Chapter 58: Kakashi Is Rejected
In order to learn those advanced jutsu, one had to apply through the Uchiha clan. Many of these techniques required a certain level of seniority. While it was technically possible to learn them, earning the qualifications took a lot of time. And with the Third Great Ninja War looming, time was a luxury Seiji didn't have. Once the war began, even if restrictions were lifted, he wouldn't have the time to dedicate to learning.
"Forget it," Seiji shook his head. He figured he could just learn a few basic Genjutsu techniques and use those to level up his trait. Who knows—if he learned enough of them, he might even unlock a trait like "Proficient in Multiple Genjutsu."
Arriving at his run-down courtyard, he cleared out some overgrown weeds, then returned to the house to resume training. Thanks to Uchiha Hazuki's help in enhancing his visual prowess, Seiji's progress with Lightning Release: Iron Body had made a leap forward. Where before, he could barely control his chakra enough to train his scalp safely, now he had grown far more adept—he could even train the skin of his eyelids. At this point, he could channel currents through his entire body, tempering his skin to become tougher and more resilient.
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"Are you kidding me? That bastard!" Sakai Nobuo spat on the ground, hands in his pockets. "Who the hell would want to go on a mission with someone like that?"
"Don't be so mad," Mizuno Toshiya said, trying to calm his friend. "Kakashi is a genius, after all. Even the jōnin leading our squad can't handle him—he's already considering dropping him from the team."
Their latest mission had gone sideways. What was supposed to be a C-rank job had escalated to B-rank difficulty. And Kakashi, in order to complete the mission, had kept advancing without hesitation—even abandoning his injured teammate.
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"Are they talking about Kakashi…?" Obito hugged a bundle of books wrapped in a green cloth. The final exams were over, and it was time to bring everything home. Standing beside him was Nohara Rin.
"Um… excuse me, are you two talking about Hatake Kakashi?" Rin stepped forward hesitantly to ask the two older ninja. Obito turned his head, equally curious.
"Who are you supposed to be?" Sakai Nobuo looked down at the two students.
"I'm Kakashi's classmate at the Ninja Academy," Rin replied.
"Then you must know how unpleasant he is. It's almost impossible to work with someone like that." Sakai's tone was sharp—his opinion of Kakashi was clearly low.
"What happened exactly?" Rin asked, a knot of concern tightening in her chest.
"That kid—doesn't matter if his teammates are hurt or surrounded by enemies—he ignores everything just to finish the mission."
"Yeah, who would want to partner with someone like that?" Mizuno nodded in agreement.
"Just a heads-up: if you ever get teamed up with him in the future, you'd better watch your back," Sakai warned, then walked off with his friend.
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"Kakashi's become… like that?" Obito said, shocked.
In the past, Kakashi used to always talk about the importance of comrades. Even when they played kick-the-can together, he'd say the same things.
"Did his father's death really affect him that much?" Rin muttered to herself.
"Rin, do you know something about it?" Obito asked, sensing once again that he was the only one left out of the loop—like everyone else knew something he didn't.
"…A little," Rin replied, shaking her head.
"Could you tell me?"
"I… still have things to do. And this is Kakashi's private matter. I don't want to talk behind his back. See you tomorrow, Obito."
As they reached a fork in the road, Rin gave a small wave and took the path leading to her home. Obito had no choice but to drop the matter. He turned down the other path. He still needed to pick up groceries—his grandmother had asked him to buy some vegetables. The two parted ways.
Rin walked for about fifteen minutes before hesitating… then changed direction and began heading toward Seiji's house. She wanted to see Kakashi. But there was nothing they could talk about anymore—no common ground. The only excuse she had to speak with him was to keep asking Seiji about Lightning Release techniques—so she'd have something to say around Kakashi.
"But… why can't I learn it, no matter how hard I try?" Rin opened her pale hands in frustration.
When it came to theory, she could explain everything perfectly. But when it came to practical application—she completely froze. Just yesterday, she'd gone to Konoha Hospital to take an early aptitude test. The medical-nin there told her she had strong potential: Yang-natured chakra and excellent chakra control. They even said that once she graduated, she could immediately begin formal training at the hospital and become a professional medical-nin under the system. But Rin had turned down the offer. She was willing to become a medical ninja—but not one tied down to the hospital system, spending every day indoors.
With a head full of conflicting thoughts, Rin stepped into the Uchiha compound.
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"Is that… Rin?" From a distance, Obito—now holding a bag of vegetables—spotted a familiar figure. He squinted to get a clearer look. "It is Rin." His expression froze. And she was heading… toward Seiji's house. A heavy feeling settled in Obito's chest.
Just moments ago, Rin had told him she was going home. So why had she changed direction so quickly? If she was headed to Seiji's place, it would've made sense to go with him—he was already near the Uchiha district to buy groceries. Then why did she lie? Was it a last-minute decision? Or had she deliberately deceived him? Obito didn't know. But his chest felt tight and suffocating. He remembered the last time he saw Rin at Seiji's house—she had looked like she was about to be taken advantage of. He'd rushed in to "save the damsel"—but instead of thanking him, Rin had looked hurt and resentful.
"Is Uchiha Seiji really that great?" Obito clenched the grocery bag. His grip was so tight that veins bulged from his wrist.
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"Back again, Rin?" Seiji stopped his training and poured her a cup of tea.
Rin accepted it politely and took a sip. The flavor was… odd. "Did you brew this using Lightning Country methods?"
"Yeah, I've gotten used to it. But if it's not to your taste, I'll make a different blend next time," Seiji said.
He'd lived in the Land of Lightning for several years. Most of his life skills had been learned there. Growing up relying on the kindness of strangers, Seiji had also become quite skilled at reading people.
"No need. It's fine," Rin shook her head.
"Something on your mind?" Seiji asked.
"Mm." Rin nodded softly, staring into the cup as her reflection shimmered on the surface. Then she told him what had happened with Kakashi.
"So Kakashi's being rejected by his teammates now…" Seiji wasn't surprised in the slightest. It was precisely because so many teammates had refused to work with Kakashi that, after multiple reshufflings, he'd finally ended up on a team with Obito and Rin.
Otherwise, why would someone who graduated early ever be placed on their squad?
"Today, I'll explain the relationship between Lightning Release and the chakra network." Seiji handed her a set of notes—his personal insights into the nature of ninjutsu. Rin's natural talent wasn't lacking. The problem was that she didn't possess Lightning-nature chakra, which made it impossible for her to practice this type of elemental transformation. With enough time—maybe over a decade, or even just a few years of focused training—she might eventually awaken the affinity.