"Big Brother Sarutobi!"
The moment he spotted his beloved big brother, Obito turned into a happy puppy, practically wagging his tail with delight.
"Obito!"
Monkey looked just as excited. He dashed forward and slung an arm around his little brother's shoulders, and the two leaned their heads together to whisper.
Shingetsu narrowed her eyes and listened closely, only to discover that they were talking about some ridiculous romance nonsense!
Worse, Monkey, who knew nothing about romance, was teaching Obito, a complete beginner, his so-called "secrets of love." Shingetsu immediately rolled her eyes in disgust.
Tch. A pair of idiots.
"Thanks, Big Brother Sarutobi!"
Satisfied with how receptive his little brother was, Monkey nodded, then turned to enthusiastically introduce him to her and Madara:
"Shingetsu, Teacher Madara, those two over there are Rin and Kakashi. This is Obito, my little brother."
"Uh... hello."
Looking at this limited-edition, kindhearted Obito, Shingetsu's expression stiffened slightly.
How should she put it? It was as though an Uchiha version of Naruto was standing right in front of her.
This Obito had never fallen victim to Elderly Madara's schemes. He had a sunny disposition and dreamed of becoming Hokage.
He had never witnessed Rin's death or taken the path that led him to harm his teacher's wife. The source of all those tragedies had quietly been snuffed out.
Seen that way, Monkey really was quite useful.
Shingetsu lightly patted Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder, a note of approval in her voice:
"Nice work."
"Huh?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze for a moment, then an incredibly brilliant smile spread across his face. His steps grew so light that he seemed to be walking on clouds, utterly giddy.
"Hehehe... yes! Shingetsu praised me!"
One compliment from the girl he liked, and he was beside himself with delight.
His expression made the Three