c124 – Nonou and Kabuto
"Please come in, distinguished guests," said Yakushi Nonou, her voice soft but calm as she stepped aside with a gentle smile.
"Teacher Orochimaru," Gen Uchiha's eyes swept across the courtyard and settled on the silver-haired boy standing beside Nonou. "Do you know him?"
His tone was casual, but his gaze was sharp.
Yakushi Kabuto. Gen had already recognized him.
Despite his small frame and quiet demeanor, this boy was a future elite. His raw talent and intellect placed him among the rarest kind: a genius without a bloodline limit, much like Namikaze Minato, Might Guy, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Jiraiya… and Orochimaru himself.
In that way, Kabuto was one of the few "ordinary" ninjas capable of transcending ordinary limits.
"This child once treated my injuries," Orochimaru replied with a faint smile. "His control of medical ninjutsu is impressive, especially for someone so young."
"Oh?" Gen raised an eyebrow. "To have earned your praise so early… it's a shame such talent is being confined in an orphanage."
Gen was only a few years older than Kabuto, but his taller frame and confident bearing made him seem like an adult. Compared to Kabuto's meek posture, the difference was stark.
"I don't feel confined," Kabuto replied in a small voice. "Helping the dean and the others makes me feel useful. I'm happy here."
Gen didn't reply directly. His words weren't meant for Kabuto they were for Orochimaru.
"To encounter such a rare talent and not extend an invitation… That's not like you, Teacher."
"He refused," Orochimaru answered simply. "His heart was still tied to this place. But…"
"He's still too green. He's missed much."
Gen thought silently: If Kabuto had joined Orochimaru earlier… the tragedy between him and Nonou might've never occurred.
Nonou, sensing the shift in atmosphere, smiled again and ushered them inside. "Lord Orochimaru, and… Mr. Uchiha, please have a seat."
They entered the modest main room of the orphanage. A few moments later, the round, plump assistant came over with Kabuto, each bringing a cup of hot tea and placing it before the guests.
"I apologize for the humble reception," Nonou said with a slight bow. "Resources are limited, but you are welcome here."
"It's fine," Gen said with a light smile. "We came here for a different reason, Walking Witch."
The moment her ROOT codename was spoken aloud, Nonou's eyes narrowed slightly but her smile did not waver.
"I wonder what matter would make Lord Orochimaru seek out someone like me," she said, composed as ever.
"Don't go far, boy," Gen said suddenly. "You may be needed."
Kabuto stopped at the doorway, glancing at Nonou in confusion.
"Please… whatever it is, don't involve Kabuto," Nonou said firmly, her voice no longer warm, but serious.
Gen leaned back. "There are things you can't protect him from, Dean. Sometimes, facing a storm directly is the only way through."
"Don't you agree, Orochimaru-sensei?"
"…Yes," Orochimaru said softly. "Avoidance can only last so long."
Gen's eyes turned steely. "Let's not dance around it. Danzo has already turned his eyes back to you."
Nonou's smile faltered just for a breath.
"If he wasn't occupied with the current instability in the Land of Lightning, he'd be here himself," Gen continued. "As it stands, he'll come in two or three days… a week at most. His orders? For you to infiltrate Iwagakure, investigate their war readiness, and embed for long-term surveillance."
Nonou didn't react visibly but her pulse quickened.
"And you know what kind of man Danzo is," Gen added quietly. "He knows you left ROOT. Yet now he wants you back?"
"…It was thanks to the Third Hokage that I was able to leave," she said, her voice low.
"And now Hiruzen is aging. Danzo grows bolder," Orochimaru said. "We both know that if you refuse…"
Nonou's eyes flicked briefly toward the window toward the sound of children laughing.
Her silence was the answer.
Gen gave a slight wave. The assistant took the cue and silently left, walking beyond earshot.
"With the orphanage as your weak point," Gen said, "you already know you can't refuse him."
"It's already decided," Orochimaru added. "The only question is: where will your true loyalty lie?"
A triple agent.
That was what Orochimaru was suggesting.
Nonou's expression hardened. The weight of her past—the killings, the constant manipulation, the masks she had worn all returned in that moment.
"I'm tired of being a pawn."
"But you still have something to protect," Gen said. "And that gives you leverage."
Nonou's voice was calm again. "Then what are you offering?"
Kabuto suddenly stepped forward. "Dean… please don't go!"
She reached out to comfort him, but Gen spoke first.
"What's your name?"
"Yakushi Kabuto," the boy replied softly.
"Your dean cares for you deeply," Gen said. "You heard us this isn't a game. We're offering a chance to protect what matters to you both."
"By joining us, the orphanage gains more than protection it gains support. Resources. Security."
"Danzo provides just enough to keep the roof from caving in. We provide enough to change lives."
"Nutritious meals. Proper bedding. Educational materials. Futures."
Nonou stared at Orochimaru. "Can you promise that?"
"Of course," Orochimaru said, amused. "My research budget is… considerable. What Xuan is offering is pocket change."
Gen smirked. "And unlike Danzo, we have boundaries. We don't kill our own… unless they betray us."
Nonou's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"If you can keep this promise… I will serve," she said, bowing.
"Hoho… Xuan, perhaps being an orphan yourself gives you a soft spot."
"But I'm not that generous," Orochimaru added, grinning. "I want him, too."
"No!" Nonou stood suddenly. "Not Kabuto"
"Dean, I do!" Kabuto interrupted, eyes fierce.
Nonou was stunned.
"I… I'll go with Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto said. "But only if you're allowed to return soon."
"Hoho… that depends on your value," Orochimaru said cryptically. "Show us you're worthy, and she returns."
"I will!"
Kabuto's voice was firm, eyes bright with conviction.
"Then remember to act properly when the time comes," Gen added. "We'll need to fool Danzo."
"Yes!"
After placing a thick envelope of ryo on the table, Orochimaru and Gen stood.
They walked out of the orphanage as silently as they had arrived, leaving behind a stunned Nonou and a resolute Kabuto.
A new path had begun.
And for better or worse, fate had just shifted.
—
30+ advanced chapter on patreon....Visit patreon now to read my exclusive content... posting 5 chapters per day, Our collection is now available on PATREON
visit patreon.com/Elbertovic to view 30+ advanced chapters
Please subscribe guys