Obito watched them walk away, disappearing into the distance.
He shook his head hard, trying to clear his mind of the thoughts swirling within, and hurried after them.
He moved through the night, the same images haunting him.
Obito didn't want to jump to conclusions, but a disturbing idea had taken root in his mind, one he was starting to believe.
Rin … Could it be that she likes Young Master Ryo?!
Even if it was just a guess, it felt very likely.
After all, Rin was always going to see Young Master Ryo.
He also knew that the Yamanaka girl was Ryo's childhood friend.
But that didn't mean childhood friends were destined to be together.
Besides, you couldn't control who you liked.
So, what if Rin knew that Young Master Ryo was with someone else, but still had feelings for him...?
Obito's mind grew more and more confused as he continued on.
Soon, he saw Rin reach her front door.
"After taking Rin home, Young Master Ryo… he'll probably head back, right?"
Obito mumbled to himself.
But what Rin said next changed everything again.
"Young Master Ryo, please come in… and stay for a bit…" Nohara Rin said softly, inviting him with her head lowered.
Obito's eyes widened slightly.
Then, he tried to calm himself.
"Obito, don't read too much into it. It's just normal politeness…"
"It's quite late…" Sarutobi Ryo looked up at the sky, implying that it was getting late.
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Obito nodded quickly, It's really late … he thought.
It's too late, he should go back.
Young Master Ryo, being so important, should especially avoid any gossip.
"Then at least have a cup of tea before you leave…" Nohara Rin looked up at Sarutobi Ryo with watery eyes.
She was usually so reserved, so this forward invitation meant that Sarutobi Ryo couldn't refuse.
So, Sarutobi Ryo nodded, "Alright…"
The two went inside.
The door was left open, suggesting Sarutobi Ryo would leave soon.
Obito quietly slipped into some nearby bushes, eavesdropping on their conversation.
If he was the Chunin Obito from before the Kannabi Bridge mission, he wouldn't have been able to hear anything.
But now his strength had grown so much that he was as capable as Kakashi during the Chunin Exams.
Back then, Kakashi could hear everyone's heartbeats in Sasuke's hospital room from the hallway.
Obito held his breath, and he could clearly hear the conversation inside.
The words drifted out from the open doorway…
"Rin, I remember that boy named Obito has always liked you…"
Sarutobi Ryo suddenly mentioned Uchiha Obito.
Nohara Rin, who was preparing tea, paused for a moment, "Yes."
Obito heard his name and listened even more carefully.
And Nohara Rin's next sentence shattered his hopes completely.
Nohara Rin: "I only see Obito as a comrade… Young Master Ryo, please don't misunderstand~."
Obito: "!!!"
Only see me … as a comrade…
Obito felt a sharp pain in his heart.
He already knew this, but hearing it so plainly from Rin's mouth was different.
"A comrade, huh…"
Sarutobi Ryo shook his head.
"He probably doesn't feel the same way…"
Uchiha Obito is deeply in love with Nohara Rin. If I don't handle this carefully, I'll make an enemy for myself for no reason.
Sarutobi Ryo wasn't afraid of a challenge.
But he also wouldn't do something that would backfire.
Obito, after being rescued, had become a ninja with the Will of Fire.
Why provoke him to turn to the dark side again?
Sarutobi Ryo was capable of considering other people's feelings.
"Obito isn't a child anymore, he can understand."
Nohara Rin's tone was wistful.
Young Master Ryo, why do you keep bringing up Obito?
"If Obito finds out you won't be with him, how will he feel? Will he do something bad because of it…? After all, young people are easily impulsive, considering his age…"
Sarutobi Ryo didn't focus too much on Obito's issues.
Young people tend to be impulsive; it's just part of growing up.
If someone is still impulsive at 30 or 40, then that's just bad behavior.
But it's perfectly normal for young people to act on impulse.
"Obito is a Konoha Ninja. While others consider his feelings, he should also consider the feelings of others…"
Nohara Rin replied without hesitation.
To Obito, Nohara Rin was like a goddess.
And that goddess was like sunlight, shining on everyone.
Nohara Rin's kindness towards everyone didn't mean she liked everyone.
It was just… her nature and good manners.
If you mistake the sunlight shining on everyone as her liking you, you're deluding yourself.
So, if bad things happen, it's not her fault, but the other person's.
Listening to their conversation, Obito felt pain in his heart.
But he also knew that Rin was right.
They weren't children anymore, but Konoha Ninjas, even elite Jonin.
With that status, they should act like adults, instead of sulking like kids.
"Am I supposed to ask for his permission for everything I do, including who I like…?"
Seeing Sarutobi Ryo sitting quietly without saying anything, his face calm, Nohara Rin grew anxious and spoke with a hint of resentment.
Looking at the steaming tea in front of him, Sarutobi Ryo nodded slightly.
"I understand…"
Then, if that's the case …
Rin, I will inject you with the Will of Fire!
With that, Sarutobi Ryo waved his hand, and the gust of Wind he created slammed the door shut with a click … locking it.
Obito was stunned. Before he could react, he heard faint, rushed footsteps from inside.
Followed by Nohara Rin's cry of surprise.
Then, he heard an inner door close.
After that… everything fell silent.
As several doors closed one after the other, even Obito couldn't hear what was happening inside.
The night was dark, and everything was quiet.
Obito sat blankly behind the bushes.
Everything… was so quiet.
And in that quiet, there were some sounds that weren't so quiet.
Sizzle~.
Sarutobi Ryo's expression hardened, his movements more forceful.
The fabric beneath them rustled and shifted.
The waves at sea surged, tossing the small boat about, leaving it helpless against the storm.
Nohara Rin: "Ugh~."
And soon.
The small boat was swept away by the waves, capsized, and completely swallowed by the deep seabed, left only to spin along with it…
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+120 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 252 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Today's Chapter releases includes the +2 bonus chapter(s)!
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]