Naruto: The Favorability-Devouring Uchiha

Haneda glanced at Obito's wide, expectant eyes and finally sighed in defeat.

"Fine. But let me be clear—when I wake you tomorrow, you'd better get up. No being late again."

"Oh yeah!" Obito pumped his fist into the air, grinning ear to ear.

"Let's go home together! And I won't be late this time, you bastard Haneda!"

---

Obito's house wasn't far—just a short walk of about ten minutes from Haneda's place.

On the way, Obito chattered non-stop, bragging about how shocked their teacher must've been when the two top students ditched class together.

Before long, they arrived at the small house.

"Grandma! I'm back! And I brought Haneda with me!" Obito called, dragging his shoes noisily across the floor.

Haneda neatly placed both pairs of shoes in the cabinet before following him inside.

"Little Obito is back. Oh, Haneda's here too. Come, sit down."

A gentle voice floated from within—the voice of Obito's grandmother.

Haneda stepped into the modest living room. The table held some untouched dishes, now cold.

"Little Obito, little Haneda, the rice is already cooling. Let me heat it up for you." Grandma began gathering plates.

"No need, Grandma. I already ate." Haneda waved his hand.

"It's fine, just a little snack before bed," she said, smiling as she disappeared into the kitchen with a plate in hand.

"Grandma, I'll help!" Obito followed her eagerly.

Feeling awkward, Haneda hurried after them, grabbing a dish. "Me too."

As he carried the plate, a thought struck him: Why didn't Obito eat dinner earlier?

Could it be… he waited for me all evening?

The realization left Haneda momentarily stunned, warmth blooming in his chest mixed with a twinge of guilt. Usually… I walk home with him every day…

---

After the late meal, the two retreated to Obito's bedroom.

The room was bare—just a desk, a lamp, and an entire wall lined with bookshelves.

Haneda couldn't help but smirk. A room without a bed but full of books… very Obito.

Though he had been here before, those shelves always drew his eye.

Grandma entered carrying bedding, spreading a futon across the floor and folding the quilt neatly.

"Sleep early, you two. Don't be late tomorrow." She turned to Haneda with a kind smile.

"And Haneda, if you need anything, call Grandma. Don't be shy."

"Okay, Grandma," both boys chorused.

When the door closed, silence filled the room until Haneda finally broke it.

"Do you train at night, Obito?"

"Why train when you can sleep? Do you?" Obito shot back, deadpan.

Haneda's lips twitched. My fault for expecting too much.

Still curious, he nodded toward the bookshelf.

"Then why keep so many books? Ever read them?"

"They're my parents'. Not mine." Obito's voice was flat.

Haneda felt a pang in his chest but said nothing.

"Forget it. Let's just sleep." Haneda pulled the thin quilt over himself and stared at the ceiling, mind swirling with plans:

Morning—skip class with Kakashi to practice Fire Release and Genjutsu. Afternoon—sword drills with Sakumo. Night—Shadow Clone and Chidori training.

As for tonight… maybe just rest.

He yawned, but Obito's voice broke his thoughts.

"What're you thinking, Haneda?"

"Training."

"Is it really that important?" Obito tilted his head.

"Isn't it?" Haneda countered, then hesitated. Is it?

He could avoid the Third Shinobi War by graduating and joining the Police Force early. The Uchiha Massacre was years away—by then, he'd likely unlock the Mangekyō Sharingan. The Fourth War? Naruto, Sasuke, and the Sage would handle that.

So… why am I pushing myself this hard?

He turned to Obito, smiling faintly.

"Maybe… to change a fate that's already written."

"A predetermined fate?" Obito repeated, frowning. Then he snorted.

"What a load of crap. I, Uchiha Obito, don't believe in destiny!"

Haneda chuckled softly. "When did you get so strange?"

"I don't know," Haneda murmured, eyes drifting back to the ceiling.

---

Morning Chaos

Sunlight crept through the window, warming Haneda's face. He stirred, only to freeze—

Something heavy pinned his legs.

Blinking awake, he looked down.

Obito. Hugging his thigh. Drool trailing from the corner of his mouth.

"AHHHH!"

Haneda kicked him off and leapt to his feet, face red with fury.

"Oi! What the hell, Obito?!"

"Wha—OW! Bastard Haneda!" Obito clutched his cheek, glaring.

"I should be asking you! Why were you clinging to me like a pillow?!"

"Huh?!" Obito bolted upright, horrified. He scrambled to the window and spat, then grabbed a cup of water, rinsed, and spat again.

"It's over!" Both collapsed back-to-back on the floor, groaning dramatically.

Haneda exhaled and shrugged. Whatever. Kids cling in their sleep, right? Just pretend I'm his dad.

"Come on, Obito. Wash up, eat, school. I don't care—but you do, right?"

"Then why kick me?!"

"What? Got a problem?" Haneda activated his single tomoe Sharingan, smirking coldly.

"…Nope." Obito zipped his lips instantly.

Grandma's voice floated from outside.

"Breakfast is ready, boys. Don't be late!"

"Thanks, Grandma," they called in unison.

After eating, Haneda dragged Obito outside.

"Obito, listen—wait a minute after I leave, then follow." Haneda spoke seriously.

"What? Why?" Obito blinked.

"I'm not risking us being late."

Haneda hauled Obito down Konoha's busy streets, weaving through morning crowds. They ducked behind a telephone pole, peeking out like fugitives.

Fewer people than I thought… good. No old ladies to slow us down.