Even someone as ruthless as Danzo wouldn't simply discard these two pawns, instead ordering Kabuto and Nonou to destroy each other.
In fact, this was a conspiracy carefully prepared many years ago. Nonou, who had always been on missions away from the village, learned about Kabuto's appearance solely through photos sent by Root.
However, during childhood development, one's looks naturally change over time.
Danzo gradually replaced those pictures with portraits of boys who looked somewhat similar to Kabuto, until finally substituting them completely with images of an entirely different person.
Eventually, Nonou could no longer recognize Kabuto. Danzo's scheme succeeded—Kabuto killed Nonou without her ever realizing who he truly was.
No wonder Kabuto entrusted him to the orphanage and helped him escape Danzo's grasp!
After piecing everything together clearly in his mind, Shiki felt slightly relieved. But how exactly could Kabuto help him now?
Shiki knew for certain that Kabuto hadn't informed Orochimaru about this matter—it must have been his own decision.
After all, Orochimaru and Danzo still shared mutual interests at this point.
Yet what could Kabuto really accomplish alone?
Seeing the doubt in Shiki's eyes, Kabuto shook his head first and said, "I definitely don't have the ability to completely solve your problem. However, at the very least, I can try my best to draw more attention from Root ninja."
As for whether you can break free from Danzo's grip, it'll depend entirely on your own battle."
That made sense—Shiki already figured things wouldn't be so simple.
Still, if Kabuto Yakushi helped draw fire away, his chances of success would greatly increase.
Thinking this, Shiki declared, "Then we've got a deal!"
Looking at Shiki, Kabuto Yakushi smiled.
No one could tell what he was thinking. To practically everyone, Kabuto came across as a trustworthy man.
A genuinely helpful man too.
Years of espionage experience had become second nature to him.
Suddenly, watching Kabuto Yakushi standing there under the sun, calm and friendly, Shiki felt a faint trace of fear rising within him.
Outside Konoha, deep in a forest,
Crash!
Shiki crashed heavily from atop a tree. If judged merely by body weight alone, such an impact wouldn't normally happen.
But combined with the weights he wore on his body, the fall naturally created powerful momentum.
"Failed again!" Shiki sighed helplessly.
Actually, this time he'd done way better than before.
This time, Shiki nearly reached the treetop. Unfortunately, the tree wasn't strong enough—he began shaking violently once he climbed up, forcing him to fall down.
[Medical Ninjutsu]
This training method was adapted from a well-known technique in the original series, designed specifically to enhance chakra control.
After studying Medical Ninjutsu for quite some time, Shiki suddenly realized his control over chakra was rather unsatisfactory.
He thought of using this method to improve his skills. Yet while lying on the ground after another failure, he didn't dwell on the loss.
"With Kabuto around, maybe I'll succeed sooner or later?" He clenched his fist tightly, and a faint glimmer of healing chakra gathered around it.
But in that instant, the chakra suddenly turned sharp and piercing.
Even far surpassing the Scalpel.
But it only lasted for an instant. It was as if the very air being sliced open was just an illusion.
Chapter 35: The Third's Viewpoint
This day marked the first snowfall in Konoha Village. Everywhere was covered in silver, and children had already begun shouting joyfully.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, sitting in his Hokage Office, couldn't help but admire the moment.
"How beautiful! If only the village could remain prosperous and peaceful forever."
After hearing the Third's words, Iruka added warmly, "With you as our Hokage, Lord Third, peace will definitely continue."
This was also Iruka's wish.
The Third nodded, without continuing further on this topic. Instead, he asked,
"Iruka, how is Naruto doing now?"
Iruka replied, "Naruto is doing much better now. Actually, he's always been a hard-working boy."
However, Ebisu, standing nearby, wore an angry expression and immediately retorted, "Lord Third! Naruto isn't nearly as good as Iruka-sensei makes him sound. He really is quite the troublesome kid. Not only did he graffiti the Hokage Rock again, but he even declared he'd use real paint next time!"
The Third just smiled and said nothing. He had always held an unusually forgiving attitude toward Naruto.
After all, he was The Fourth's son.
Through the glass window, the Third's gaze extended outside the Hokage Office. Suddenly, a flash of red appeared in his mind.
Shiki Uzumaki?
How was that kid doing now?
Wishing to know how Shiki had been doing lately, the Third couldn't help but ask, "Iruka, that child Shiki Uzumaki is in your class. How is he doing now?"
Shiki? As soon as Iruka heard the name, he felt a headache coming on.
That genius who caused even more trouble than a typical problem student had almost used up all of Iruka's energy.
Yet despite this, Iruka felt he played virtually no role in Shiki's growth.
That kid was undoubtedly a prodigy!
"Lord Third, forgive my frankness, but honestly, I can't handle teaching Shiki at all!"
"Oh?" The Third expressed some surprise. Truth be told, he had always trusted Iruka greatly, otherwise he wouldn't have let Naruto stay in Iruka's class. Yet he hadn't expected Iruka himself would claim he couldn't teach Shiki.
"Iruka, are you saying Shiki is even more mischievous than Naruto?"
The Third interpreted what Iruka meant by "can't handle teaching" as merely meaning Shiki was being mischievous.
When Iruka heard the Third's remark, he hurriedly explained, "Lord Third, please don't misunderstand. What I mean is, Shiki's talent level has already surpassed the limits of what I'm capable of teaching him."
Talent too high?
Both the Third showed confusion, and Kabuto beside him looked equally perplexed.
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