Koki's birthday

Actually, it wasn't just Obito who never stopped working hard over the past three years.

The same situation applies to Kakashi and Shisui —these two exceptionally talented geniuses continue to train hard day after day, constantly improving their abilities.

Even the young Itachi showed a level of awareness beyond his years. He would get up early every day and train alone. His small figure looked so determined in the morning and evening light.

Thinking about how hard they all worked, Koki felt extremely ashamed.

He put down his chopsticks, his eyes hardening with determination, and declared loudly, "I've made up my mind—I'll get up early for training tomorrow!"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere at the dining table froze and fell silent.

Koki at the three silent people at the table with an incredulous expression and shouted, "Hey?! Why aren't you guys saying anything?"

Mikoto didn't say anything, but smiled gently and put a piece of meat into Koki's bowl.

"Ahem, brother, this is the twenty-fifth time you've said you'd get up early." Itachi's voice was childish yet carried a hint of seriousness, his clear eyes looking directly at Koki, as if he could see right through him.

Shisui looked at Koki with a smile, her tone relaxed yet slightly teasing. "Look at Koki, she's really working hard. Maybe you should finish your homework on your own tonight!"

Koki collapsed instantly, slumping helplessly into a chair. He stared wide-eyed at Shisui, his heart filled with helplessness and grievance.

Upon hearing the word "homework," he protested desperately, "Don't do this! Shisui!"

Sigh! He originally thought that after entering the Ninja Academy, his path would be smooth sailing, and learning Ninjutsu would be a piece of cake, something he could easily master!

Unexpectedly, reality slapped him hard in the face!

Life at the Ninja Academy wasn't as wonderful as he had imagined. He not only had to learn various Ninjutsu techniques, but also had to face all sorts of courses that gave him a headache.

History, physical education, cultural studies, practical skills... and even ideology classes!

These courses were a nightmare for Koki.

History lesson? Koki sneered inwardly. He already knew by heart the trivial story of Hashirama and Madara competing to see who could pee the farthest in the Naka River, and how they fell in love and built the village!

A political education class? He's a person who has studied Marxism! The teacher's weak Will of Fire in class made him drowsy and almost fall asleep.

In a practical lesson, he had to fight off a group of screaming girls, which terrified him. He had absolutely no interest in girls his age, and it almost brought out his social anxiety.

Cultural classes? They even have to memorize Hand Seals sequences and decipher coded messages. Physics is one thing, but they also have to study chemistry? Is he Orochimaru? This is utterly absurd.

This wasn't the worst thing. As a member of the Uchiha Clan, Koki's teacher often assigned him extra training tasks.

Every night, he has to face a mountain of homework.

Not only that, he also has to take exams every semester, and if his grades are not good, he will be scolded and nagged by his mother.

What made him even more desperate was that this lousy school didn't even have winter or summer vacations!

Moreover, during her time at the Ninja Academy, Koki always felt lonely.

Fortunately, Shisui could still accompany him to school, even though they were not in the same grade. Shisui's presence brought some comfort to Koki's heart.

Facing heavy schoolwork and overwhelming assignments every day, Koki always felt exhausted. Of course, most of her assignments were helped by Shisui.

Seeing Koki's devastated state, Shisui quickly said, "I was just joking, of course I'll help you."

Meanwhile, Itachi stood by, considerately and obediently Koki: "Brother, don't worry, I'll help you write it."

Looking at her younger brother, whose face was still innocent and untouched by the influence of school, Koki felt a surge of affection and said, "No need, Itachi, just have fun now."

Itachi innocently replied, "Brother, I really can help you. Those questions are very simple, very simple for me."

Koki:...

The younger brother meant well, but why did he feel even more heartbroken?

"Alright, alright, this is getting more and more ridiculous." Mikoto tapped the table with her spoon and looked at Koki, saying, "Do your own homework. Even your younger brother can do it. Aren't you ashamed?"

"Yes~" Koki replied weakly.

Steam rose from the hot pot, filling the air. Koki lowered her head again, focusing intently on savoring the delicious food in the pot.

Before her eyes, tender slices of meat tumbled in the boiling broth, but Koki's thoughts drifted involuntarily into the distance.

He thought of Kakashi and Obito, silently wondering, "I wonder how their mission went? I've missed them so much these past few days. I wonder when they'll be back?"

Koki pondered this, she became increasingly lost in thought, as if she could see Kakashi and Obito fighting side by side against the enemy in a fierce battle.

Suddenly, Shisui's familiar and reassuring voice came from beside him. "Don't worry, they'll definitely be back this week."

Koki was startled, and a blush immediately spread across her face.

Oh dear! He actually blurted out what was on his mind without even realizing it!

He lowered his head somewhat awkwardly, but then looked up at Shisui and asked impatiently, "Why are they sure they'll be back this week?"

Mikoto shook her head slightly, seemingly exasperated by Koki's confusion. She said, "Have you forgotten what day it is this weekend?"

Koki looked completely bewildered, wondering to herself, "What day is it?"

Even the usually well-behaved Itachi was exasperated, frowning as he said, "Brother, this weekend, December 5th, is your birthday!"

Koki was sitting at the table, looking somewhat dazed. Hearing Itachi's words, he suddenly realized and slapped his forehead, muttering to himself, "Oh right, December 5th is my birthday in this world."

Over the years, he himself has always forgotten the date, but the people around him remember his birthday better than he does.

Every year on this day, the place is bustling with activity. People from the clan arrive one after another with carefully prepared gifts, and their faces, full of blessings and joy, fill his heart with warmth.

For the past three years, no matter where they were, Kakashi and Obito would overcome all difficulties to come back and celebrate his birthday.

Thinking of this, Koki turned to Mikoto and said, "Mom, I'm all grown up now, so there's no need to make a big fuss about my birthday this year."

Upon hearing this, Mikoto's lips curled up slightly, she shrugged gently, and then, with a smile, she gestured for Koki to look towards the living room.

Koki turned his head curiously, following Mikoto's gaze. In an instant, his eyes widened as if he had seen something incredible.

The living room was piled high with fresh vegetables and fruits, their vibrant colors clearly indicating that they had been carefully selected.

Beside them were some unopened, exquisite gift boxes, large and small packages packed tightly together, taking up almost every inch of the living room space, leaving virtually no room to move.

Mikoto said softly, "These were all delivered by everyone over the past few days. I'm sure the house will be very lively on that day!"

Upon hearing this, Koki blushed slightly and covered his cheeks in embarrassment.

Koki felt both touched and embarrassed, but mostly she was grateful to everyone.