Morning sunlight spilled across the entrance to the Konoha Guard Unit Headquarters.
Obito Uchiha stood at the bottom of the steps, his small hands clutching the hem of his clothes as he swallowed nervously.
He wore a blue jacket and pants today. Though they were a little old,
he had cleaned himself up neatly.
His grandmother had specifically reminded him to do so.
"The Clan Leader is going to see you. You have to look presentable!"
Obito took a deep breath and looked up at the towering building before him, his heart pounding.
"Hey, kid, what are you spacing out for?"
Tekka Uchiha beside him patted him on the shoulder.
"The Clan Leader is waiting for you inside."
Obito snapped back to his senses and hurriedly nodded.
"Y-Yes!"
He followed Tekka into the Guard Unit Headquarters, passed through the long corridor, and finally stopped before a large door carved with the Uchiha Clan Crest.
Tekka knocked on the door.
"Clan Leader, I've brought him."
"Come in."
A moment later, a steady voice came from within.
Obito's breath caught, and his palms began to sweat.
The door opened.
Chiyo sat behind his desk, while Mikoto Uchiha beside him had her head lowered, the flush on her face not yet faded.
After Obito entered,
Chiyo lifted his eyes slightly, and his gaze immediately fell upon him.
Obito's whole body stiffened, and he nearly dropped to his knees.
"C-Clan Leader!"
He bowed sharply, nearly knocking his head against his knees.
Chiyo raised an eyebrow and set down the document in his hand, his tone calm.
"Obito Uchiha?"
"Yes!"
"Raise your head."
Obito straightened up tremulously, but he did not dare meet Chiyo's eyes and could only stare at his own toes.
A thin, small frame, slightly messy spiky hair,
and those eyes... full