"Dou, eat slowly, it'd be bad if you choke… unless you're secretly trying to train for Anbu stealth missions in the afterlife."
Before he could finish, Yakushi Kabuto, who was wolfing down Ichiraku ramen, suddenly froze, hands in midair, face turning red like he'd just swallowed a fireball jutsu.
He immediately grabbed his neck with one hand and beat his chest with the other.
Bang bang bang!
Kakashi quickly patted Kabuto's back—lightly, of course; no point in knocking the kid's lungs out—helping him swallow the ramen stuck in his throat.
"Huh~"
Finally, Kabuto managed to breathe smoothly again and let out a long sigh.
He looked at Kakashi gratefully."Hehe, I can't eat such good food on weekdays, so…"
"Don't worry, your big brother here isn't short of money. Besides, I'm not about to let Konoha's future medic-nin choke to death in front of me—that's bad for my reputation."
Kakashi snapped his left fingers toward Uncle Ichiraku, who was busy in the kitchen."Uncle Ichiraku, pack another hundred large portions of tonkotsu ramen!"
"Okay, wait a moment!" Uncle Ichiraku's simple voice came from the back.
"After we finish eating, let's take these hundred portions back to the orphanage. My treat."
Kakashi looked at the somewhat shy Kabuto and smiled gently.
"Really? Thank you, big brother. The dean hasn't had a good meal in a long time!"
Kakashi's words made Kabuto's eyes light up, but the brightness quickly dimmed.
"I overheard yesterday that the orphanage is running out of funds. A very fierce old man wants the dean to go to the Root and hand over a child…"
"The dean didn't agree, but the old man told her to give him an answer before tonight."
Oh? That old relic Danzo can't keep himself from causing trouble again? It's been what—three days? Does he get withdrawal symptoms without meddling?
Kakashi's heart moved.
Because he had too many things to do, it was impossible to participate in Orochimaru's research for years. No matter how talented Orochimaru was, one person's energy was always limited.
So after Kakashi reached a cooperation with Orochimaru, he remembered Orochimaru's strongest helper in the original timeline—Yakushi Kabuto.
From then on, he began helping at the Konoha Orphanage managed by Yakushi Nono whenever he had time.
Kabuto was now just a child six years younger than him.
Kakashi's easy charm attracted the attention of the kids quickly. With some daily care—and a few bowls of ramen—Kabuto had grown to genuinely admire this cool-looking yet kind big brother.
"Oh, big brother, let me tell you a secret. I plan to step up and share the dean's worries when that old man comes again."
"So next time you come, you might not find me! But don't worry, I'll never forget you!"
Kabuto forced a smile, but the disappointment in his eyes was clear.
If possible, he wanted to spend every day with his big brother, but… at least Kakashi would know he wasn't leaving without a word.
Kakashi patted his head tenderly, saying nothing.
After Kabuto had eaten his fill, Kakashi used a Sealing Scroll to pack the ramen and walked back holding Kabuto's hand.
Boom boom boom!
On the other side, three people led by Danzo stood in front of the orphanage, and Aburame Ryoma stepped forward to knock on the door.
A moment later, the door opened, and Yakushi Nono's face instantly darkened at the sight of Danzo.
"I never thought that you, my most satisfied subordinate who was once called the Walking Shrine Maiden, would now be a babysitter for a group of strays."
"Yakushi Nono, have you thought of your answer?" Danzo's cold voice left no room for doubt.
"Lord Danzo, I have withdrawn from Root."
"As for aid, I will request it from the Fourth Hokage."
Nono's tone was respectful, but disgust was buried in her frown.
"Haha, quit?" Danzo chuckled as if she'd told the funniest joke in the village, his cold eyes making Nono's blood run cold.
"Didn't I tell you? Once you enter Root, you remain Root for life. Alive, you're Root. Dead, you're a ghost of Root!"
"But you clearly promised me that as long as I completed that mission, I could—"
"Haha, did I say that? Even if I did, it was only to give you a long vacation."
"Nono, Root needs you now. Time to serve again."
Danzo's cold words made Nono's heart sink completely.
Shock at his betrayal mixed with anger at her own helplessness.
"Oh, and about Root recruiting another spy—have you decided who to recommend?"
"I can go with you, but these children can't!" Nono snapped, her protective instincts overriding her fear.
"Snort! Seems you've forgotten the rules of Root. As a Root ninja, you follow orders."
Danzo's eyes chilled. Looks like she'd need retraining.
"Don't hurt Dean Nono! I can go with you!"
A childish voice cut through the tension.
A thin figure with glasses rushed forward, spreading his arms to shield Nono.
It was Yakushi Kabuto, freshly returned with Kakashi.
"Dou, this is between adults, don't interfere!"
"Lord Danzo, Kabuto is still young and doesn't understand. Don't take his words seriously!" Nono's voice trembled as she pleaded.
"Oh? Seems you care for him." Danzo's lips curled.
Perfect. With such a weakness, Nono wouldn't dare defy him.
Soft-hearted as ever. A ninja must abandon emotions.
But this was fine. Emotions meant weaknesses.
Just like Konoha's White Fang… a Kage-level warrior who killed himself for Kakashi's sake.
How ridiculous.
To be continued....
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