Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

At the end of March, the cherry blossoms in Konoha Village bloomed again, and the annual graduation ceremony was just around the corner.

After two months of "cleaning" work, Osamu Furukawa recently returned to the medical team, much to Shizune's delight.

After medical class ended, Tsunade, who rarely attended classes, saw her "tagalong" coming to find Nohara Rin again, and sighed inwardly:

"He doesn't look like a brat from the Uchiha clan at all!"

The kind and warm-hearted Obito has worked hard to shed his "bottom of the class" label in Class A and is about to graduate, which he is very excited about.

"No problem at all, Lin! I'm sure I'll pass the exam tomorrow!"

"..."

With only Rin Nohara in his eyes, Obito immediately moved closer to the girl and loudly recounted his efforts.

"Go for it, Obito! Let's graduate together!"

"Don't be late for the exam, leave early, and be mindful of the time if you encounter an elderly lady."

"This is the first step towards a ninja career!"

Without showing any disgust towards the shouting Obito, Rin Nohara offered him kind encouragement, and the girls in the medical team cheered as they witnessed this:

"Rin, Kakashi will be heartbroken if he sees this."

"Are we going to abandon Kakashi? Rin, then we should take the initiative..."

Rin Nohara, who was cheering Obito on with a fist pump, blushed upon hearing the teasing voice, then blinked her big eyes and said generously:

"Kakashi is everyone's role model..."

"Isn't she someone I admire?"

"Rin is so cute, she surprisingly matches 'Cool Kakashi' quite well!"

"..."

Since Kakashi repeatedly expelled students from the school, he has been known as "Cold-blooded Kakashi".

The girls were laughing and joking, which made Obito feel frustrated, even though he was right next to Rin Nohara.

"So it turns out Lin's gentleness isn't all for me!"

"Why?!"

Suddenly hearing his own thoughts, the oblivious Obito jumped up and turned around, only to find Furukawa Osamu and Shizune behind him.

"You're talking nonsense again! I never thought that way..."

His voice trailed off as he spoke, and Obito turned away in embarrassment. Seeing this, Furukawa Osamu, just like in previous years, continued to give him a sidelong glance and make sarcastic remarks:

"Lin will only be 9 years old in November! Go to the security guard station and turn yourself in."

Shizune immediately burst out laughing, but then blushed slightly as she thought about her own little scheme.

"What?! The guard unit isn't what you think. It's an important department that only outstanding Uchiha ninjas are qualified to join!"

"One day I'll be able to join them, and then I'll not only be able to help more people, but also gain everyone's recognition!"

When the Uchiha Guard was mentioned, Obito's expression turned serious, and his tone revealed his longing.

Rin Nohara, having shaken off the girls' attention, returned to Obito's side. Seeing Osamu and Furukawa, she looked on with delight, greeted them, and then asked with a smile:

"Is the mission over? Xiu, will Kakashi come to the graduation ceremony?"

Class teacher Ryosuke Kimura declared that this was the best class he had ever taught, and he hoped that Class A could take a group photo together at the graduation ceremony.

Furukawa Osamu naturally wouldn't refuse this request. He could understand the feelings of the homeroom teacher since all the students in Class A had graduated early.

"Of course he'll be there. He's had time lately. Even if it's a mission, he needs to balance work and rest."

Upon hearing Furukawa Osamu's words, Nohara Rin's face immediately lit up with a bright smile. She hugged her textbook to her chest and happily replied:

"Great! It's been almost three months since we've seen Kakashi! Everyone's really looking forward to taking a picture together!"

The girl's radiant smile captivated Obito, who couldn't take his eyes off her. However, this happiness didn't seem to be because of him, and a pang of sadness welled up in his heart.

He stopped teasing Obito; it's a sad thing that his childhood friend couldn't compete with the newcomer...

"Xiu, can we take photos together again sometime?... "

After the two left, Shizune, who was following behind Furukawa Osamu, asked in a low voice. The girl was a little nervous, but soon received the response she had been expecting:

"No problem, we can take some photos anytime, it's just that Mr. Genzo's photo studio is the only one in the village."

"If only there were a more portable camera, photos could capture so many wonderful memories..."

Happily, she clasped her hands together, then squeezed next to Furukawa Osamu, unusually lively, and joined in the suggestion:

"Tsunade-sensei would probably like it too. She said she wanted to maintain her most beautiful side forever, and photos are a great way to do that..."

"..."

As they were talking, Shizune suddenly felt a chill down her spine. Tsunade had somehow appeared behind them, and before she could explain, she was pulled into Tsunade's arms.

"Mute, are you trying to remind me that I'm getting old?"

"Ugh... I'm suffocating, Tsunade-sensei!"

-

On the last day of March, the Ninja Academy held a grand graduation ceremony, with the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, personally awarding certificates to the graduates.

Every boy who stood on the stage had an excited expression on his face, except for Sarutobi Asuma, who turned his head away, revealing his rebellious side.

Wearing a loose purple coat, Nohara Rin looked around but couldn't see Obito. The girl was getting a little anxious.

Unfortunately, Obito didn't show up even after the graduation ceremony ended...

"Mr. Genzo, please wait a little longer, there is still one child who has not arrived."

Class teacher Ryosuke Kimura made another request, but most students were getting impatient. It wasn't until all the other classes had left that Class A prepared for a group photo.

Might Guy, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu all changed into new clothes and shared their ninja experiences with a lot of laughter.

Kakashi no longer carried his short sword and, like Osamu Furukawa, wore a blue long-sleeved training uniform.

Sarutobi Asuma and Yuhi Kurenai chatted and laughed, while Shizune, wearing a loose blue coat, stood beside Furukawa Osamu with a smile on her face.

A group of teenagers gathered around the bamboo dragonfly when one of them suddenly wrapped several bandages around his head, looking incredibly cool...

Wearing a headscarf, Ibiki Morino grinned and looked at the camera along with everyone else.

Rin Nohara was a little down, but she still smiled sweetly as she stood next to Kakashi.

"Alright, everyone look at me!"

With a reminder from the bald-headed Mr. Genzo, Class A completed their group photo. Their homeroom teacher, Ryosuke Kimura, didn't forget to pull everyone aside for a final reminder.

"You are the best students I have ever taught. To be honest, as a Chunin, I haven't really been able to teach you much."

"Promise me that no matter where you are or what mission you are on, you will take good care of yourself. Ninjas are not tools."

Wearing a green bodysuit, Might Guy readily agreed, and even gave a thumbs up at the end. His passionate and youthful aura made Ryosuke Kimura smile with satisfaction.

-

Around noon, Obito Uchiha arrived late, slowing down and then tripping on flat ground.

With no classmates and no teachers, Obito, sitting up straight, almost burst into tears as he looked at the girl waiting for him in front of him.

"Are you alright, Obito? Don't worry, I got the certificate for you!"

Rin Nohara, leaning over, asked with concern. Obito, rubbing his eyes, replied, his voice trembling with emotion:

"Lin, only you... only you have always been by my side..."

"..."