**Chapter 144: Jōnin and Chūnin**
After the New Year, the timeline moves forward to the 48th year of the Hidden Leaf Village.
As usual, Haneda continues to train Obito in Fire Style techniques, using Shadow Clones for his own training. After mastering the S-Rank Lightning Style, "Kirin," Haneda finds it difficult to make further progress with Lightning Style. Any significant improvement now would only come with time and patience.
Haneda is well aware that the Third Shinobi War hasn't ended with the peace talks between the Hidden Leaf and the Sand Village; the shinobi world remains in a state of tense anticipation. At any moment, a lost shinobi could trigger a new round of conflict, sparking yet another war. Although Haneda is just a step away from Kage-level strength, that final step is significant. Without reaching Kage-level, he doesn't even have the qualifications to break free from the plans orchestrated by Madara.
Unable to progress further with Lightning Style, Haneda redirects his efforts to mastering Wood Style, swordsmanship, and Flying Thunder God techniques. Fortunately, with the Hidden Leaf's recent peace with the Sand Village, the village is experiencing a short period of calm, allowing Haneda more time for training as even Obito has less mission work to do.
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Two months later, at the Uchiha Clan training grounds, Obito—now sporting a pair of goggles—focuses intently on his jutsu, hands forming signs at rapid speed.
"Fire Style: Great Fire Dragon Jutsu!" Obito releases a massive ball of flames, taking the shape of a dragon's head, which flies toward the center of the lake. Upon impact, the lake emits a soft, white mist as water evaporates and cools in the air.
A figure approaches from behind. With slightly longer black hair, clad in a gray shirt under a black cloak, and a sword at his side, Haneda gives off a cool and powerful aura. Activating his Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he assesses Obito's jutsu with a nod of approval.
"Impressive Fire Style, Obito."
Pleased with the acknowledgment, Obito chuckles and responds, "It's all thanks to your training, Haneda. I've been working hard, especially so Kakashi won't have anything to say."
Hearing Kakashi's name, Haneda recalls his recent conversation with him about Lightning Style and Flying Thunder God techniques. Smiling, Haneda says, "Kakashi actually cares about you, Obito. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother saying anything."
Remembering the time Kakashi showed genuine concern when he was captured by Scorpion, Obito murmurs, "Maybe…"
Just then, three figures appear from the nearby woods—Minato, Kakashi, and Rin.
"Haneda, still wasting time teaching that dropout, huh?" Kakashi teases as soon as he arrives. Despite his words, he's surprised at the progress Obito has made with his Fire Style jutsu. Could this dropout really surpass him?
"Shut up, dumb Kakashi! Thanks to Haneda's teaching, I've improved a lot!" Obito shouts, shaking his fist at Kakashi. Rin quickly intervenes, trying to calm Obito down.
"Relax, Obito. Kakashi's actually checked in on you a lot," she explains.
Kakashi immediately retorts, "I was visiting Haneda, not some dropout who'd drag down my IQ."
Predictably, Obito and Kakashi start bickering, with Rin stepping in to play peacemaker, and Minato looking on in exasperation. This familiar scene brings a smile to Haneda's face.
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Since Obito is preparing for the upcoming Chūnin Exams, Haneda also intensifies his own training, spending time honing his skills alongside his Shadow Clones. A week later, he receives news from the Third Hokage: due to their outstanding battlefield performances in resisting the Sand Village's attack and defeating Rasa, Haneda and Kakashi have been promoted to Jōnin.
The news of two eleven-year-old Jōnin sends shockwaves through the Hidden Leaf, though few question the promotion given their impressive battle record. This accomplishment only enhances the reputation of the "Twin Stars of the Leaf." Even the other villages, including the Sand Village, take notice of this rising young talent.
Soon after, another major announcement shakes the shinobi world: with the support of Chiyo, Ebizō, and other high-ranking Sand leaders, Rasa is appointed as the Fourth Kazekage. Haneda and Kakashi, who had captured Rasa, gain even more fame.
Many Uchiha clan members, including Fugaku and the clan leader, come to offer their congratulations to Haneda, and others, like Minato, Shisui, and Kushina, do so as well. Though Haneda isn't particularly moved by such honors, he can't deny feeling a bit of pride.
During this time, the focus shifts to the Chūnin Exams, and the excitement surrounding Haneda and Kakashi's promotion gradually fades. Meanwhile, Obito successfully makes his way through the exams, defeating numerous opponents and securing his place as a Chūnin.
As Obito exits the exam hall, he's greeted by Rin, who blushes as she whispers something in his ear, making his face turn red with surprise. She's invited him to meet her under the cherry blossom tree.