Chapter 223: Encounter

Left the Hokage building.

Bathed in the bright sunshine, Dong Shilang felt the urge to go straight home and rest.

After such a long time of mission slaughter, he was utterly exhausted, both physically and mentally, to the point of saying he had reached his limit.

"Mm! What a happy decision!"

Having just become a Jonin, it didn't stir the slightest ripple in his heart.

Leisurely making his way to One Joy Ramen, he ordered a bowl of bone broth ramen to his taste, ready to fill his stomach.

"Dong Shilang senior! Long time no see!"

Just as he lifted the curtain and was about to enter the shop, a somewhat youthful female voice called out to him.

"It's Lin!"

Turning his head, he saw it was Yeyuan Lin, who was alone on the street at that time, seemingly shopping for something.

Really leisurely!

"I haven't seen a senior's figure in the village for a long time; are you back to rest this time?"

"Mm! Rest for two days!"

Regarding Obito's first love, Dong Shilang also didn't show too much enthusiasm.

"Obito, you idiot, you didn't follow him today? Really rare!"

While sitting down to order, Dong Shilang chatted casually with her.

Unexpectedly, she didn't know why either, but also ordered a bowl of ramen, apparently she hadn't eaten breakfast.

"Obito is preparing for the Chunin exam, so..."

"Please excuse my blunder, senior!"

Looking at the little girl with two streaks of purple paint on her cheeks, Dong Shilang couldn't help but sigh, such a gentle soft girl, no wonder Obito would go crazy for her.

"I don't know, Lin, what do you think of that idiot Obito?"

Not caring about Obito's participation in the Chunin exam this time, Dong Shilang instead asked this question.

"You know... that idiot regards you as his whole life!"

While eating the ramen in his hand, Dong Shilang posed that question, while secretly observing her expression changes.

"..."

Watching Yeyuan Lin silently stirring the noodles in her bowl with chopsticks, Dong Shilang couldn't help but complain.

Who knows which genius came up with the three‑person team model, making these brats all the more pretentious despite being small.

And it even produced a bunch of love‑birds!

"Obito and I have grown up together since childhood; we are very good friends and companions."

"Obito is kind, passionate, and idealistic; now he also strives to achieve his ideals, and I'm very happy for him!"

"I think we will be lifelong friends."

After brewing for a long time, Yeyuan Lin finally spoke these words.

After saying all that, she felt as if a burden had been lifted.

Obito's enthusiasm toward her—she's not blind, so how could she not know?

As children they could be called good playmates, but as she grew up and matured early, she early on sensed his feelings for her that went beyond friendship.

On one hand, she also felt a bit proud.

At the same time, she didn't reject this feeling.

But his usual behavior is really hard to put into words.

She also didn't want to lose this sincere friendship, and for a moment became hesitant, fearing she might accidentally hurt this pure companion.

At that moment, when Dong Shilang asked her, she didn't hide anything and expressed her thoughts.

These things had weighed on her heart for a long time; saying them out now made her feel much lighter.

"That's right! It's also that idiot's own doing!"

It's to be said that everything is this brat's own fault.

That idiot, after Kakashi brat graduated early, he wasn't without opportunity, but this brat's usual poor performance let the opportunity slip away.

"Lin! So you're here!"

"I've been looking for you for a long time!"

"Hey! Dong Shilang senior is here too!"

Just then, Obito came running up in a hurry outside the ramen shop.

After seeing Yeyuan Lin, he braked suddenly. Only then did he notice Dong Shilang's figure.

"Ah! Looking at you, I can tell you haven't eaten breakfast; this time I'll treat you!"

Seeing the boy with his hands on his knees, panting heavily, Dong Shilang, rarely feeling generous, treated him to a meal.

It also served to console that love‑failed idiot.

"Really? That's great!"

"Heh heh heh! Dong Shilang senior, are you early‑celebrating my passing the Chunin exam?"

While saying that, he didn't forget to gesture and say: "Give me a seafood ramen, extra large!"

He had no idea that his love had already died in the womb; Uchiha Obito was quite happy at this time.

Having a rare chance for Dong Shilang to treat, he would not hold back.

Looking aside, seeing Yeyuan Lin's helpless gaze, Dong Shilang rubbed his forehead, also feeling a headache.

Having been a ninja for a while, he should have had plenty of time to grow somewhat; now he's about to become a Chunin, yet he still looks like he just graduated from ninja school.

He deserves to remain a simp until death.

You little brat, you gotta be careful, don't be like last time, getting easily KO'd by others, that would be too embarrassing!

Eh~

Absolutely not! I've trained hard for two years this time; I will definitely pass the Chunin exam!

By then I'll be just like Big Brother Dong Shilang, a Chunin! How about that… impressive, right?

While saying that, he also looked at Dong Shilang with pride, as if about to praise me, just like a husky waiting to be fed, frantically wagging its tail.

Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm now an active Jonin of the Leaf Village—you kid will never catch up!

Leisurely finishing the last noodle, Dong Shilang took a sip of the fragrant bone broth and calmly said.

What!

Really?

Not only Obito, but even Yeyuan Lin beside him would be very surprised.

A fourteen‑year‑old Jonin is still quite intimidating!

What do you say…

He glanced sideways at Obito, Dong Shilang didn't elaborate further. But from his attitude, the result was already clear.

Damn! If I could awaken the Sharingan, I could definitely become a Jonin too!

While complaining like that, the guy suddenly seemed to think of something, looking hopefully at Dong Shilang.

What are you looking at?

Big Brother Dong Shilang… uh… do you have any secrets for awakening your eyes? Can you tell me?

Don't worry, if you awaken your eyes, I'll treat you to this meal!

While saying that, he slapped his chest, making a thumping sound!

Seeing this, Dong Shilang beside him twitched at the corners of his eyes—even if there were secrets, they couldn't be bought with just a bowl of ramen~