Everyone looked at Lock with wary curiosity, waiting for him to answer.
Lock's expression was solemn.
"Do I look like I'd joke about something like this?"
The seriousness in his tone made even Kurenai tense.
"Lock… is it really true?" she asked quietly.
"Of course," he replied. "I wouldn't lie to you about something this big. Still, it's just my own judgment — so keep it to yourselves. Don't spread it around."
He had told them because he trusted them — and because, deep down, he didn't want to lose any of them. If another war were coming, even a small warning might make a difference.
"I get it," Kakashi said flatly, giving a short nod before turning to leave.
Genma muttered something about Lock "being too serious again," but the unease in his eyes betrayed that he'd taken every word to heart.
The others soon drifted off too — until only Kurenai and Obito remained.
Lock walked Kurenai home, and before going inside, she whispered, "Lock… please be careful in Anbu."
He smiled softly. "You too. Train harder, Kurenai. The stronger you are, the safer you'll be."
She nodded, determination flashing behind her eyes.
"I will. I'll make you proud!"
Lock laughed, ruffling her hair. "Good. I'll hold you to that."
When she disappeared into her house, he turned to find Obito trudging beside him, silent and slouched. Even his usual clumsy energy was gone.
Lock sighed. "Obito, how long are you planning to mope like this?"
Obito didn't answer right away. When he finally spoke, his voice was small.
"Lock… am I really that useless? No matter how hard I train, I can't catch up to you guys. I try, but it's never enough. Maybe I really just… don't have what it takes."
Smack!
The sound cracked through the quiet street. Obito's head snapped to the side, five red fingerprints blooming across his cheek. His eyes widened in shock.
Lock didn't look amused anymore. His gaze was sharp, voice low and furious.
"Have you lost your damn mind? Since when did Uchiha Obito talk like a coward? Where's that loudmouth who never gave up? Look at you — sulking like some lovesick girl."
He wasn't angry at Neifeng. He was angry at this.
Because Obito wasn't weak. He was just blind to his own potential.
Lock leaned forward, his tone biting.
"Do you know why Madara picked you, Obito? Why will the world one day know your name? Because your will is terrifying when it ignites. You just haven't realized it yet."
Obito stared at him, stunned. "Madara? What are you—"
Lock waved it off. "Forget it. The point is — you're not trash. You're just… not finished yet."
Obito clenched his fists. "But I have worked hard! And still— still, I'm not like you or Kakashi. He's already awakened the Sharingan, and I… I'm just the deadweight no one takes seriously."
His voice cracked. "If it weren't for you, none of them would hang out with me. They all think I'm useless…"
The honesty in his words hit Lock harder than he expected. He'd seen Obito laugh, argue, brag — but never break like this.
Lock exhaled, then crouched down beside him.
"Listen. People who call you trash can't see what's ahead. Birds of a feather flock together, right? If you're my friend, that already means something."
"Huh?" Obito blinked, confused.
Lock smirked faintly. "You heard me. If you can keep up with me, you're a genius too. You just haven't shown it yet."
"M–me? A genius?" Obito stammered. "You've gotta be kidding…"
"Shut up." Lock's tone snapped like a whip. "There's a kind of genius that doesn't shine until the right moment. You just haven't had yours yet. Believe me, Obito — one day you'll be stronger than anyone expects. Even Kakashi."
Obito froze. His breath hitched as he met Lock's steady gaze. For a moment, he almost believed him — completely.
"You mean that?" he asked quietly.
Lock nodded. "Yeah. You're the only one in our class who might actually catch up to me. Maybe even surpass me."
Obito swallowed hard. The weight in his chest eased, replaced by a small, fragile flame.
"…Then I'll trust you, Lock," he said finally.
Lock smiled. "Good. Because I don't plan on letting you down."
The tension broke, and the air between them lightened. Lock clapped him on the shoulder.
"And besides," he added with a teasing grin, "you can't let Rin see you like this, can you? You've got to impress her — and beat Kakashi while you're at it. Marry the girl, win the fight, live the dream, right?"
Obito's face turned crimson. "Wha—! D-don't say weird stuff like that!"
Lock burst out laughing as Obito sputtered, and just like that, the gloom was gone.
After a moment, Obito straightened his back and grinned.
"I will beat Kakashi. But from now on, Lock — you're my real goal. Someday, I'll stand beside you… and surpass you."
Lock blinked, then smiled faintly. "Then I'll be waiting. But don't count on it being easy."
Obito snorted. "Tch. We'll see."
They raised their hands, palms slapping together in a firm, unspoken promise — a bond between rivals and brothers.
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A/N: Advanced Chapters Have Been Uploaded On My Patreon
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