Traveling through Naruto, I am Uchiha Obito?

"Kakashi-sensei acted so strangely just now," Sakura said, biting her lower lip worriedly, "like he saw a ghost."

"It must be karma for staying up all night reading porn!" Naruto declared confidently, slamming his hand on the table. The char siu in his bowl bounced with the impact.

"Idiot." Sasuke sneered, a knowing glint in his dark eyes. "That guy reminded him of someone important." He was all too familiar with that expression—his heart would clench like that every time he saw his mother's silhouette in the mirror.

"The key point is that he's actually a disciple of the Sannin..." Sasuke's fingertips unconsciously rubbed his kunai, his fighting spirit burning like flames in his eyes. There was a strange sense of familiarity about this black-haired boy; he resembled Naruto, the underdog, yet also possessed the aura of a powerful figure that made Sasuke's blood boil.

"Hey! What Sannin or Four Ninja?!" Naruto suddenly jumped up, his finger almost poking Sasuke's nose. "Your opponent is me! Are you scared? Cowardly Sasuke!"

"You bottom-of-the-barrel guy, do you want to die?"

"Naruto! Apologize to Sasuke right now! And how could you speak so disrespectfully to the hero who protected Konoha..."

......

Kakashi smiled awkwardly at Asuma: "You flatter me." In his mind, he was already planning to give these three clowns extra training when they got back until they couldn't get up anymore.

Asuma exhaled a smoke ring and waved his hand: "Young people, we were young back in the day too..." He suddenly fell silent halfway through his sentence, only then realizing that Kakashi's "back in the day" was already fragmented.

"Ah." Kakashi's response was as light as a falling leaf. Asuma stubbed out his cigarette in annoyance and decided to focus on the tonkotsu ramen in front of him.

Rubik's Cube watched the live drama unfold, a faint smile playing on his lips. The live version of Naruto was far more interesting than what was shown on screen—Naruto's jealousy was practically etched onto his headband. He suddenly recalled an outrageous analysis from a forum in his past life: Naruto and Sasuke were actually two gay men who had conspired to marry each other—they preferred chatting under a tree on a full moon night rather than going home to see their child.

"Cough cough!" Rubik's Cube choked on his own thoughts and quickly drank some ramen soup. When he looked up, he found that Kakashi had sat down next to him at some point.

"I haven't asked your name yet." The silver-haired Jonin's voice seemed to come from afar, his exposed eye holding a cautious anticipation. "I feel it would be too rude."

Rubik's Cube put down his chopsticks, and the steam from the hot soup blurred the air between them. He had imagined this scene many times before coming to Konoha, but now that it was here, his heart was still pounding with nervousness, like a child meeting his stepmother.

"The Whirlpool Cube." He looked directly into Kakashi's eyes and said, enunciating each word clearly, "Just call me Cube."

"A vortex? Why would it be a vortex?" Kakashi looked at the black, spiky head of the Rubik's Cube and couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

"Is there anything about my name that bothers you?" Rubik's Cube asked gently.

Kakashi's fingers unconsciously traced the edge of his headband, his exposed eye slightly narrowed, as if gazing at something through the mists of time.

"It's just that you look a lot like a friend of mine from the past." His voice was so soft it was almost drowned out by the noise of the ramen shop.

The Rubik's Cube noticed that Kakashi's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, clearly indicating that he was trying to suppress some kind of emotion.

The Rubik's Cube knew who he was talking about, but he still replied, "Really? That's my pleasure. I wonder which friend is now..."

"He's dead," Kakashi replied, but added a second later, "In the Third Shinobi World War."

The steam from the ramen bowls rose between them, forming a hazy barrier. The Rubik's Cube seemed to see the worry and sorrow in Kakashi's eyes.

"I'm sorry to bring this up," Rubik's Cube said softly.

—From this angle, his profile looks even more like Obito's, Kakashi thought.

"Hey! Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto suddenly pounced on Kakashi from behind, affectionately draping his arm over Kakashi's shoulder. "What secret topics are you two talking about? You're not talking badly about me, are you?"

Kakashi visibly relaxed and quickly brushed it off with a joke: "Oops, we've been found out. We were just discussing the incredible feat of a certain loser who, yesterday, went to report on a mission and desperately needed to find a restroom in the Hokage's office after drinking expired milk."

"What?! That was just an accident!" Naruto shouted, his face flushed red. Then he looked at the Rubik's Cube curiously. "Speaking of which, your name is Rubik's Cube, right? You're a disciple of one of the Legendary Sannin? You must be really strong, right?"

Sasuke, who had somehow appeared behind Naruto, crossed his arms and said coldly, "The disciples of the Sannin shouldn't be like some loser who can't even use basic ninjutsu properly."

"Who are you calling arrogant Sasuke?!"

Rubik's Cube watched the two fated rivals with great interest. By blood, these two future strongest ninjas in the world were his kin.

"That's not the point, idiot. Didn't you hear me? This guy also has the surname Uzumaki, just like you," Sasuke couldn't help but remind the eccentric Naruto.

"Wait! You also have the surname Whirlpool? Are we some distant relatives?"

Naruto's expression immediately became interesting, filled with excitement, a hint of anticipation, and barely concealed unease and fear in his eyes.

Chapter 9 My name is Vortex Cube, and I'm your family.

Seeing the mixture of expectation and trepidation in Naruto's eyes, Rubik's Cube felt a pang of sadness. After all, Naruto's current predicament was largely caused by his "cheap father" in this life—Obito Uchiha, whose "Kamui cannot hide his tears."

Although Rubik's Cube never truly regarded Obito as his biological father, the thought of acknowledging the son of his enemy, who had killed his parents, as family... was far too hellish.

Huh? Even Minato Namikaze, his own father, has no objections. Naruto himself said not to laugh at Obito. Why am I agonizing over this?

Well, in the end, it's just that Naruto's appearance is too heartbreaking. Thinking about his life trajectory of having no parents, growing up in the coldness and isolation of the village, and only truly having blood relatives after having two children, even I can't help but feel a little soft-hearted.

He gazed at that face, so familiar since his past life, and memories of his previous existence flooded back like a tide:

"Is that him? That kid... his scoundrel father was stabbed to death right after he was born."

"His mother left after giving birth to him. He's so young and has lost both his parents. It's so pitiful..."

"Listen to me, don't play with that child."

"Why? Mom, didn't you say he was pitiful?"

"He's pitiful, but he has no parents, and neither of them are good people! Who knows if this kid will grow up to be a bad one too..."

……

In his childhood memories, there were few warm moments. Secretly watching cartoons in a dark room was one of the few comforting memories in his fragmented time.

"I want to become Hokage and gain everyone's recognition!"

"How can someone who can't even save a friend become Hokage!"

"I will inherit my master's will! I can endure all the pain... I will bring about a world where people understand each other!"

……

Time flies. Through a small screen, the child watched the blond, blue-eyed boy transform from a scorned "fox spirit" into a revered hero; watched him grow from a reckless, unruly boy into a towering, outstanding ninja; witnessed him grow into adulthood, endure hardships, build a family, and finally realize his dreams...

That forever forward-thinking blond boy will never know that in another corner of the world, an ordinary child silently watched his entire life through a cold screen…

Even after many years, Rubik's Cube still vividly remembers the night he said goodbye to "Naruto." He tossed his phone onto the bed, a tightness in his chest, an indescribable sorrow choking him, his eyes burning, but the tears wouldn't fall. He knew he had lost an incredibly important "friend," he had forever lost the right to continue "peeping" into this friend's life…

"Hey, Rubik's Cube Bro? You... are you my family?" Naruto's voice wasn't as carefree as usual; instead, it carried a hint of caution.

The Rubik's Cube stared at Naruto. He knew very well that getting close to Naruto at this moment was not the best course of action.

Putting aside the fact that they had just met and knew each other very little, Jiraiya had never specifically revealed Naruto's background to him. Moreover, he carried the blood of the Uchiha clan, and if he rashly approached Naruto, it would likely arouse suspicion from the Third Hokage and even the higher-ups of Konoha—especially that old man Danzo, who would surely take the opportunity to cause trouble.

With his current strength, he could certainly protect himself, but considering his future plans, he felt it was better to play it safe for now.

Thinking about it this way, refusing Naruto now is undoubtedly the safest course of action. Even if they don't acknowledge each other now, Jiraiya will eventually come looking for Naruto, and he can still become Naruto's senior.

For Naruto, what difference is there between his senior brother and family? Thinking about it this way, remaining silent at this moment seems to be the best choice.

However, when his gaze fell upon the trepidation and anticipation in Naruto's eyes, Rubik's Cube felt a tightness in his chest. Even though Naruto didn't know him, in his heart, Naruto was a close friend he had "knew" long before he came into this world—even if this was only his own perception.

A deep-seated sense of loneliness from his childhood surged up, overlapping with the figure of the blond boy before him. After a fierce internal struggle, he finally made up his mind.

"Damn it, let's do it! If I have to endure before I have the strength, what's the point of all my skills? I'm a Kage-level ninja now, and a disciple of Jiraiya. They'll have to think twice before they mess with me!"

I didn't come into this world to suffer this humiliation! Now that I'm reborn, I can do whatever I want! (Ancestor's expression)

With his mind at ease, Rubik's Cube felt his breathing become smoother. He suppressed his earlier hesitation and his gentle gaze returned to Naruto's anxious face.

"Hahaha, if you find it difficult, Rubik's Cube, that's fine! I'm not really that bothered by it..." Naruto waved his hand, trying to cover up his disappointment with exaggerated laughter.

Although he is usually oblivious, he keenly noticed the Rubik's Cube's dilemma at this moment. Even though his longing for family affection was almost overflowing, he still forced himself to appear nonchalant and tried to change the subject.

"Speaking of which, Brother Rubik's Cube, what do you think of Uncle Ichiraku's ramen? It's super delicious, right? Uncle Ichiraku's cooking skills are definitely the best in Konoha!"

"Naruto."

The Rubik's Cube's calm sound interrupted Naruto's carefully constructed sense of ease.

"Naruto, may I call you that?"

"Ah... um." Naruto paused, stopping his waving hand.

“Since your surname is Uzumaki, it means you are an orphan of the Uzumaki clan.” Rubik’s Cube’s tone was calm and firm, as if stating an undeniable fact. “My mother has the blood of the Uzumaki clan flowing through her veins. Although we may be somewhat distant in blood relation, we are indeed of the same clan.” He paused, then clearly uttered those two words: “Therefore, we… are family.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Naruto felt a sudden surge of heat in his eyes. The emotions he had suppressed for so long burst forth like a flood, impossible to control. Large tears rolled down his cheeks, and the usually carefree boy cried out in a sob, "I have family now! Thank you, Rubik's Cube! Thank you!!"

Sasuke, watching Naruto sob uncontrollably, habitually wore a look of disgust on his face, but a barely perceptible trace of melancholy flickered deep within his dark eyes. While feeling relieved for Naruto, the bloody memories of the Uchiha clan tore at his heart once more. He instinctively clenched his fists, a cold hatred churning within his chest, burning silently.

"Uchiha Itachi..." the boy murmured to himself, the flames of revenge burning brighter than ever before. "One day, I will kill you with my own hands."

Chapter 10 Helping the Child

Kakashi and Asuma watched silently as Naruto and the Rubik's Cube reunited.

Unlike Sakura and Sasuke, who were genuinely happy for Naruto, Asuma's eyes flashed with worry; while Kakashi looked at his disciple and the boy who looked so much like his deceased best friend, a faint smile quietly appeared on the corner of his mouth, which was covered by his mask.

"Hey, Kakashi," Asuma asked his companion in a low voice, his tone somewhat cryptic, "Is this really a good idea? It's our first meeting, isn't it a bit too sudden?"

Kakashi waved his hand casually at him: "Don't worry. That kid is Jiraiya-sama's disciple. Even if he's not a Konoha ninja now, he's absolutely trustworthy. Even if you don't trust him, you should trust Jiraiya-sama."

(After all, he looks so much like Obito, how could he be a bad guy?) Kakashi silently added in his mind.

Asuma seemed to want to say something, but was interrupted by Sasuke's sudden action.

"Hey!" Sasuke crossed his arms, chin slightly raised, his gaze fixed intently on the Rubik's Cube. "Aren't you one of the Sannin's disciples? You must be quite strong. I'm Uchiha Sasuke, a descendant of the Uchiha clan. How about a match with me?"

Seeing Sasuke's arrogant attitude, as if he thought he was invincible again, Rubik's Cube knew it was time to teach Haruto a lesson.

"Hey, Sasuke!" Naruto immediately stepped forward, blocking the way for the Magic Cube. "Magic Cube has only just arrived in Konoha, how can you be so rude!"

He knew Sasuke's strength very well. Although he was reluctant to admit it, Sasuke was indeed the strongest among Naruto's peers. He didn't want to see either his newly recognized older brother or Sasuke get hurt.

"Shut up, you loser! This is none of your business," Sasuke said coldly.

"Huh? What did you say? Arrogant Sasuke!" Naruto instantly bristled. "I was clearly worried about you, you bastard!"

"You mean I'll lose?" Sasuke's eyes grew even colder.

"It's okay, Naruto." Rubik's Cube gently patted Naruto's shoulder, stepped forward, and said in a relaxed tone, "It's just like a post-dinner workout."

"Hmph, you do have some guts." Sasuke sneered. "I'll show you the true power of the Uchiha clan."

(The strength of the Uchiha clan? I know far more about them than you do.) Rubik's Cube thought to himself.

"Come with me!" Sasuke turned around, his tone leaving no room for argument. "To the training grounds."

Training Course

The Rubik's Cube looked at Sasuke, who was standing opposite it, eager to try, and laughed.

"It's my pleasure to teach you, Uchiha genius."

"Let me experience the strength of the legendary Sannin disciple."

Before Sasuke could finish speaking, he shot out like an arrow, his movements clean and swift, using a standard Uchiha throwing technique! Three shuriken, arranged in a triangular shape, flew at lightning speed towards the top, middle, and bottom of the Rubik's Cube.

Instead of retreating, the Rubik's Cube moved forward. Sasuke slightly tilted his body to find the right angle, his left hand moving with lightning speed. "Clang! Clang! Clang!" Three crisp sounds rang out as the kunai precisely deflected the shuriken, sparks flying. Sasuke followed closely, his right leg sweeping like a steel whip, creating a whistling sound.

boom!

Rubik's Cube raised his arm to parry, his forearm muscles instantly tensing, and he firmly blocked the attack. Compared to the vortex clan in terms of physique, I must say, Sasuke, you are truly brave.

The strength was impressive, but… Rubik's Cube's eyes narrowed, and his left leg swept low with lightning speed, attacking Sasuke's unsteady lower body. Sasuke reacted extremely quickly, using the momentum to leap backward, his hands rapidly forming hand seals.

"Art fire escape ho fireball!"

A blazing fireball roared out, illuminating the training field and sending waves of heat crashing down! The Rubik's Cube smiled slightly, its hand seals moving even faster, the afterimages of its fingers barely visible.

"Is the pressure really that high during the initial firefight?"

"Wind Escape·Big Breakthrough!"

A violent gust of air erupted from his mouth, instantly colliding with the fireball! Did the wind fan the flames? No! The precisely controlled wind pressure, like an invisible giant hand, brutally tore the fireball apart! The flames hissed unwillingly, forcibly pushed to both sides, exploding on either side of the Rubik's Cube. The scorching air lifted the hem of his clothes, but he was completely unharmed.

"What?!" Sasuke's pupils shrank sharply. His opponent had actually used Wind Release to forcefully break his Great Fireball Technique! The shock lasted only a moment, but his strong sense of pride compelled him to pounce again.

The Sharingan with two tomoe has awakened.

The Wind Release technique that Rubik's Cube had just used made Sasuke clearly realize the gap between them, but Sasuke still had no intention of admitting defeat. He knew very well that if he did not go all out to seize the rhythm of the battle, he would undoubtedly fall into a disadvantageous position.

The kunai flashed with a cold light, and the attack became even faster! With superb Uchiha fluid jutsu combined with the Sharingan's dynamic visual prediction, he dodged the shuriken thrown by the Rubik's Cube at an extremely fast speed and attacked the Rubik's Cube.

"Having seen the difference in ninjutsu, are you trying to prevent me from forming hand seals and releasing ninjutsu through a barrage of rapid attacks?"

"But unfortunately, ninjutsu is my talent, and taijutsu is my hobby."

Rubik's Cube moved with agile grace, weaving through Sasuke's relentless attacks, sometimes blocking, sometimes dodging. His movements were concise and efficient, without a single wasted moment, as if he could predict the trajectory of every single one of Sasuke's attacks. Kunai clashed, clanging loudly, sparks flying!