Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Seeing that Kakashi and Uchiha Obito were about to quarrel again, Minato stepped in to stop them.

"Kakashi," Minato said seriously, "I don't know how Sora taught you, but rules and regulations are indeed important, though they aren't everything. Sometimes you need to adapt based on the actual situation. And Obito, you're obviously wearing goggles, so how could sand get in your eyes? Since you mentioned self-control, don't just talk about it—you must be mentally strong as well."

While Minato lectured Kakashi and Obito, Sora remained silent, though a trace of mockery played across his face.

Obito lowered his head without saying anything.

Kakashi brushed the dust from his clothing and looked at Minato expressionlessly. "Master Minato, as a ninja, rules and regulations are everything. There is no room for improvisation. I was the captain just now, and I ordered Uchiha Obito to serve as bait to draw out the enemy. When Rock shinobi charge, he must follow orders. Otherwise, it's a violation of the rules. You say we sometimes need to adapt to the situation, but you shouldn't explain this to me as a ninja. Explain it to those who make the rules. If a mission fails, won't the blame fall on your improvisation? Won't everyone despise you then?"

Minato looked at Kakashi with solemn eyes. "The most important thing for a ninja is teamwork!"

Kakashi turned to Sora. "Is that so, Teacher Sora?"

Sora nodded. "Yes, teamwork is important, but teammates aren't friends or brothers—they're just people doing tasks together. Therefore, when teammates face danger, you give up on them when necessary. They can even be used as bait to cover attacks or retreats. This is the principle I taught you from the beginning when I first took you to the battlefield."

"Sora!" Minato said angrily. "Your views are wrong. Teammates are companions, friends, and brothers who watch each other's backs. How can you just give up on them or use them as bait?!"

Sora sneered. "Think carefully before you argue with me. What Kakashi and I fear most is being stabbed in the back by our so-called teammates."

Minato wanted to continue arguing with Sora, but he knew in his heart that persuading him would be impossible.

Minato felt a twinge of regret. Perhaps he should have been the one to take care of Kakashi from the beginning. At least he wouldn't have let Kakashi become such a cold person.

...

After Sora's group evacuated the area, they found a suitable place to camp and rest for the night.

Late at night, Obito found Minato sitting on a rock gazing at the moon, and sat down beside him.

Minato glanced at Obito.

"I understand the importance of teamwork too," Obito said glumly. "But that guy Kakashi has been treating me like an idiot since our days in the ninja academy. I can't help but get angry. I was born into the so-called elite Uchiha clan, but I'm a loser. I admit that Kakashi is really powerful."

"Kakashi is the son of Hatake Sakumo," Minato explained, "Konoha's White Fang, a genius ninja feared by many. Even the legendary Sannin couldn't match his father. Later, Kakashi trained with Sora. He's been a genius in ninja training since childhood, spending his early years with such exceptional people. It's natural for you to feel overwhelmed when comparing yourself to him."

Obito looked puzzled. "White Fang... I heard our teacher say that Kakashi's father died in the line of duty. The teacher asked us to help Kakashi move past the shadows, but Kakashi never talks about it. And whenever I mention his father, Kakashi just glares at me with anger in his eyes."

Minato sighed. "I've taken you on missions everywhere, so it's understandable that you haven't heard the full story. Sakumo was an outstanding person whom Kakashi deeply respected, until that incident happened."

Obito's eyes narrowed. "What incident?"

Minato nodded. "Perhaps I shouldn't tell you this, but you and Kakashi are friends, so maybe you should know. That guy Kakashi treats you differently. Even though he always says he dislikes you, Kakashi is extremely indifferent to most people. He only argues with you. Though he doesn't say it, Kakashi definitely considers you a friend in his heart. Kakashi's father, Lord Sakumo, was slandered and took his own life."

"Eh?!" Obito's pupils contracted in shock.

"Five years ago," Minato continued, "there was a confidential mission. Lord Sakumo, as captain, infiltrated enemy territory. There, he faced two choices: continue the mission or save his companions. According to village rules, abandoning a mission is forbidden, but he interrupted the mission to save his companions' lives. However, this decision caused enormous losses, and he was criticized by everyone in the village. In the end, even the companions he rescued slandered him. As a result, Sakumo's mental and physical health deteriorated... and he committed seppuku at home. Since then, Kakashi has resisted anyone mentioning his father and has been obsessed with rules and regulations. Most of this stems from that incident. Obito... try to understand him a little. Kakashi doesn't mean any harm. What really concerns me is Kakashi's teacher, Sora."

Obito asked, confused, "Sora-sensei? Why are you worried about him?"

"Since you're a member of the Uchiha clan," Minato said solemnly, "you must have heard something about Sora, right?"

Obito nodded. "I've heard some things, but I'm not sure if they're true, since most of it is just criticism... Teacher, what kind of person is Sora-sama? I just feel like Sora-sama seems to have a deep conflict with you."

"It's relatively better now," Minato said helplessly. "The conflict between us was much deeper before... Sora's childhood... can be described as very difficult. I heard that Sora came to Konoha when he was five years old, but despite having Uchiha blood, he wasn't recognized by the Uchiha clan. And as for the Uchiha's reputation in the village... I think you understand, Obito."

Obito smiled bitterly. The Uchiha clan's reputation in Konoha was about as bad as it could get. Of course he knew this.

He liked to help others, and every time he did, many villagers looked at him as if he were some rare species.

Because of his desire to help others, he was considered an outlier among the Uchiha clan.

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