Naruto: Transmigrated as Obito with the System

Sakumo abruptly lifted his head, as though he had come to a decision in an instant.

"I..."

Before he could finish, the Third Hokage interrupted, his voice low and steady.

"Sakumo, don't rush your answer. This mission is fraught with peril and may put you in a life-or-death situation. Think it through carefully before giving us your decision."

Danzo furrowed his brows slightly, a trace of displeasure flashing through his eyes. However, his words carried a different tone.

"Yes, take your time. This might very well be your last chance." He paused before adding, "Your team members have already agreed to join. So, you—"

The Third Hokage slammed his hand on the desk with a heavy thud.

"Enough, Danzo. Stop pressuring him. Let Sakumo make his own decision."

Sakumo's expression was conflicted, his emotions seemingly at war. Yet, this turmoil was only a façade.

In truth, he was calmly analyzing the situation.

On the surface, the Third Hokage appeared hesitant about him taking this mission. But who could say for sure if this wasn't a ploy between him and Danzo, playing the classic good cop-bad cop routine?

After a moment of contemplation, Sakumo finally asked, "May I know the details of the mission in advance?"

The Third Hokage nodded, pulling a scroll from a drawer and handing it to him.

"This mission is highly sensitive. Once you read it, you'll understand."

Sakumo took the scroll, and as his eyes scanned the intel, realization struck immediately.

"This is...!"

The Third Hokage gave a small nod.

"That's right. It's the same target as your last mission. He's once again ventured out of his territory."

Sakumo's face darkened.

The target that had forced the White Fang of Konoha to retreat in failure was no ordinary foe. Even when he had the element of surprise last time, he couldn't eliminate the target. Now that the enemy would be on guard, the difficulty of this mission would undoubtedly skyrocket.

The Hokage's office descended into silence.

After what felt like an eternity, Sakumo exhaled deeply and knelt on one knee.

"Sakumo, at your command."

Behind his desk, the Third Hokage exhaled a puff of smoke, his face obscured by the swirling haze.

"I understand. Go and prepare."

After Sakumo left, Danzo chuckled softly.

"Hiruzen, I don't see why you're so worried. While the mission is challenging, with Sakumo's intellect and skill, he might find it taxing, but nothing more."

The Third Hokage turned his head to gaze at Danzo, his expression unreadable, his eyes gleaming with a mysterious intensity.

"Let's hope you're right."

Danzo felt a slight chill under his old friend's stare, his unease betraying itself in his demeanor.

"Well, I have matters to attend to at Root. I'll take my leave."

Meanwhile, in the classroom,

Kisuke paced back and forth on the podium like a human lullaby in motion.

Obito's head bobbed as sleep crept over him, his consciousness wavering.

Kisuke noticed Obito's drowsiness and felt a wave of irritation rise within him.

"Oooh—bito!"

A piece of chalk flew through the air with pinpoint accuracy, smacking Obito square on the head.

Ninja precision wasn't something to be taken lightly.

"Ow!"

Obito sat up straight instantly, a look of grievance on his face.

Come on, sensei! Hitting me with projectile accuracy is bad enough, but did you really have to enhance it with chakra?!

Kisuke snorted.

"Some people think they can slack off just because they've made a bit of progress recently. This kind of attitude is unacceptable."

Obito muttered under his breath. Sensei, just call my name outright next time.

After a brief scolding, Kisuke continued his lecture. Obito listened for a bit before zoning out again.

No mission from the system, so what's the point of grinding away?

After class, Obito, as usual, grabbed Rin's hand, grinning cheekily.

"Rin, it's the weekend! Let's go out for dinner. My treat!"

Rin's face flushed a deep red as she pulled her hand back.

"Obito, there are so many people watching..."

"Rin~"

At that moment, Obito could only see Rin, his heart swelling as their connection seemed to grow. Pink flower petals seemed to drift down from above, filling the air with a hazy, romantic vibe.

Until...

"Uh, ahem. Would you two mind including me as well?"

Obito turned, his face dark as thunder, and was greeted by a familiar pineapple-shaped head.

Narrowing his eyes at Shikayu, Obito's gaze was anything but friendly.

Did I offend this guy somehow? Shikayu wondered.

Annoyed by the interruption, Obito spoke curtly.

"Fine, but you're paying for yourself."

Shikayu scratched his head sheepishly.

"Uh… sure, or I could treat both of you."

Obito's mood instantly shifted, his sunny grin returning.

"Well, if you insist... What do you have in mind?"

Shikayu sighed, resigned.

"How about barbecue?"

The trio soon found themselves at a bustling yakiniku restaurant.

At the entrance, a kimono-clad hostess greeted them with a bow and a bright smile.

"Welcome! Please, come in."

Her attire left a bit to the imagination—or rather, too little.

Both Obito and Shikayu couldn't help swallowing hard.

Why is this kimono so loose? Shikayu mused.

She may look 16, but she's got the presence of someone much older, Obito thought, trying not to gawk.

The hostess led them inside, pausing to ask, "What would you like to order?"

Shikayu thought for a moment.

"Three servings of the signature barbecue set, please."

The hostess gave him a peculiar look.

"Only three? With four people, it might not be enough."

All three of them blinked in confusion.

"Four? There are only three of us."

Could it be…?!

They turned simultaneously, dread creeping in.

Behind them stood a black-haired girl with sunglasses, looking thoroughly dejected.

"Damn it, we forgot Ryoko!" Obito slapped his forehead.

Rin nodded, her expression conflicted.

"Yeah, earlier we all agreed to eat together, but somehow..."

But somehow, we just couldn't remember her presence until now, Shikayu mentally finished, feeling guilty.

"Make that four servings," he told the hostess.

"Right away," she replied sweetly.

Soon, the group was seated around a table as the aroma of sizzling meat filled the air.

As they enjoyed the feast, Rin suddenly set down her chopsticks, a pensive look on her face.

"By the way, does anyone know what Kakashi has been up to lately? I haven't heard from him in a while."

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