Obito stared blankly at an oversized toad, it was as big as big as he was. "Umm, hello?" He had no idea what to do in this situation.
He'd arrived to the main gate to wait for Jiraiya, but what he saw waiting for him was a large toad with yellow eyes staring into his soul.
He'd tried to think of something to say the toad but got no response from simple hello. Maybe a different approach was necessary, "Yo, Mister toad! Have you seen Jiraiya-Sensei?"
The toad blinked and spoke in a very high pitched voice, "Oh, you're the student Jiraiya's waiting for. He's at the bathhouse performing his research."
"Research?" It stuck out among the sentence. "What's he researching at a bathhouse?"
The toad was silent, eerily silent. It was hiding the reason but why?
Obito swiped his and down at the toad, "I guess I'm off to find the geezer then." He walked away from the main gate back to the village. "Now where is the bathhouse? Or is there more than one?"
There was in fact more than one bathhouse within the village, a fact Obito found out the hard way. There were three bathhouses in the village, and Jiraiya was banned from all three. Why? Well no one would answer that.
He couldn't believe that the great Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, was banned from every bathhouse in the village. Did he just spend too much time in there? Or had he made the owners upset? There were a million reasons yet none of them gave Obito a satisfying answer.
As he walked away, he noticed a small food stand right next to the bathhouse wall, with a middle-aged man running it.
Something seemed off about the man, as he kept glancing towards the bathhouse wall and giggling to himself. Obito decided to investigate, and as he approached the stand, he recognized the man's long, spiky white hair and red markings along his eyes.
"Jiraiya-sensei?!" Obito exclaimed.
Jiraiya jumped in surprise, nearly knocking over his stand. "O-Obito! What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," Obito said, eyeing the small hole in the bathhouse wall that Jiraiya had been peering through. "Are you...?"
"Spying? No, no, no!" Jiraiya waved his hands defensively. "I'm conducting... research. For my next novel."
Obito raised an eyebrow. "Research? What type of research?"
Jiraiya puffed out his chest. "A true artist must immerse himself in the subject matter. I'm studying the female form in its natural habitat, for the sake of my art."
Obito was a little confused, nothing Jiraiya said made sense to him, but he went along with it. "Whatever you say, sensei." He focused on the why he was here, "Aren't we supposed to be leaving the village today? You know, so you can teach me not to rely on my eyes?"
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "Ah, yes, of course! Our journey!" He quickly packed up his makeshift food stand and put it into a duffle bag. "Let's get going, then. The world awaits!"
As they headed towards the village gates, Obito couldn't help but wonder what kind of adventures awaited them. With Jiraiya as his mentor, he was sure it would be an... interesting experience, to say the least.
Once they arrived to village gate, Shisui, Minato, and a man Obito didn't recognize. The man had shaggy brownish black hair and seemed to be around Minato's age.
He looked down at Obito, "Good, they're both here."
Obito was concerned, "Who's he, Minato-Sensei?"
Minato motioned towards the man, "This is Fugaku Uchiha, the son of Kenzo Uchiha. He's next in line to lead the clan."
Shisui bowed in respect toward Fugaku, "I'm sorry for my brother's lack of respect, Fugaku-sama."
Fugaku gave the boy a soft glance, "It's alright. Obito here is actually giving me a run for my money, if only he wasn't so young."
Minato then cleared his throat as Shisui stood up, "Now, the main reason you we're here is because I've discovered some information regarding your separation."
Both Shisui and Obito were paying very close attention, information like this would give insight into why someone would ever separate brothers.
Minato's expression was saddened, "You're Kagami's grandsons, that's already known. But therein lies the answer."
Fugaku continued showing no sense of emotion, "Kagami was one of the greatest members of the clan but my father saw Kagami as a threat to his reign. Though Kagami never cared to lead and so nothing came of it. That all changed after your father Renji, sought to pursue the clan leader position. Your father and mother were killed seven years ago and you were separated to not raise any suspicions."
It made some sense to Obito, but it seemed so petty. But the timeline didn't add up to Obito, he was thirteen and Shisui was eight. Obito would've had some memory of his family, right?
Minato could see the question form in Obito's head, "There's more. Obito, when this happened the Uchiha used genjutsu to erase your memory of your family and made you an unwanted orphan." Minato looked away at the last part, it was too cruel to even say aloud. Shisui seemed to have anger and sadness building. He hated the Uchiha clan for doing that to his family.
Obito knew the Uchiha were a cruel clan but to this extent was beyond cruel, it was malicious. Obito steeled himself, nothing would shake him, not even the lie beyond his life. "They didn't want me but now that I have a Mangekyou they have no choice. That's fine by me." He smirked and gave Shisui a thumbs up and a smile. "It's alright, Shisui. Something like this would never get your big brother down."
It was goofy, and stupid, and yet it calmed Shisui. He no longer cared about the clan, as long as his brother didn't. He smiled back.
Minato saw this brightness in Obito, it wasn't as bright as it once was but it eclipsed a sunny day every time. Minato couldn't help but smile, even after everything Obito just had this infectious smile that just cheered you up instantly. "Well, if it doesn't bother you two then my job here is done." He vanished in a yellow flash, probably to the Hokage's office.
Fugaku watched Obito, there was something special about the boy that he couldn't quite place. He wondered if this boy would be the Uchiha's salvation. He wasn't a man to smile but he smirked as he walked away, "By the time you return, Obito, I'll likely be the new clan head. I'll see to it that you two be compensated for the sins of my father."
Obito and Shisui were left there with Jiraiya, who regarded the brothers with sympathy. "Sorry, kids. I'm not used to consoling people, it's just not my thing."
Shisui nodded and looked back at his brother, who was in the middle of picking him up and hugging him. They laughing as they hugged.
Afterward, Obito set Shisui down. Obito shifted his eyes to the base three tomoe Sharingan, "I'm gonna be gone awhile, so I wanna make sure I've got a perfect image of what you look like. That way I can tease you for how you've changed." A chuckle erupted from Obito, "I may not be able to train with you or show you any cool jutsu but I promise I'll make it up to you when I return in three to four years. And who knows, you might have your Sharingan by then."
Shisui smiled at Obito, "I'll be plenty strong by then, older brother. I'll be waiting for you."
The two laughed as Obito walked toward Jiraiya, the sanin already waiting outside the gate. " See ya, Shisui." He started running after Jiraiya.
Shisui watched as Obito followed Jiraiya. To think his big brother was going to learn from one of the legendary sanin. His brother was for sure going to be strong when he returned. Maybe even become Hokage one day.
As Jiraiya and Obito carried their packs, they came across a small town. Far smaller than the Leaf.
The small town seemed to have emerged out of nowhere, nestled between the rolling hills and winding roads. Obito followed Jiraiya down the dusty main street, his eyes taking in the modest buildings and the occasional passerby who offered them a curious glance.
Jiraiya's gaze settled on a quaint establishment, its weather-beaten sign creaking gently in the breeze. "This looks like a good spot for a bite," he declared, pushing open the wooden door.
The interior was dimly lit, with a handful of tables scattered around the room. The aroma of sizzling meat and spices hung in the air, making Obito's mouth water. An elderly woman emerged from the back, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Welcome, travelers," she greeted them with a warm smile. "Find a seat, and I'll be right with you."
Jiraiya returned her smile and led Obito to a table near the window. As they settled in, Obito couldn't help but let his gaze wander, taking in the cozy atmosphere and the few patrons engrossed in quiet conversation or hunched over their meals.
The old woman approached, her eyes twinkling. "What can I get for you two fine gentlemen?"
Jiraiya leaned back in his chair, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Surprise us with your specialties, my good lady. We're in your capable hands."
She chuckled, giving a slight bow. "As you wish. I'll bring out some of our best dishes."
As she retreated to the kitchen, Obito turned to Jiraiya, his voice low. "Are you sure it's wise to stop here? We shouldn't linger too long."
Jiraiya waved a dismissive hand. "Relax, kid. We've got a long journey ahead of us, and we need to pace ourselves. Besides, it's been ages since I've had a decent home-cooked meal."
As the woman returned with some expertly cooked steak, with a side of biscuits and gravy.
Jiraiya looked down at the food, curiosity ever present. "I must say this isn't what I was expecting. You've surpassed my expectations, my good lady," Jiraiya complemented.
The old woman blushed and smiled, "Is there anything else I can help you with, good sirs?"
Jiraiya started stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps one more thing you could help us with. Could you share some local news or gossip? We've been on the road for quite some time and could use a bit of information." It was a blatant lie.
The woman's smile broadened, and she leaned in conspiratorially. "Well, now that you mention it, there have been some strange rumors floating around lately... Some have been regarding a Shinobi of the Sand having gone rouge."
As she regaled them with tales of supposed sightings and whispers from neighboring villages, Jiraiya listened intently, his eyes sharp and focused. The Sand Shinobi wasn't a threat yet.
Obito watched, fascinated, as his mentor expertly guided the conversation, extracting nuggets of information from the unsuspecting woman.
When she retreated to the kitchen once more, Obito turned to Jiraiya, "I didn't know gathering information was such a delicate art."
Jiraiya chuckled, winking at him. "Information is power, kid. And in our line of work, it can mean the difference between life and death. Pay close attention, and I'll teach you how to read between the lines and uncover the hidden truth next time." He started digging into his food.
Obito started wondering if Jiraiya really could teach him how to be as great a Shinobi as him without the Sharingan. Maybe there was a chance. He smiled.
A week later, within a smaller nation ravaged by the previous wars, a group of young teens wandered, dressed in black cloaks slightly tinted red. A boy with short spiky orange hair, Yahiko, led the way, accompanied by a girl with short blue hair, Konan, and another boy with longer red hair, Nagato.
"How much further, Yahiko?" the girl asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
Yahiko replied with a playful tone, "Well, with how terrible my directions are, it should be around here somewhere..."
"So we're lost," Nagato stated matter-of-factly.
Yahiko stopped in his tracks, and the other two followed suit. "Maybe just a little. But it'll be fine, Nagato."
The trio continued their journey, their eyes scanning the desolate landscape for any sign of their old home – a small shack nestled in the middle of nowhere. It had been several months since they had last set foot in their home, but the memories lingered like ghosts, haunting their every step.
Yahiko's gaze fell upon a familiar path, overgrown with weeds and debris. "This way," he said, leading them off the beaten track.
As they trudged along, the girl's brow furrowed with concern. "Do you think he'll be there? Jiraiya-Sensei?"
"He better be," Yahiko replied, his voice tinged with determination. "He promised he'd meet us, and he's bringing someone else with him."
Nagato remained silent, his eyes fixed on the horizon, as if searching for answers in the distance.
The shack soon came into view, its weathered walls a testament to the hardships it had endured. Yahiko quickened his pace, his heart pounding with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. Whoever their mentor was bringing, they wondered how important they were to travel all the way to the land of Rain.
The shack loomed before them, a weather-beaten structure that seemed to be holding on to its foundations by sheer force of will. Yahiko pushed open the creaking door, and they stepped inside, the musty air enveloping them like an old friend.
Three tattered cards hung on the wall, their crimson hue a stark reminder of the sacrifices they had made. The cards served as a grim attendance system, each one representing a comrade who had not returned – either captured or lost to the brutalities of war. It had been a year or so since they'd used this place, the least could have done was spruce the place up.
In the center of the room stood a small, worn coffee table, surrounded by five bedrolls. One of them was occupied by a young man, his raven locks tousled as he slumbered peacefully, the gentle rise and fall of his chest punctuated by the occasional snore.
Yahiko's eyes widened in curiosity, and a warm smile tugged at his lips. "Well, well, looks like our guest has made himself at home," he whispered, motioning for the others to remain quiet.
Nagato arched an eyebrow, his gaze flickering between the sleeping figure and Yahiko. "Is that...?"
Konan's brow furrowed as she studied the sleeping stranger. "But why would he bring someone here?"
Yahiko shrugged, his expression turning pensive. "I'm not sure, but I trust our mentor's judgment. He must have a good reason."
Nagato let out a soft sigh, his fingers absently tracing the worn patterns on the coffee table. "We'll have to wait and see, then. For now, let's not disturb our guest's slumber."
The trio settled down, each lost in their own thoughts, the gentle snores of the stranger providing a strange sort of comfort in the midst of their uncertainty.
Konan studied the sleeping stranger, her amber eyes lingering on his peaceful countenance. A faint blush crept onto her cheeks as she found herself captivated by his features, a softness in his expression that belied the hardships he must have endured.
The trio settled down, each lost in their own thoughts, the gentle snores of the boy providing a strange sort of comfort in the midst of their uncertainty. Konan found herself stealing glances at the slumbering boy, her curiosity piqued by his presence and his past.
Suddenly, the boy stirred, his eyelids fluttering open as he slowly regained consciousness. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he rubbed his eyes and surveyed his surroundings, tensing as he noticed the three teens watching him intently.
In a fluid motion, he leapt to his feet, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of the sword strapped to his back. "Who are you?" he demanded, his onyx eyes narrowing with suspicion.
Yahiko raised his hands in a placating gesture, his expression calm and disarming. "Easy there, friend. We're not your enemies. We're just as confused as you are about why our mentor, Jiraiya, would bring you all the way here to the Land of Rain."
The boy's grip on his sword hilt loosened slightly, but his gaze remained wary. "Jiraiya? He's your mentor too?" he asked, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of the situation.
Nagato, a young man with crimson hair and an aura of quiet strength, spoke up. "Yes, Jiraiya began us on our path as shinobi. But he never mentioned taking on another student."
Konan stepped forward, her amber eyes meeting the boy with a warm, friendly gaze. "Perhaps you could introduce yourself? We mean you no harm."
He hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I'm Obito Uchiha, from the Hidden Leaf Village." He paused, considering his words carefully. "Jiraiya decided to take me on as a student, it seemed like a favor from my sensei to him."
Yahiko's smile broadened, and he extended his hand in a gesture of welcome. "Well, Obito, it's nice to meet you. I'm Yahiko, and these are my friends, Nagato and Konan. We are students of Jiraiya too, so we're kindred spirits in a sense. I'm sure Jiraiya-Sensei brought you here for a reason, and soon enough we'll discover that together."
Obito couldn't help but return the smile, his initial wariness melting away in the face of their genuine warmth. He shook Yahiko's hand, feeling the tension in his shoulders dissipate.
The introductions didn't take long as Jiraiya returned with a woven basket full of fish. "Who's hungry?" He said with a grin.