Inside the izakaya.
Mirai Uchiha took a bite of yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) before speaking softly, "Director Nonou, how is the orphanage doing?"
"I've been quite busy lately, so I haven't had time to visit."
Upon hearing this, Nonou Yakushi quickly replied, "Lord Mirai, thanks to you, the situation at the orphanage has improved greatly compared to before."
"Many children have successfully found jobs and integrated into Konoha."
"All of this is thanks to you."
"Now that you're in charge of the entire village, you must have many things to deal with every day. There's no need for you to feel any guilt about the orphanage."
Originally, under Danzo Shimura's oppression, the orphans lived in constant fear, never knowing if they'd survive until morning.
Danzo Shimura treated the children merely as Root trainees, viewing those without ninja talent as disposable assets...
If not for Lord Mirai stepping in to eliminate threats like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura, no one could imagine just how terrible things would have become for the orphanage.
Thinking of this, Nonou Yakushi picked up her cup and sincerely said, "Lord Mirai, let me toast you!"
She downed the sake in one gulp.
After finishing her drink, a slight flush appeared on Nonou Yakushi's cheeks, and her gaze toward Mirai Uchiha grew soft and unfocused.
Lord Mirai seemed even more handsome than before.
Nonou Yakushi felt somewhat unreal; she had never imagined that one day she'd actually be having dinner with such a hero.
She kept reminding herself of the massive difference in their social standings, yet couldn't help but want to connect with the person before her.
Mirai Uchiha refilled Nonou Yakushi's cup and asked first, "Director Nonou, since there are no troubles at the orphanage, why did you come looking for me this time?"
Hearing this, Nonou Yakushi felt an inexplicable sense of disappointment.
She picked up her cup and took a sip before lightly saying, "I came this time hoping to find a place where Kabuto could learn ninjutsu."
"Last time you mentioned that Kabuto has great talent; that child has always wanted to become a ninja."
Mirai Uchiha stroked his chin thoughtfully: "Well..."
Nonou Yakushi immediately became tense, "Lord Mirai, is there some difficulty?"
Mirai Uchiha shook his head, "Not really a problem either."
"The labs in Konoha are currently being rebuilt. I was thinking whether we could place Kabuto in the lab and train him as a researcher..."
Nonou Yakushi's mouth gradually opened wider, her eyes filled with joyful excitement.
"Lord Mirai, are you really serious?"
Mirai nodded. "Of course, though I wonder whether Kabuto will agree."
Nonou Yakushi said excitedly, "Please rest assured, that boy Kabuto will definitely agree!"
Becoming a researcher at the lab was incomparably better than becoming a ninja.
Without even mentioning the generous benefits, not having to go to the battlefield and commuting every day in the safest environment were already things countless people longed for but couldn't obtain.
Therefore, as soon as she heard Mirai Uchiha's proposal, Nonou Yakushi immediately agreed on behalf of Kabuto.
"Director Mirai, let me toast you again!"
"You're truly a great person."
Mirai Uchiha smiled. "Since Director Nonou has come personally to ask me, of course I must put in my utmost effort."
Hearing these words, Nonou Yakushi's heart started pounding rapidly.
Come to think of it, Mirai had been treating her unusually well.
Despite their vastly different statuses...
The atmosphere became instantly intimate.
They continued eating until late into the night before Mirai Uchiha and Nonou Yakushi walked out of the izakaya.
Looking at the nearly deserted street, Mirai steadied the slightly unsteady Nonou.
"It's too cold out here—you should head back soon."
Feeling the warm hand resting on her waist, Nonou obediently nodded.
————
At the entrance of the orphanage, the warmth around Nonou's waist disappeared, making her body shiver involuntarily.
"It's too cold—go back quickly."
Looking at Mirai Uchiha, Nonou, who had devoted all her thoughts to the orphanage since childhood, felt an unfamiliar feeling stirring within her heart for the first time.
She felt like a lone moth in the cold wind, desiring nothing more than to plunge headlong into this blazing flame before her.
Taking advantage of the alcohol's effect, Nonou Yakushi suddenly embraced Mirai Uchiha.
"Mirai-sama, please don't leave tonight..."
Hearing Nonou whispering softly in his arms, a slight smile curved on Mirai Uchiha's lips.
The moon hung like a silver hook in the sky, and the night stretched deep and dark.
For the first time, the mournful, sweet song of the oriole wove its enchantment through the night.
————
The next morning.
Under the gaze of Nonou Yakushi, Mirai Uchiha left the orphanage with Kabuto Yakushi.
Noticing Nonou's reluctance, Kabuto turned back and waved. "Director, I'll definitely visit often; don't worry about me."
Nonou's expression remained unchanged as she continued staring blankly at the two retreating figures.
"Strange, why is the director acting so strange today?"
Kabuto scratched his head, utterly confused.
The two quickly made their way into the depths of the village forest.
"Orochimaru, this child is in your care now."
"He has great talent for research and will become your trusted aide in the future."
This was something he had already promised Orochimaru — to assign some assistants to him.
Hearing Mirai Uchiha's evaluation, Orochimaru arched an eyebrow slightly.
To receive such praise from Mirai-kun... This kid must be quite special.
Meanwhile, Kabuto Yakushi had already gone into a daze.
He just couldn't figure out why Orochimaru would appear here.
Mirai gently ruffled Kabuto's hair: "From now on, your identity will be Orochimaru's assistant. Strive to realize your value and don't disappoint me."
Kabuto nodded blankly and softly replied, "I understand, Lord Mirai."
A feeling of being needed welled up in his heart. Kabuto felt that life was getting better and better.
Not only did he have a name now, but he also had his own unique identity...
What an incredibly fulfilling feeling!
"Alright, I still have other matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first."
After parting with Orochimaru and Kabuto Yakushi, Mirai Uchiha made his way to where Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju stood.
Seeing Mirai approaching, Hashirama Senju laughed heartily: "Mirai, I've been waiting for you."
Mirai clenched his fist: "Then let's fight!"
He refused to believe that even with all his effort, he still wouldn't succeed!
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