Baoguo Gets a Scolding

Kurenai Yuhi's curiosity was piqued.

"All right, I'll tell you."

Seeing that she was getting a little angry, Obito leaned close to her ear and quietly told her everything about the Root members bringing him gifts yesterday.

"What? Even Root..." Kurenai Yuhi covered her mouth in surprise. She had heard her father mention the organization before.

It was a department much like the Anbu, but it rarely appeared in public.

"Shh!" Obito hurriedly gestured for silence, signaling her not to make a fuss.

Yesterday, Obito had not refused the invitation from those two Root members. He had merely said, tactfully, that he needed to think about it.

He wondered whether they would come bearing gifts again today after reporting back to Danzo.

If Danzo really did intend to keep this up, Obito would gladly accept.

I can take the gifts.

But getting yours truly to join Root? Forget it.

I'll just keep stringing Danzo along. If he wants to send gifts, that's his business.

Soon, a jumble of footsteps sounded in the corridor outside the office.

Two figures, one tall and one short, entered through the office door.

They were Shimura Danzō, a member of the Konoha High Command, and his nephew, Hokoku Shimura.

Danzo had probably already questioned Hokoku Shimura about what had happened on their way here.

The moment he entered, before the Third Hokage could speak, Danzo beat him to it.

"Sarutobi! I've heard what happened. Where are those three from my Shimura Clan? I'll give them a proper dressing-down!"

A hint of displeasure crossed Hiruzen Sarutobi's face.

Those three bound members of the Shimura Clan were lying right over there on the floor.

You could see them the moment you walked in. Who are you trying to impress with this posturing, Danzo?

Still, Hiruzen Sarutobi had always favored a gentle approach, so he did not call Danzo out.

He pointed to a spot a short distance from his desk and said, "Those three. They openly stirred up trouble in Konoha, and their targets were students from the Ninja Academy."

"Danzo! I hear your nephew was involved in this."

Hokoku Shimura had kept his head lowered ever since entering, looking every bit like someone who had done something wrong.

Danzo had probably already given him a private scolding.

Hearing the Third Hokage mention him, he immediately moved to admit his mistake.

But the overbearing Danzo gave him no chance to speak, cutting in once again.

"I know! The boy named Obito Uchiha, correct? Baoguo was indeed in the wrong here. I'll make sure he gets the punishment he deserves."

As he spoke, Danzo turned his gaze toward Obito.

The Second Hokage's hatred of the Uchiha Clan seemed to have been faithfully inherited by Danzo.

When Danzo noticed that Uchiha Fugaku was also present, a flicker of disgust involuntarily crossed his eyes.

But he greeted neither Fugaku nor Kurenai Yuhi.

As Konoha's proud Hokage Advisor, why would I cozy up to the leader of the evil Uchiha Clan?

At most, I'll find a way to win over their promising new talent.

Just find a way to squeeze some benefits out of the Uchiha Clan.

"This young man must be Obito Uchiha."

Danzo walked over to Obito and forced a smile that was far from sincere.

"Hello. I'm Obito Uchiha."

Obito nodded indifferently, offering little more.

Who's that condescending act supposed to impress? Yours truly isn't buying it.

Danzo nodded and maintained what he considered a warm smile as he continued.

"Excellent. Truly, talent knows no age. The Uchiha Clan certainly lives up to its reputation as one of Konoha's powerful kekkei genkai clans."

"Obito, to awaken your Sharingan at this age... your future achievements will surely be limitless."

Danzo's words made Uchiha Fugaku roll his eyes.

He wanted to curse Danzo for being shameless. The man was willing to stoop this low just to win Obito over.

All anyone had to do was send someone into the Uchiha Clan's neighborhood and ask around.

Who there did not know that Danzo was the one constantly making trouble for the Uchiha Clan?

Not only did Danzo frequently sabotage the Uchiha-run Konoha Military Police Force behind the scenes,

he was also the one pulling the strings as the Uchiha Clan's grounds had repeatedly been forced farther toward the village outskirts in recent years.

And now here he was, praising Obito to his face and singing the Uchiha Clan's praises along with him.

If you really like the Uchiha so much, why do you keep making our lives miserable?

"You flatter me, Mr. Danzo," Obito replied, once again giving him a bland, noncommittal response.

Danzo did not seem bothered. He beckoned to Baoguo. "Baoguo! Come here!"

"Yes, Uncle Danzo." Hokoku Shimura trudged forward with his head hanging and stood beside Danzo.

"Apologize to your classmate Obito," Danzo said. "You were indeed in the wrong this time. If you lose a match, you should graciously admit that you aren't as skilled. How could you ask adults from your clan to deal with your own classmate?"

On their way here, Danzo had already told Baoguo that he would have to apologize.

At first, Baoguo had flatly refused.

I'm Hokoku Shimura, the top student in my year at the Ninja Academy! Why should I apologize to a dead last like Obito?

But under Danzo's intimidation, Baoguo had ultimately been forced to agree.

After all, Baoguo knew that although his uncle treated him well, he would be in for real trouble if Danzo truly lost his temper.

"Obito, I'm sorry." Baoguo bowed to Obito, but his tone was reluctant.

"Huh? What did you say? I didn't catch that." Obito deliberately pretended not to hear and leaned his ear closer.

"You..." Baoguo's temper flared on the spot, and he wanted to lash out again.

Then he noticed Danzo glaring at him from the corner of his eye, and he immediately wilted.

He had no choice but to repeat himself loudly. "Obito! I'm sorry! I was in the wrong this time! I hope you can forgive me!"

Kurenai Yuhi quickly tugged on Obito's arm and gave him a series of meaningful looks.

Naturally, Obito knew Kurenai wanted him to quit while he was ahead.

He nodded and feigned magnanimity. "Baoguo, since you've apologized so sincerely, I suppose I'll let it go."

"But asking adults from your clan for help because you can't win a fight? That's seriously pathetic."

Baoguo gritted his teeth in fury, but he could not let his temper show.

He could only glare at Obito without saying a word. His uncle Danzo was there to keep him in line, after all.

Danzo stepped in to smooth things over again. "Obito, rest assured! Once we get back, I'll give Baoguo another proper scolding."

Obito shook his head. "There's no need for that. I won't see whether you scold him anyway."

"Well..." Danzo's mouth twitched. What's wrong with this Obito Uchiha? Give him an inch and he takes a mile.

He was annoyed, but he did not lose his temper there.

He turned to Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Sarutobi, let's consider this matter settled. What do you think?"