Naruto belongs to Masashi Kishimoto. I am not profiting in any way from this.
Yeah. Still having fun. Wondering if I should add another random element. Thanks for looking.
Part 2: What's wrong with you?
The day started like a normal day. Obito woke up, helped granny with whatever, and left for the academy two hours before it started. He would stroll through the compound, have screaming matches with the cats out on the streets (and ignore the glaring eyes), help open up the candy store, have a reward… The usual. Eventually, he'd arrive at the academy with half an hour to spare. During that time, he'd juggle around some practice weapons and toss them at random students while pretending it was an accident. Then, he'd tally up the different reactions and have a good laugh before going to class.
But that morning was different. When he got to the academy, Hatake came up to him for a chitchat. Which was weird. The only time the kid acknowledged his existence was when he tripped up in class. The kid shot him a nasty sneer before looking away.
"Hello," said the kid.
"Good morning," Obito replied with another smile, like a good fellow citizen. "You want something from me? I got candy, if you want some." He didn't expect a positive response.
"No, thanks." As expected. Obito's smile grew a tad sharper. Kakashi's keen eyes caught the slight change, though he wasn't sure why it had happened.
"Your loss." Obito popped the treat in his own mouth, not particular tasting anything. He was more focused on the odd boy before him. Hatake came up to him to say hello. Was that it? The boy was silent.
"If you don't want anything, I'll be going," he told the boy, about to slip past, but a hand clamped down on his shoulder.
Kakashi didn't mean to. Mean to what? Well, he didn't mean to wake up (alive) in the past for one, but you can't get all that you want. Sucks, yeah. But he didn't mean to talk to Obito. Kakashi was actually meaning to avoid everyone for the time being, but something was just a bit… off. He also didn't mean to stop Obito from slipping away. Now he needed some good excuse. Think, Kakashi! You're a genius!
"You're in the lower ranks in our year." What a great way to start, genius.
"Uuuhhh, yes, yes. I know." At least Obito didn't look all that offended. Which was weird, since normally, he would be. Hm.
"I can help you with that… If you want," Kakashi trailed off weakly. Even he could tell how awkward the whole interaction was. He felt himself on the verge of imploding from embarrassment. Why he was so embarrassed, well… Obito had this knowing grin plastered on his face, as if he knew. Knew what? Everything. It was quite unsettling.
Obito fought off a full on laugh attack. It was all so amusing. This boy, who Obito had brushed off as an arrogant asshat, was offering him assistance. All so very amusing. And possibly entertaining! Obito found a new game.
As he waited for some sort of response, Kakashi felt a chill crawl up his spine. He had a bad feeling about so many things, he could hardly keep track.
"Hmmmmm, okay," Obito finally graced the boy with an answer. Hatake looked disbelieving, but whatever. Obito loved games. And in this game, he'll find what little secrets the boy was keeping.
Yeah. Kakashi had a very bad feeling.
Kakashi knew Obito's bad habits from their childhood. How he would have a too wide stance when throwing kunai. How his wrist curled too much when throwing shuriken. So on and so forth. But this Obito was different (surprise, surprise). His habits were all different. Actually, he wasn't even throwing them properly. He tossed the kunai. Underhand throwing. The shurikens were thrown overhand with an improper grip. Don't even get him started on the senbon. Horrific, honestly. Who the hell was teaching this kid?
"Obito?" Kakashi called for attention. Obito stopped his horrendous throwing, to respond.
"Yes, Hatake-san?" Another weird thing. Hatake-san? What the actual fuck?
"Who taught you how to throw weapons?"
"Well, the instructors did, of course."
"But you aren't throwing like how they teach."
"Ah, well. It was too boring, so I came up with different ways to throw them." Yeah, what?
"Don't you think that maybe, just maybe, your throwing average will go up if you throw them like how they're supposed to be?"
"Oh, you're such a rusty drainpipe!" A what? "How about we play a game?"
If Kakashi wasn't wary before, well now he definitely was. "What kind of game?"
"If my average is better the proper way, I'll give you a reward. If my average is better my way, you'll have to throw like me."
Holy shit, Obito's trying to sabotage his ninja career.
"... What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing?" Obito looked genuinely confused at his question. Finally. A somewhat normal response.
Kakashi couldn't believe how different this world's Obito was. He wasn't certain if this version was better or not. Maybe they're equally as irritating and endearing. Who knew. He'll have to find out. Actually, he doesn't have to, but he will anyway.
