In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi lit a cigarette and started talking about yesterday's basketball game.
"It's really a pity. Asuma's team lost by just a three-pointer."
"Indeed, it's a pity. But that's the charm of competitive sports. It's hard to tell the winner until the last moment."
Haruki echoed his tone, and a look of regret naturally appeared on his face.
"You're right. The energetic and vibrant appearance of those kids yesterday reminded me of my lost youth. What wonderful memories. The only regret is that few of my classmates from that period are still alive."
Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed a bit sentimental today.
Haruki glanced at him.
Most of his classmates were students and bodyguards of Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage, but they mostly died in the war.
The remaining survivors are Tanzo Shimura, Homura Mitokado, Torane Homura, and Torifu Akimichi.
"Do you know what Asuma told me when I asked him how he felt after the defeat last night? He said it was his fault that they lost. He didn't consider his teammates and was too impulsive."
Hiruzen Sarutobi continued, his face full of emotion. "Asuma has grown up."
Hearing this, Haruki finally understood why he was so different today.
After all, he's old and doesn't have the courage he had in his youth.
In the future, for the so-called stability of Konoha, he even condoned Tanzo's various suppressions.
"After all, he's the son of the Hokage-sama," Haruki said with a smile.
"Don't flatter me," Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff of his cigarette. "I know the reason for his change. I should thank you for this."
"It's my job, and I do like Asuma as a kid," Haruki continued to lie.
"Having a ninja like you is really a blessing for Konoha," Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but say.
"Thank you for the kind words, Hokage-sama," Haruki bowed slightly in thanks. "I came here today with another request."
"Oh? What is it? If you're asking to marry Tsunade, I'll grant your request."
"Marry? Why are you also pushing me to get married?" Haruki took out a scroll and handed it to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"You two aren't getting any younger. At your age, I already had a son running around."
Hiruzen Sarutobi unfurled the scroll and was slightly stunned.
"You're really generous. Using the income from the basketball games to set up scholarships and grants at the Ninja Academy and improve the students' meals. The students are really lucky to have you as their principal."
"Because of the basketball games at the Ninja Academy, a lot of basketballs were sold. I just thought I should do something for these kids."
"Great! If everyone were like you, we wouldn't have to worry about Konoha's future."
A smile appeared on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face. "Who are you giving the scholarships to, the 'outstanding students' this semester?"
"Three students: Asuma, Kakashi, and Obito."
"I can understand Asuma and Kakashi, but why Obito? I remember he's from the Uchiha clan, but he doesn't have much talent."
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly. He didn't like the Uchiha clan.
"Because he's an exception among the Uchiha."
Haruki briefly introduced his background and personality. Finally, seemingly casually yet deliberately, he added, "I think he's an Uchiha who can inherit the Will of Fire."
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately thought of Kagami Uchiha.
His former teammate, who perfectly embodied the Will of Fire, was also the guard of The Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.
This was the divisive jutsu employed by his teacher.
It was to win over the Uchiha who supported the Hokage lineage and use them to monitor the other Uchihas.
But unfortunately, Kagami Uchiha had died.
So far, no successor of his had emerged.
Perhaps Obito Uchiha could be one.
"Since it's your judgment, there shouldn't be any mistake," Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded and said.
"If the Hokage-sama agrees, I'd like to use your name next."
"What tricks are you up to this time?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked curiously.
"You'll see in a couple of days. For now, it's a secret," Haruki blinked and looked mysterious.
"You're such a kid."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head with a smile but wasn't angry.
Haruki had already become like his apprentice in his heart. It was nothing for an apprentice to play a joke.
After Haruki left, he said, "Put Obito Uchiha on the observation list."
"Yes," a reply came from the empty air.
In the afternoon.
Class A, Grade One.
Haruki stood on the podium, holding a rolled-up piece of paper in his hand.
The students below looked at him curiously, wondering what interesting thing would happen today.
They were already used to Haruki's new tricks from time to time.
It was like opening a blind box. Some were really interesting, while some were a bit of a challenge.
"I met the Hokage-sama this morning. He was very satisfied with your performance in the ball game yesterday and hopes you'll keep it up," Haruki cleared his throat and said with a smile.
The classroom was immediately filled with exclamations.
Even their parents rarely received the Hokage-sama's praise, but unexpectedly, they themselves could get it. It was like they'd reached the peak of their lives instantly.
"Don't be too happy yet. There's another thing."
Haruki clapped his hands, and the students immediately quieted down. "The school plans to set up a scholarship. Every semester, the three students with the best performance will be rewarded with 30,000 ryo."
"30,000 ryo?!"
"My goodness! So much?"
"We're rich! We're rich!"
A hubbub broke out.
For these little kids, mostly around five years old, 30,000 ryo was an astronomical sum.
Even a Genin needed some time to accumulate that much money.
This chapter isn't over!
"Now, I'm announcing the three students who will receive the scholarship this semester."
Haruki looked at the expectant and nervous little faces below and called out the names of Asuma, Kakashi, and Obito.
He clearly noticed that when the first two names were called out, the students below looked expectant, but when it came to Obito, almost everyone was shocked, causing an uproar.
"Why is it Obito?"
"Teacher, is there a mistake?"
"What right does a loser like him have to get the scholarship?"
Haruki wasn't surprised by their reaction.
He looked at Obito.
The previous smile had faded, and there was a look of discomfort on his face.
Only Rin Nohara and Kakashi looked at him worriedly.
"Did you forget what I told you before about respecting your classmates?"
Haruki tapped on the blackboard and lowered his voice.
"Since I, as your teacher, have chosen Obito, there must be a reason. If you deny something just because it doesn't match your perception, then you've wasted all the lessons you've learned."
Haruki scanned the students, and no one dared to meet his gaze.
Obito, on the other hand, looked touched.
"If you want to know the reason, read tomorrow's Konoha Daily, and you'll understand."
Haruki waved his right hand, and three rolled-up certificates landed in front of the three of them.
Obito opened his certificate with a trembling hand.
'Obito Uchiha performed excellently in the first semester of the first academic year and is recognized as an outstanding student. This certificate is issued as an encouragement.'
And the next day, those who bought the newspaper noticed something different on the front page.
'Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi calls on everyone to learn from Obito.'
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