Natsumi: Beyond the Shadow of Giants.

Chapter 6: The Way of the Ninja

The sky was tinged with gold and pink as Team Minato walked toward the main gate of Konoha. It was their first mission outside the village as a team, a significant milestone for any genin. However, the excitement that should have accompanied the moment gave way to a silence filled with tension. The only sound that filled the air was the echo of their footsteps on the stone path.

Natsumi, always sensitive to the emotions around her, quickly noticed Obito's unease. His furtive glances toward Kakashi were filled with frustration, insecurity, and a contained anger that he was trying to hide. Something was different in his posture — and that said a lot, given the constant provocations between the two.

With a discreet sigh, Natsumi decided to intervene. It wasn't like her to wait for things to resolve on their own. She approached Kakashi, who was walking ahead with his usual impassive posture and closed expression, and casually but deliberately made a comment:

— Looks like Obito is worried about you, — she said, with a slightly teasing smile.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his cold gaze masking the curiosity that, though subtle, showed for a brief moment.

— I highly doubt that, — he replied, his tone heavy with disbelief.

Before Natsumi could retort, Obito, who had obviously overheard the comment, stepped forward, indignant.

— Me? Worried about him?! — he exclaimed, pointing at Kakashi while his face turned slightly red. — Are you crazy, Natsumi? I just... I just want to make sure he doesn't do something stupid!

Natsumi crossed her arms, giving him a look that blended skepticism and amusement.

— Interesting choice of words, Obito. Sounds like you care, — she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Obito threw his hands up in a frustrated gesture, stumbling over his own words.

— That's not it at all! It's just because we're a team, got it? Don't make things up where there's nothing!

Kakashi let out an audible sigh, and although his mask hid his expression, the slight narrowing of his eyes hinted at sarcasm.

— Maybe if you spent less energy on excuses and more on actions, you'd actually help the team, — she retorted, with the coldness typical of someone who knew exactly where to strike.

It was enough to ignite the spark. Obito took a step forward, his fists clenched and his face red with anger.

— Want to repeat that?! — he challenged, his voice rising a pitch.

Before the situation could escalate, Natsumi moved quickly, positioning herself between the two. With her hands raised, she interrupted the argument before it could get out of hand.

— Enough! — she said, her voice firm, cutting through the air like a kunai. — What's wrong with you two? It seems like you'd rather fight each other than focus on what really matters.

She turned first to Kakashi, her brown eyes locked on his, without aggression but full of seriousness.

— Kakashi, you act like you can do everything alone. That's not going to work. We're a team. If you don't trust us, no one's going to make it out of a mission like this in one piece.

Kakashi looked away, clearly uncomfortable, but remained silent. He knew she was right, but admitting it was another story.

Next, Natsumi turned to Obito, who was already opening his mouth to retort, but she cut him off first.

— And you, Obito, need to stop trying to win with shouting. You want Kakashi to trust you? Then prove he can. Words won't solve anything.

Obito hesitated, his lips slightly parted as he looked from Natsumi to Kakashi. After a few seconds, he let out an exaggerated sigh and shrugged.