Orochimaru?
As an elite of Root during the war, Nono was well aware of the weight behind that name.
If Kabuto could become Orochimaru's disciple, given his status as a Sannin, even Danzō would think twice before trying to cause trouble for him.
Kakashi, the Anbu Captain directly under the Fourth Hokage, had been a war hero alongside Uchiha Obito and Nohara Rin at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge.
And just now, the Fourth Hokage himself had suddenly appeared, clearly for Kakashi's sake.
Such a person wouldn't lie to her.
After a short pause, Nono looked at Kakashi with gratitude and bowed respectfully.
"I'll leave Kabuto in your care, Captain Kakashi."
"Whoa, whoa, Dean Nono, no need for that," Kakashi said quickly, helping her up. "The village should protect kind people like you—people who keep kids safe from the world's lunatics. Or, y'know… from certain wrinkly old 'patriots' who think brainwashing children is a public service."
"When I get back, I'll make sure Anbu and the Konoha Military Police know. If anyone shady shows up here again, just go straight to them. Or, if you're feeling dramatic, you can yell my name into the wind and hope I'm nearby."
"Oh, right—Dean, you haven't eaten yet, have you? This is the lunch I brought. Let's eat together."
Kakashi pulled out a Sealing Scroll and, with a flick, produced one hundred steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen.
"Wow, it smells so good!"
The aroma immediately drew the children who had been hiding inside.
When Nono saw their thin, pale faces brighten at the sight of the food, her eyes softened.
For so long, the orphanage's funds had been 'delayed' by the Finance Department for various "reasons," forcing them to scrape by on a single meal a day.
They hadn't eaten this well in a long time.
"These were bought by this big brother. Shouldn't we all say thank you first?" Nono asked with a bright smile.
"Thank you, big brother!"
Nearly a hundred young voices rang out unevenly.
These war orphans, most only around five years old, looked at Kakashi with curiosity, admiration, and gratitude.
"Aha… you're welcome, everyone. Now eat before it gets cold—trust me, cold ramen is a crime even I wouldn't commit."
Even Kakashi felt a little awkward under so many admiring stares.
Nono chuckled at the sight of the man who had just stood up to Danzō now looking like he'd been ambushed by fan club members.
She distributed the ramen efficiently while Kakashi, saying nothing more, took Kabuto's hand and slipped away quietly.
"Let's go. I'm not selling you to a traveling circus—you'll get plenty of chances to visit again."
Kabuto kept glancing back, earning a teasing look from Kakashi.
"Hey, I know," Kabuto muttered, embarrassed.
Dean, I'll learn quickly… and I'll come back to protect you.
"By the way, Kabuto, I can introduce you to a master… but whether they accept you depends on your own effort."
Kabuto blinked. He'd thought the deal was already sealed—but it made sense. He had nothing, not even the means to pay for training.
"Well, I'll work hard to earn Master Orochimaru's approval!" he declared, clenching his fists.
"Good. Big brother believes you," Kakashi said with a grin, ruffling his hair.
He wasn't worried—Uncle Snake wasn't the type to pass up rare talent. Kabuto's potential was undeniable. In the original records, he'd gone on to master Edo Tensei and wield the Ryūchi Cave's power.
Of course, he still had a long way to go before reaching Kakashi-level greatness.
Soon, they reached the laboratory.
Orochimaru bluntly stated he didn't accept mediocrity, but Kakashi only smiled and said:
"Uncle Snake, this kid's talent is no worse than yours."
…
Meanwhile, in the Third Hokage's courtyard…
In the pavilion on the pond, four teacups steamed gently. Hiruzen tapped the table idly, as though waiting.
A servant hurried in. "Lord Third, Lord Danzō and the others have arrived."
"Let them in," Hiruzen replied.
The servant bowed and returned with Danzō and the two Hokage advisors.
"I figured you'd show up. Try the tea—it's fresh from the Daimyō's estate. Eight Maidens Jade Dew. Worth half a fortune per catty."
"Hmph, you certainly know how to live," Danzō said, but didn't refuse.
The advisors sipped with smiles.
"Good tea," Homura murmured.
"Indeed. Your wife's lucky to have a man with such refined taste," Koharu added, her tone tinged with envy.
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "You're here about Minato, aren't you?"
"Hiruzen, you saw what he did today—he's trying to strip me of power already! That's disrespectful to me and to you!"
"Young people have their own ideas," Hiruzen replied evenly.
"Hmph! Today it's me—tomorrow it'll be Koharu and Homura! Before you know it, you'll just be a figurehead!"
The advisors nodded. They were used to holding power and didn't intend to give it up to a Hokage who wasn't one of their old comrades.
"Yes, Hiruzen—beware of raising a tiger," Koharu warned.
Hiruzen paused, then nodded slowly. "What Minato did was indeed inappropriate. I'll teach him a lesson."
To be continued....