Chapter 192: The Reclusive Expert
Although Obito had noticed many odd things about Masahiko, Masahiko's carving skills still thoroughly awed him. Or perhaps the "prospect" of learning carving was just too wonderful... In any case, Masahiko's Taobao Shop gained a young apprentice.
From Monday to Friday, Masahiko appeared in Konoha Village in his original form, teaching his three-person squad of children and accepting the respect of others as a highly esteemed senior.
But on weekends, Masahiko would suddenly "disappear," transforming into the Taobao Shop owner to mentor his young apprentice.
Having taken in such an apprentice, Masahiko wasn't in a rush to add goods to the Taobao Shop anymore; training an apprentice was also very enjoyable.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed. It was another weekend. Masahiko used the Transformation Jutsu in an unmanned corner and leisurely headed towards the Taobao Shop.
"No need to rush; that little apprentice is always late anyway."
However, unexpectedly, when Masahiko arrived, Obito was already standing at the door, accompanied by a few small figures.
"Kakashi, why did you follow me?" Obito's voice came, full of reluctance.
"I came to see what kind of luck you had to be accepted as a disciple by the master carver of the Taobao Shop."
Obito didn't rush to retort but showed a surprised expression instead. "Is Master very famous?"
"Of course, Obito," Rin Nohara said with a smile from the side.
"It is said that the owner here is the best carver in all of Konoha. Although the wood carvings are very expensive, almost all the seniors in Konoha who can afford them have bought one."
"Is he that amazing..." Obito murmured.
"Not as amazing as you; you were reluctant when I took you as an apprentice!" Masahiko walked over with a smile.
"Senior." Three voices called out. Besides Kakashi and Rin, Kurenai Yuhi was also there; she seemed to be on very good terms with Rin.
Obito was stunned and smiled sheepishly. "I didn't know before..."
"Also, Master, you're late today." Obito, who was always late, finally caught someone else being late.
Masahiko sighed. "I helped an old grandpa cross the street today, so I was delayed for a while."
Obito's face stiffened, and he felt terrible all over.
Masahiko walked past and opened the door to the Taobao Shop.
"Come on in, all of you."
"Thank you, Senior."
...
Inside the shop, Masahiko signaled them to look around freely, then smiled at Obito.
"What? You brought the girl you like over so soon? Your carving practice hasn't even officially started yet."
Since he only came on weekends and it had only been a month, Obito wasn't a carving genius, so his skills were still far from adequate.
"What girl I like..." Obito's face turned red instantly.
"Kakashi, look over here! It's Lord White Fang!" Rin's pleasantly surprised voice rang out.
Obito looked "indignant." Masahiko smiled. "Go be a guide and introduce the items in the shop to them."
Watching Obito run over quickly, Masahiko picked up a piece of wood, glanced at the four of them, and his carving knife began to move rapidly.
By the time the four children finished browsing the shop, two small wood carvings were already in front of Masahiko: Kakashi and Obito. In Masahiko's hand was an unfinished carving of Kurenai.
Kakashi had been composed since childhood, but his eyelids were twitching right now. Obito had a similar expression.
Masahiko had carved them into a "Left Hmph" and a "Right Hmph" (referring to Nio statues or similar paired expressions), looking very funny when placed together.
"So cute, Kakashi, Obito. Right, Kurenai?"
"Yes..."
Hearing the two girls' discussion, Kakashi and Obito's expressions improved rapidly. Masahiko looked up with a smile.
"Rin Nohara... this little girl seems to be born with an unusual affinity."
The carving of Kurenai in his hand was completed. This one was a normal version. Seeing her expectant expression, Masahiko handed it over directly.
"Then finally..." Masahiko took a deep look at Rin opposite him, picked up a piece of wood, but didn't start carving immediately. Instead, he brought over the "Hmph Hmph" wood carvings of Obito and Kakashi and gestured back and forth.
Under the puzzled gazes of the children, after about ten minutes, Masahiko finally started his work.
This carving wasn't standing but half-squatting, which was much more difficult. Also, the two markings on Rin's face weren't easy to represent. It took Masahiko nearly an hour to finish completely.
Under their confused gazes, Masahiko placed Kakashi and Obito's wood carvings side by side, and placed Rin's wood carving in the middle. Instantly, the three seemed tightly connected together.
"Missing a Minato, otherwise it would be a whole squad," Masahiko thought.
"Come over and look. This is proof of your friendship. Take one each. I hope you can always form a picture together in the future."
"Who wants to be friends with Kakashi?" Obito muttered.
"Senior, what about Kurenai?" Rin whispered beside Masahiko.
Masahiko's expression stiffened. He was only thinking about the three of them being in the same squad and forgot Kurenai was also here.
"Give me your wood carving." Masahiko quickly turned to Kurenai, placed her wood carving in the back, replacing Minato's position. The originally harmonious picture shattered instantly.
"Alright, alright, one for each of you, take them." Masahiko quickly changed the subject and handed them out one by one.
"The wood carvings I sell are one million ryo each. You guys got lucky today."
The four children thanked him repeatedly.
"Senior," Kakashi hesitated slightly but still asked, "are you a ninja?"
Masahiko was stunned. "Where did you get that idea?"
"The carving knife you use seems to be able to conduct chakra."
Masahiko realized. Kakashi must have seen his father's White Fang short sword often, so it wasn't strange for him to recognize it.
"Eh? Master, are you also a ninja?" Obito asked in surprise, recalling the incident of helping him cross the street.
Masahiko nodded, then shook his head. "Does it matter? Anyway, I'm just an old man selling carvings now."
As soon as these words were spoken, an aura of a reclusive expert rushed forth. Masahiko mentally gave himself twelve thumbs up.
Sure enough, expressions of admiration appeared on the faces of the four children opposite him.
Obito was especially excited. "Then Master, what rank of ninja are you? Can you teach me ninjutsu?"
Masahiko continued to act profound. "Didn't I say it before? Carving is also a form of training..."
Obito nodded beside him, seemingly understanding but not quite.
"Obito, you have to study hard," Rin encouraged him, and Obito immediately got pumped up.
"No problem! Master, continue teaching me carving now."
The other three exchanged glances. "Then we'll be leaving first, Senior."
Masahiko sent the group off, laughing secretly in his heart.
"This act of a reclusive expert was very successful!"
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