Chapter 4 - 4: The Drunken Tyrant and the Broken Uchiha
Jingle Bell—The chime signaled the end of class, and Tanaka Hideichi sighed in relief. "Alright, class dismissed! Be careful on your way home!" He didn't wait for a response—he practically sprinted out the door.
"M-My aunt just called me for dinner!"
"Yeah, same! Totally forgot, gotta go!"
Within seconds, the boys in class vanished. Even most of the girls left, despite some of them admiring Youyu's looks. No one wanted to be around him when he drank too much. Normal people got drunk and passed out—Youyu got drunk and swung swords. Asuma, still humiliated, was the first to flee. The shame of trying to fight Youyu only to collapse in terror before a single swing haunted him. He just wanted to get home and forget today ever happened.
"Rin, let's go home together!" Obito stood before Nohara Rin, his face red as he worked up the courage to ask. But there was no response. After waiting a few moments, he hesitantly looked up—his heart sank. Rin wasn't even looking at him. She was walking toward Youyu.
The Drunken Poet
"Come, let us raise a glass! Away with all sorrows! Let only wine and poetry remain!" Youyu, completely wasted, began reciting drunken poetry from his past life.
"Youyu-kun, are you okay?" Kurenai stepped closer, concern in her crimson eyes. His swaying made it obvious—he had way too much to drink. "You've had enough," Rin added, steadying his slouching body.
Youyu lifted his head, his glazed-over eyes focusing on them. "Two beautiful ladies... how about a drink?" Before either of them could react, he pulled both Kurenai and Rin into his arms.
"Yu-Youyu-kun?!" The two girls froze, their faces turning bright red. Their hearts pounded. They weren't exactly against it... but still! Their eyes met, flustered and unsure.
"YOUYU, YOU BASTARD!!"
Obito stood frozen, watching his dream girl fall into another man's embrace. His brain short-circuited before rage took over. He didn't care about the power gap, didn't care that Youyu could kill him with ease. In that moment, jealousy overpowered survival instincts. He clenched his fists and charged.
"Hmph. What do you think you're doing? Sit down."
Rin's voice stopped him instantly. She glared at him, still nestled in Youyu's arms. "Rin?! But he—!" Obito choked on his words.
"Shh! Keep your voice down! You'll wake Youyu-kun!" Rin whispered sharply. Kurenai nodded in agreement, still blushing.
Obito's world shattered. He had tried to save Rin from Youyu, but instead of gratitude, she was mad at him? For waking up the guy who stole her right in front of him?! His heart broke.
For a long moment, he just stood there, lost. Then—
"...What are you doing? Move along. You'll wake Youyu-kun."
Obito clenched his fists, but he obeyed. As he walked away, his steps grew quieter. His shoulders slumped, his eyes stung. That lone, defeated figure disappeared into the hallway.
For the first time... he truly understood pain.