Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Gossip and Gatherings
Konoha.
Inside Rin's home, Obito let out a long sigh of relief.
"Phew... Thanks, Rin-chan."
Rin waved her small hand dismissively, pointing to her mouth before heading toward the washroom.
A short while later, she returned, rubbing her cheeks with her hands and cheerfully spoke up.
"Obito-kun, we're going to Kakashi's for dinner tonight. Did you prepare a gift?"
Obito chuckled.
"Of course I did!"
The three of them had grown busier as time passed, leaving little opportunity to meet up. With the year coming to an end, they had decided to gather and celebrate together—an occasion that had become a rare luxury.
It was a special night for the trio: Obito, Kakashi, and Rin.
Rin nodded thoughtfully.
"As long as you've got a gift, that's fine. We can't keep showing up empty-handed."
Obito laughed heartily.
"Ha! It's Kakashi we're talking about. He'd probably be thrilled if we just showed up to hang out with him."
Rin, seated comfortably on Obito's lap, suddenly thought of something, her smile turning mischievous.
"Oh, right! Obito-kun, I've got some juicy gossip about Kakashi to share with you."
Obito's eyes lit up as he eagerly leaned in.
"Gossip about Kakashi? Count me in—I live for that guy's secrets!"
Rin leaned closer, whispering into his ear with a sly grin.
"Apparently... (200 words later) ...and that's how it is."
"No way!"
Obito's jaw dropped, forming a perfect "O."
"Isn't that girl still... Kakashi went for it anyway? He never mentioned this to me! That's just... outrageous!"
Rin quickly clamped her hand over Obito's mouth.
"Shh! Keep it down! It's just gossip—don't make such a big deal out of it."
But Obito couldn't let it go.
"Nope, I've got to ask that guy about this tonight!"
The moonlight poured into the room like a silver stream, and the starry sky sparkled above. Obito glanced outside and patted Rin on the shoulder.
"Alright, Rin, let's head out!"
"Okay!"
The two got up, tidied themselves, and stepped out of the house. With a quick transformation jutsu, they disguised themselves and strolled hand-in-hand through the streets.
Rin sighed wistfully.
"It's been so long since we've gone for a walk like this."
Obito looked into her large, earnest eyes, scratching the back of his head guiltily.
"Sorry about that. I—"
Before he could finish, Rin stood on her tiptoes and planted a quick kiss on his lips.
"Don't be silly. I was just venting a little. I'm not upset."
Obito rubbed his lips, grinning like a fool.
"Hehe, Rin, you're the best."
Fifteen minutes later, they arrived at Kakashi's house.
From a distance, Obito hollered, "Kakashi! Open up!"
"Coming, coming," Kakashi called out as he opened the door. Glancing at the time, he smirked.
"You're late again, Obito."
Obito rolled his eyes and gave Kakashi a playful punch.
"Sorry, we got lost on the path of happiness. Satisfied with that excuse?"
Kakashi returned the punch with a grin.
"You've always got an excuse for being late, don't you?"
The two burst into laughter and embraced.
Rin, standing to the side, pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation.
"Can you two take this inside? Do you really need to hug it out at the door?"
"Uh..." Obito awkwardly broke away from Kakashi and grabbed both Rin and Kakashi by the shoulders, ushering them inside.
When they saw the spread on the table, Obito's eyes lit up.
"Whoa, look at all this food!"
Kakashi shrugged.
"Dig in before it gets cold."
The three, having grown up together, wasted no time with formalities and began eating and chatting.
Midway through the meal, Obito turned to Kakashi, chicken drumstick in hand.
"So, Kakashi, I heard some rumors lately..."
Kakashi's hand froze mid-drink, and he nearly spilled it.
"Rumors? About what?"
Obito's grin widened.
"Something about you and a girl named Shinzu? Care to explain?"
Kakashi nearly choked.
"W-What? Who told you that? That's nothing but baseless gossip!"
"Oh? Is that so?" Obito's tone dripped with amusement as he watched Kakashi squirm.
Seeing his reaction, Obito immediately knew there was more to the story.
A little later, while Rin was in the restroom, Obito pulled a small book from his pocket and slipped it to Kakashi.
"Here's your gift. Same rules as always—read it somewhere private."
Kakashi gave him an approving nod.
"Got it. You never disappoint."
Obito chuckled but quickly shifted the conversation.
"By the way, have you seen Minato-sensei since you got back?"
Obito shook his head.
"With everything I'm doing now, it's better we don't cross paths. If we don't meet, he can pretend he doesn't know."
Kakashi shot him a withering look.
"And you call that having boundaries? The entire ninja world is in chaos because of your 'Akatsuki' escapades."
Obito laughed nervously and deflected.
"Let's not talk about that. How's Naruto? And Itachi?"
Kakashi sighed.
"Naruto's training with Jiraiya-sama, and Itachi's... well, still exceptional as always."
Obito nodded, his thoughts swirling.
When Rin returned, she looked at them curiously.
"What were you two talking about?"
Obito smirked mischievously.
"I was just telling Kakashi he should bring his girlfriend to our next gathering so we can all meet her."
Rin's eyes sparkled.
"Yes, yes! I'd love to meet Shinzu-chan!"
Kakashi groaned.
"Rin... Don't tell me you're the one who told Obito about this?"
Rin raised her hands innocently.
"Oops, you caught me."
Kakashi: "..."
Before Obito could tease him further, an urgent voice echoed in his mind.
Ding! Plotline divergence detected!
[Important Notice]: Due to significant plot changes, your reward 'Thunder' has been removed.
[Important Notice]: A main storyline decision has been issued! This choice will directly impact the narrative's progression. Please choose wisely, as no further decisions will be issued until this one is resolved!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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