"Sister Tsunade, please keep it a secret that I've learned the Sage Technique."
Kakashi returned to the dean's office, closed the door behind him, and spoke seriously.
"Oh? You little brat, still trying to hide your strength?" Tsunade looked at him with surprise as she leaned back in her chair. "Don't want to draw attention from the higher-ups, huh?"
"Hehe," Kakashi scratched his head, his thoughts laid bare by Tsunade. "You really do understand me, Sister Tsunade."
"Hmph, brat, you think you can hide anything from me?" Tsunade snorted but smiled. "Don't worry, I'll keep your secret. It's not a good thing to attract attention from certain people in power anyway."
She seemed to recall something unpleasant, and a hint of disgust flashed across her face.
"But Kakashi," she continued, her tone more serious, "while Sage Techniques offer incredible advantages, their power stems from the fusion of natural energy with both physical and spiritual strength. If you want to become truly powerful, you still need to build your foundation. Otherwise, even mastering Sage Mode won't allow you to fully wield its potential."
"Don't worry, Sister Tsunade. I understand," Kakashi replied solemnly. "One's foundation is the cornerstone of everything. Without it, no amount of powerful ninjutsu, senjutsu, or taijutsu matters. They're just castles in the air. I won't slack off just because I've gained a temporary power boost."
"It's good you understand that," Tsunade nodded, satisfied. Then, as if remembering something, she added, "Oh, the academy sent a notice. You and Rin are expected to attend tomorrow. Even though you were exempted from the graduation exam, you still need to be present for the ceremony."
She waved him off.
"Yes, Sister Tsunade!"
Kakashi left the office, closing the door gently behind him.
Tsunade watched him go, her expression softening with pride. She was deeply pleased with his performance today. Perhaps one day... he might truly reach the level of my grandfather.
Outside Konoha Hospital, Kakashi stepped into the sunlight. The sky above was a clear blue, dotted with drifting white clouds. The sunlight fell gently on his body, warming him.
He couldn't help but smile, eyes curving into crescents as he walked leisurely through the bustling streets, enjoying the vibrant life of the village.
As for his lab work? He had already decided to use Shadow Clones for that.
Shadow Clones could transfer memories and experiences, and since research didn't require massive chakra consumption, the clones could last for a long time.
As for whether this would expose him? Unlikely. Even Ōtsutsuki Kaguya wouldn't be able to see through a Shadow Clone in this world.
Even if Orochimaru found out, he wouldn't care—his attitude toward Kakashi had always been tolerant.
Still, there was one thing Kakashi wouldn't risk: skipping or faking his medical classes. Just imagining Tsunade's fury was enough to make him shudder.
---
The next day, on the academy's playground, a gentle breeze stirred the air, and cherry blossom petals danced across the sky like falling snow. The graduation ceremony had just ended. The crowd was gone, leaving behind only a boy and a girl strolling quietly through the empty campus.
"I heard... it's 5 centimeters per second," the girl suddenly said, as if remembering something.
"Huh?" The boy glanced at her, confused.
"The speed at which cherry blossom petals fall... it's five centimeters per second."
"Wow… Rin knows a lot about that kind of thing," the boy replied, still a bit puzzled.
The two walked on in silence, the strange moment drifting away like the petals themselves.
Rin seemed to be in an especially good mood today. She twirled suddenly, catching a tiny heart-shaped petal in her soft palm. Smiling, she held it out to the boy.
"Kakashi, don't you think... this looks like a snowflake?"
Kakashi thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "It does."
The gentle aura around them reminded him of sipping warm rice wine during a cold winter. The warmth was simple, yet not so simple—it lingered.
Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out.
"Oh no, oh no, oh no!"
Kakashi and Rin turned to see Obito sprinting toward the school gates, panting heavily.
They exchanged a helpless look and walked toward the gate together.
"Over here, Obito!" Rin waved enthusiastically.
Seeing her, Obito sped up, only to trip and fall right in front of her.
"It's unbelievable… I was late for both the entrance and graduation ceremonies!" he groaned, frustrated. "And it's already over!"
"You're hopeless." Rin crossed her arms and glared at him. "Honestly, Obito…"
"But I met an old lady…" he muttered, picking himself up and hanging his head.
"Your luck with running into old ladies is weirdly high," Rin said, her voice softening.
"Yeah, I don't know why, but I keep getting ambushed lately," he mumbled, clearly embarrassed.
"Really now? That's just you being careless." Rin sighed. "Come with me."
Kakashi stuffed his hands into his pockets and followed with a reluctant shrug.
---
Inside the auditorium, Rin and Obito stood on the podium. She held out a diploma to him with both hands.
"Diploma: Uchiha Obito. This certifies that you have graduated from the Konoha Ninja Academy. Rain or shine, you've persisted in your training. Congratulations on your graduation."
"Rin…" Obito looked at her angelic smile, and his eyes grew wet. His voice caught in his throat.
He wiped at his tears and accepted the diploma with great care. "Thank you, Rin. Even though no one else is here to see this, I'm still happier than if I'd gotten it from Grandpa Hokage!"
"So… have you forgotten someone else is here too?" Kakashi suddenly leaned forward, his tone teasing.
"Ah—" Obito was speechless for a second.
"Puchi~" Rin burst into laughter at the scene. "Alright, from now on, we're all Genin! So you'd better pull yourself together!"
"Oh right!" Obito's expression lit up. "To be a Genin, we'll need to form a three-person team. Has the team list been posted? Rin and I…"
"Us…" Rin suddenly looked down, disappointment flashing in her eyes.
Could it be... they weren't placed in the same group?
"I'm sorry," she said softly. Then, with a bright smile, she looked up. "We're in the same team!"
"No way!" Obito shouted, stunned.
"Seriously, I guess I'll have to keep looking after you," Rin said with a teasing tone, hands on her hips.
"Great! That's great!" Obito pumped his fists in celebration, then stopped. "Wait, who's the third member?"
"Guess," Kakashi chimed in suddenly.
"Tsk. It's you, isn't it?" Obito grumbled, pouting. He had hoped to spend more time with Rin—just the two of them. Though truthfully, he didn't mind being teamed with Kakashi either.
"Oh? Dissatisfied about being on a team with me?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow, voice taunting.
"Why would I be? Not at all!" Obito snapped back.
"Sounds like someone's itching for a spar. It's been a while since you've had a proper beating~" Kakashi cracked his knuckles.
"Heh, I'm not the same guy I used to be, you bastard Kakashi!"
"Alright, alright!" Rin laughed and pulled them both along. "Today's a day worth celebrating. Let's go have some barbecue—my treat!"