At the end of March, the cherry blossoms bloomed once again in Konoha, and the annual graduation ceremony was just around the corner.
After his two-month "cleanup" mission ended, Shu Furukawa had recently returned to the Medical Corps. Shizune was the happiest about it.
After classes at the Medical Corps, Tsunade—who rarely taught—saw the "little tagalong" come to see Rin Nohara again and sighed to herself:
That kid doesn't seem like a member of the Uchiha Clan at all!
Kindhearted and warm-hearted, Obito had worked hard to shake off his reputation as Class A's "dead last." Graduation was just around the corner, and the boy could hardly wait.
"I'm totally ready, Rin! I'll definitely pass tomorrow's exam!"
"..."
With eyes only for Rin, Obito hurried to the girl's side and loudly told her about all his hard work.
"Keep it up, Obito! We'll graduate together!"
"Don't be late for the exam. Leave early, and keep an eye on the time even if you run into an old lady."
"This is the first step toward becoming a ninja!"
Rin didn't mind Obito shouting. She warmly encouraged him, and the girls in the Medical Corps all started teasing her when they saw the scene:
"Rin, Kakashi will be heartbroken if he sees this."
"Are you giving up on Kakashi, Rin? Then we'll have to make our move..."
Rin had been cheering Obito on with a clenched fist, but at the girls' teasing, her cheeks flushed. Then she blinked her big eyes and answered openly:
"Kakashi is someone we all look up to..."
"Isn't he someone you admire?"
"Rin's so cute. She and 'Cold Kakashi' make an unexpected perfect match!"
"..."
Ever since Kakashi had repeatedly talked people out of approaching him, the nickname "Cold Kakashi" had caught on at the Academy.
The girls laughed and joked around. Obito felt wronged as he listened. He was standing right beside Rin, after all.
So Rin's kindness doesn't belong to me alone!
"Huh?!"
Hearing his innermost thoughts out loud, the thickheaded Obito immediately jumped. He turned around and only then noticed Shu Furukawa and Shizune behind him.
"You're talking nonsense again! I never thought that..."
His voice grew quieter as he spoke. Embarrassed, Obito turned around. Seeing him like that, Shu resumed the same sidelong teasing he'd given him years ago:
"Rin won't even turn nine until November. You should turn yourself in to the Police Force."
Shizune immediately burst out laughing, though her cheeks soon reddened as she thought of her own little crush.
"What are you talking about? The Police Force isn't what you imagine. It's an important department that only outstanding Uchiha shinobi are qualified to join!"
"One day, I'll join them too. Then I'll be able to help more people and earn everyone's recognition!"
Mentioning the Uchiha Police Force, Obito became unusually serious, his voice revealing how much he admired it.
Rin finally got away from the girls and returned to Obito's side. Seeing Shu and Shizune, she looked delighted. After greeting them, she asked with a smile:
"Is your mission over, Shu? Will Kakashi come to the graduation ceremony?"
Their homeroom teacher, Ryosuke Kimura, had declared this the best class he'd ever taught, and he hoped Class A could take a group photo together at the graduation ceremony.
Shu naturally had no reason to refuse. Since everyone in Class A was graduating early, he could understand how their teacher felt.
"Of course he'll be there. He's been free lately. Even when he's on a mission, he needs to balance work and rest."
At Shu's words, Rin's face lit up with a radiant smile. Hugging her textbook to her chest, she replied happily:
"That's wonderful! I haven't seen Kakashi in almost three months! Everyone's looking forward to taking a group photo together!"
The radiant smile on the girl's face left Obito unable to look away. But she wasn't smiling because of him, and bitterness welled up in his heart again.
Shu stopped teasing Obito. Childhood friends losing out to someone who came along later was a sad thing...
"Shu, can we take pictures together in the future, too?..."
After the two had left, Shizune quietly asked as she followed Shu. She was a little nervous, but soon received the answer she'd been hoping for:
"Of course. We can take pictures whenever we want. The only photo studio in the village belongs to Mr. Genzo, though."
"If only we had a more portable camera. Photos can preserve so many wonderful memories..."
Shizune happily clasped her hands together and moved closer to Shu. Rarely this lively, she chimed in with another suggestion:
"Tsunade-sensei would probably like that, too. She once said she wanted to keep looking her best forever, and photos are a great way to do that..."
"..."
As she spoke, Shizune suddenly felt a chill down her back. Tsunade had somehow appeared behind them. Before Shizune could explain, Tsunade pulled her into a headlock:
"Shizune, are you trying to remind me that I'm getting old, too?"
"Urgh... I can't breathe, Tsunade-sensei!"
On the last day of March, the Ninja Academy held a grand graduation ceremony. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally presented the graduates with their certificates.
Every boy who stepped onto the stage wore an excited expression. Only Sarutobi Asuma turned his head away, showing off his rebellious side.
Wearing a loose purple jacket, Rin looked around, but she couldn't find Obito anywhere. The girl grew anxious.
Unfortunately, Obito never showed up, even by the time the graduation ceremony ended...
"Mr. Genzo, please wait a little longer. There's still one child who hasn't arrived."
Their homeroom teacher, Ryosuke Kimura, pleaded once again, but most of the students were tired of waiting. Only after the other classes had all left did Class A get ready for their group photo.
Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu had all changed into new clothes and were happily sharing their experiences as shinobi.
Kakashi wasn't carrying his short sword anymore, either. Like Shu, he wore a blue, long-sleeved training outfit.
Sarutobi Asuma and Kurenai Yuhi chatted and laughed together. Shizune, dressed in a loose blue jacket, stood beside Shu with a smile.
Many of the boys crowded around Tobitake Tonbo. He had suddenly wrapped several bandages around his head, giving him an especially dashing look...
Ibiki Morino, wearing a headband, grinned broadly and looked toward the camera with everyone else.
Rin was feeling a little down, but standing beside Kakashi, she still managed a sweet smile.
"Okay, everyone look this way!"
At Mr. Genzo's reminder, Class A finished their group photo. Their homeroom teacher, Ryosuke Kimura, then made sure to pull everyone aside and remind them one by one:
"You're the best students I've ever taught. To be honest, I'm only a Chunin, and I haven't been able to teach you much."
"Promise me that no matter where you are or what mission you're on, you'll take care of yourselves. Shinobi aren't tools."
Might Guy, dressed in a green, skin-tight suit, readily agreed and even gave a thumbs-up. His fiery youthful energy made Ryosuke Kimura smile with relief.
It was nearly noon when Obito Uchiha finally arrived. He slowed down, then tripped on flat ground.
With no classmates or teachers around, Obito sat up straight and saw the girl who'd been waiting for him. He nearly burst into tears.
"Are you all right, Obito? Don't worry. I picked up your certificate for you!"
Rin leaned over, her face full of concern. Overcome with emotion, Obito rubbed his eyes and replied, his voice choked:
"Rin, you're the only one... You're the only one who's always been by my side..."
"..."