"Looks like someone overslept again."
As Obito and Rin entered the training ground, a familiar, mocking voice came from beneath a tree.
Kakashi leaned against the trunk with his arms crossed.
Minato Namikaze stood beside him, wearing a gentle smile.
Obito briefly faltered when he heard Kakashi's voice.
Seeing that smug look again after so many years actually stirred a hint of nostalgia.
"Just don't surrender later."
Kakashi lifted his eyelids.
"Still half asleep?"
"I suggest you go back and get some more sleep."
Standing nearby, Rin couldn't help chuckling.
These two argued whenever they met. Some things never seemed to change.
"All right."
Minato Namikaze stepped forward.
"Save whatever you have to say until after the match."
Obito gazed at that familiar blond hair, conflicting emotions in his eyes.
"Minato-sensei..."
It had been so long since he had last spoken that name.
He had once looked up to the man before him.
Later, though, he had released the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha with his own hands, forcing his teacher and his wife into a fatal predicament.
Obito looked away, unable to meet his eyes any longer.
"Let's begin."
Minato keenly sensed something was off.
The look in Obito's eyes today was completely different from usual.
But he couldn't quite put his finger on what was wrong.
"First, form the Seal of Confrontation."
Obito and Kakashi stood facing each other and raised their hands to form the seal.
Once Minato confirmed they were both ready, he swept his hand down.
"Begin!"
The words had barely left his mouth when Obito charged right up to Kakashi.
A sweeping kick struck him square in the chest.
Thud!
Caught off guard, Kakashi went flying backward. He rolled to absorb the impact and slid several meters before regaining his footing.
He pressed a hand