Asuma looked up.
"How do I prove it?"
"Easy." Uchiha Makoto pointed at Obito and Guy. "You want to fight me, right? Fine. But first, beat those two."
Asuma froze.
"Them?"
"Yes." Uchiha Makoto nodded. "If you can't even beat them, don't come looking for me. You'd only embarrass yourself."
Obito's eyes lit up.
Fight Asuma?
Perfect!
He had been worrying about finding a chance to prove himself! Besides, Asuma Sarutobi had been getting on his nerves for ages.
Within Makoto's little circle, he felt like he was at the very bottom.
He was no match for Guy in taijutsu. Once that guy got fired up, he fought like a lunatic, with fists as hard as sledgehammers.
In ninjutsu, even Shisui, who was a year younger, could wipe the floor with him.
Now here was Asuma, the Hokage's son. He ought to be pretty strong.
If I could beat him...
Obito was already imagining the scene.
Once Rin found out, she'd definitely look at me with admiration!
Shisui and Guy would see me in a whole new light, too!
"Makoto! Let me at him!" Obito rubbed his hands eagerly. "I promise I'll knock his teeth out!"
Guy stepped forward too. "Makoto! Let me go first! The burning passion of youth must be proven in battle!"
Uchiha Makoto looked at them and smiled.
"Don't rush. Asuma, do you dare accept?"
Asuma looked at Obito and Guy, then at Uchiha Makoto.
He gritted his teeth.
"I accept! Why wouldn't I?"
"Good." Uchiha Makoto nodded. "Then let's make a bet. If you lose, you'll call me 'Big Brother Makoto' whenever you see me, and do whatever I say. If I lose..."
He paused.
"I'll resign and stop being a ninja."
Asuma's eyes lit up.
"Really?"
"Really."
"Fine! It's a deal!"
"It's a deal."