYYYYAAAAAHHH! STUPID KAKASHI!!"
Minato chuckled. Satoru sighed and facepalmed. Eren smirked at the ridiculous sight of Obito's head sticking out like a daikon.
"Let me out already!"
"You need to learn not to celebrate too early," Kakashi said, walking off.
Satoru laughed, wrapping an arm around Minato and Eren.
"These kids are hilarious."
Minato nodded. "Obito's improving, but he's still reckless. Kakashi's always precise."
Eren added, "Obito has much more potential."
Satoru grinned. "This is just their beginning."
Eventually, Kakashi freed Obito.
"Next time! Match 41! I'll win for sure!" Obito shouted.
Kakashi waved him off. "Win one first, then talk."
Obito fumed, stomping the ground.
**Later that evening**
Obito dragged his feet through the village, sulking. Laughter from earlier still echoed in his mind.
"I'll show them. I'll beat that smug Kakashi one day... And Rin will notice me."
He passed the Uchiha district gate, pausing at a familiar bakery.
Inside, Teyaki and Uruchi worked the ovens.
"Obito-kun, rough day?" Teyaki asked.
"I almost beat Kakashi! Just a little more!"
Uruchi smiled, handing him a warm pastry. "Here, a reward for your effort."
Obito's eyes lit up as he bit into the soft, sweet treat. His mood instantly improved.
Behind him, the couple watched him walk away.
"He's not like the other Uchiha," Uruchi said.
Teyaki nodded. "Full of passion. He'll be great, in his own way."
"Speaking of family, Itachi's birthday is soon. What will you give him?"
"A carved wooden bird. He'll soar one day."
Unaware, Obito continued home. His grandmother waited with a smile.
"You're back! How was it?"
"I fought hard today! Nearly beat Kakashi!"
She laughed gently, patting his head.
"You did well. Winning isn't everything. You tried your best."
"But I want to win!"
"Come on, bath first. Dinner's waiting."
Grumbling, Obito obeyed. The anger faded. Warmth remained.
Maybe that was what made him different.
In the proud Uchiha clan, one boy ran home with a smile, bathed in the golden glow of a peaceful Konoha evening.