Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Sora told Obito that the reason Kakashi had become the way he was now was because of Konoha.

Obito stared at Sora with blank eyes.

"Kakashi used to be someone who loved his companions and Konoha," Sora explained. "As his classmate and friend, you should understand this. What Minato said wasn't wrong. The reason Kakashi changed was because of Lord Sakumo's death.

"Sakumo-sama, who believed in the Will of Fire, chose to abandon the rules and save his companions. Yes, he made a mistake, but it was only a violation of rules, so Sakumo-sama should have been punished according to those rules. But everyone in Konoha condemned Sakumo-sama. Doesn't this approach suggest that the spirit of the Will of Fire itself is wrong?

"The reason Sakumo-sama committed suicide wasn't because he was criticized. He wasn't that fragile. The real reason was that Lord Sakumo's faith collapsed, and he chose to end his life.

"Taking a step back, even if Sakumo-sama did something wrong, it shouldn't have affected Kakashi. Yet even Kakashi was condemned by those people. Sakumo-sama made so many contributions to Konoha, but because of this one mistake, everyone turned against him—and even Kakashi, who was completely innocent, faced the same treatment.

"Obito, let me ask you, did Kakashi do anything wrong?"

Facing Sora's question, Obito shook his head. How could this have been Kakashi's fault?

"Since Kakashi did nothing wrong," Sora continued, "why did they condemn him?"

Obito opened his mouth but ultimately held back the words. "I don't know..."

Sora sneered. "You clearly have the answer in your heart, but you dare not say it? Then I'll answer for you. It's those people in Konoha who are wrong!

"Let me ask you another question. Why would Kakashi, who experienced such treatment, look favorably upon those people? Is it normal to greet them with a smile?

"You all say that Kakashi has changed, and you even blame me for it. Indeed, I have some responsibility, but isn't the biggest reason Konoha itself?

"It was Konoha that made Kakashi this way. You say I'm indifferent and that Kakashi became indifferent after following me. So let me ask you, isn't Konoha itself indifferent?

"What did Kakashi and I do to deserve this?

"The Will of Fire is the spirit of Konoha. Did Sakumo-sama make a mistake when he chose to embody the Will of Fire?

"Kakashi keeps talking about rules and regulations now. That's because Konoha forced him into this mindset. Who can guarantee that if he doesn't follow the rules, he won't suffer the same fate as Sakumo-sama?

"Obito, can you promise that? Can Minato guarantee it?"

Obito felt confused, as if something fundamental had collapsed within him.

After a long silence, he raised his head to look at Sora. "Master Sora, why are you telling me this?"

Sora smiled. "I hate the Uchiha clan. Everyone knows this. But you're different. I see great potential in you, Obito, so I don't want you to misunderstand me or Kakashi."

Hearing Sora's words, Obito felt immediately flattered.

"Obito," Sora continued, "it doesn't matter if you don't understand now. In the future, you'll realize whether what I've told you today is correct. Perhaps there will even be opportunities for us to cooperate."

Obito scratched his head in embarrassment. "No way. Master Sora is so powerful—why would you need to cooperate with someone like me?"

"Obito, I'm not joking," Sora said seriously. "I'm being sincere. I truly believe in your potential. I think someday you will stand at the top of the ninja world.

"It doesn't matter if you don't believe it now. Just remember what I said today. If you need something in the future, you can come to me for cooperation, no matter what it is.

"Of course, since cooperation is equal for both parties, you'll have to provide something of equal value in return. And if I ask for your help in the future, I'll offer the same. Don't turn me down then."

Obito could feel Sora's seriousness and nodded in agreement. "How could I ever turn you down, Sora-sama? I'll remember your words, Sora-sama."

Sora patted Obito on the shoulder. "Good. Now go and rest. I won't keep you any longer."

"Yes, good night, Master Sora!"

Obito jogged away.

Sora watched Obito's retreating figure with contemplative eyes.

The next day, Sora and the six others gathered together.

Minato explained, "It's almost time to begin our mission. We'll divide into two groups as previously assigned. Everyone, yesterday's enemy was just a scout. The next battle will be against a full team, so be careful."

Obito tilted his head and said with slight arrogance, "Let's go then, captain."

Kakashi, Minato, Nohara Rin, and Takei Katsuhiko all looked at Obito in surprise. Just yesterday, he had been at odds with Kakashi and seemed unconvinced about Kakashi being the captain. Today, he actually acknowledged Kakashi's leadership.

Minato smiled slightly, thinking his words from yesterday had made an impact.

"Kakashi, come with me for a moment," Sora said. "I have something to tell you."

Kakashi followed Sora and they walked away from the group.

"Don't take the next battle lightly," Sora warned him. "Be careful, and remember—you must protect your eyes. Understand?"

Kakashi was confused about why Sora specifically mentioned protecting his eyes.

Nevertheless, he nodded. "I understand, Teacher Sora."

Sora remained concerned. He had long ago sealed Kakashi's left eye, sealing the 'Wanji' pupil technique.

But 'Wanji' couldn't protect against physical attacks.

After Sora and Kakashi returned to the team, they split into two groups and began their mission.

Sora headed to the front line, while Kakashi led his team toward Kannabi Bridge.

Along the way, Team Kakashi encountered numerous traps.

However, with his rich experience, Kakashi dismantled these traps one by one.

As they passed through a forest, the Leech-nin's companions, Huoguang and Dashi, watched the four-person team from hiding.

Huoguang observed Kakashi's group and said to Dashi beside him, "Hey, that Demon Leech went to investigate and never came back. Could these brats have killed him?"

"Let's find out!"

"Ninja Art! Camouflage Jutsu!"

After forming hand seals, Dashi made his body transparent and quietly approached Kakashi's team.

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