Chapter 270: Recruiting Yakushi Kabuto
Konohagakure.
On the way to a secluded grove, leading a young boy along, Obito caught the attention of many passing shinobi.
"Obito-sama!"
"Obito-sama, I want to have your children!"
(Sarutobi Hiruzen: ???)
"Obito-sama, you're looking full of energy today!"
Obito, ever easygoing, responded with a smile, greeting each one in turn.
"Good morning, miss."
"Sorry, I'm not into overly muscular guys."
"You too! You're looking mighty spirited!"
After reaching the grove, Obito lazily collapsed onto a wooden chair, crossing one leg over the other and rocking slightly.
"Ahh, this is the life~"
He glanced at Kabuto, who was standing stiffly, looking somewhat uneasy. Patting the seat beside him, Obito grinned.
"Come on, sit down and talk. You standing there is making me nervous."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, smiling shyly.
"Alright, senpai. If you insist, I won't refuse."
Smoothing out his clothes, he carefully sat down next to Obito, his demeanor reserved and cautious.
Seeing this, Obito found himself amused.
"This kid is surprisingly obedient… Nothing like the arrogant, untouchable genius from my past life."
Kabuto seemed to be gathering his thoughts, hesitating for a long while before finally speaking.
"Obito-senpai, the reason I respect you so much… is because I owe you a great debt."
Obito raised an eyebrow in surprise.
As far as he remembered, he had never interacted with Kabuto before.
Curious, he waited for the explanation.
"You may find this strange, but please allow me to explain."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses, a nostalgic look crossing his face.
"I was a war orphan, taken in by Director Nono Yakushi, who found me and showed me kindness."
"She gave me her surname, her glasses… and more importantly, a home."
"To me, she was like a mother, and she treated me as her son."
[The following is Kabuto's memory.]
Living with Mother at the orphanage, every day was filled with warmth and joy.
She was always busy, but no matter what, she made time to visit, teaching me medical ninjutsu.
Haha! I always knew I was her favorite! (Smug)
She often told me I had talent—that I would one day become a great hero who could bring peace to the world.
And every time she praised me, I would bask in that happiness for a long, long time.
If only those peaceful days could have lasted forever…
But today, that despicable man, Shimura Danzo, came again!
He always threatened to cut off the orphanage's funding, even going so far as to suggest disbanding it entirely.
Forcing Mother to undertake deadly missions under duress.
The war had only just ended, yet he wanted her to infiltrate Iwagakure as a spy!
Everyone knew that, right now, the Iwa-nin would tear any Konoha shinobi apart if given the chance!
[End of memory.]
"Danzo discovered I had overheard him and forced me into his ranks."
"At the time, I didn't understand—he only saw me as an extra measure to control Mother."
Sunlight reflected off Kabuto's glasses, a cold gleam in his eyes.
"From then on, Mother and I could only communicate through letters, our only way to keep each other's image alive."
"But later, we discovered that Danzo had been altering my records all along, making sure she would never recognize me again!"
Turning to Obito, Kabuto's gaze darkened.
"I believe you can already guess why Danzo did this."
Obito let out a long sigh.
ε=(ο*))) sigh.
"Danzo… You never do anything remotely human, do you?"
"So, because I killed Danzo, you believe I did you a great favor?"
Kabuto nodded firmly.
"Maybe to you, taking his life was a simple matter, but that single act saved both me and Mother!"
"Because of you, we were able to reunite and escape the tragic fate Danzo had planned for us."
Having finally unraveled this mystery, Obito patted Kabuto's shoulder with a smile.
"Honestly, when I killed Danzo, I had no idea about any of this."
"So really, you don't need to feel so indebted to me."
Kabuto shook his head, his expression solemn.
"Obito-senpai, both Mother and I have long regarded you as our savior."
"If you ever need anything, just say the word. We will serve you without hesitation."
Obito played with his fingers thoughtfully.
Looking at the sincere and devoted Kabuto, he fell into contemplation.
"Kabuto, like Orochimaru, is an invaluable talent. In my past life, he was practically on the level of a top scientist."
"Since I have this chance… why not recruit both him and that intelligent blonde woman?"
Making up his mind, Obito spoke slowly.
"You don't need to serve me, but I do have a proposition for you."
Kabuto blinked in confusion.
"A proposition?"
"I see immense potential in you, Yakushi Kabuto. With proper guidance, you could achieve great things."
"Since fate has brought us together, let me ask you—"
"Will you become my student? The first disciple of Uchiha Obito?"
The chance to train under a powerhouse like Obito was something countless shinobi dreamed of.
Without hesitation, Kabuto stood up and bowed deeply.
"Sensei, please accept this disciple's respects!"
Obito watched him bow with satisfaction.
"This kid gets it. Not bad, not bad. I'll be sure to cultivate his potential properly."
Helping Kabuto up, he laughed heartily.
"The ANBU is a waste of your talents. From now on, you'll follow me."
Kabuto immediately nodded.
"I have no objections. I leave everything to Sensei's discretion."
Obito lightly tapped Kabuto's wrist, leaving behind a seal infused with refined senjutsu chakra.
Kabuto studied the mark curiously.
"Sensei, this is…?"
"A test. If you can comprehend the power within this seal before it fades, I will fully acknowledge you as my disciple."
Kabuto's eyes sparkled with determination.
"I understand! I will pass this trial and prove myself!"
Obito smiled.
"Good. I have high expectations for you."
"Now go back and focus on your training. I'll take care of your departure from the ANBU."
Kabuto bowed respectfully.
"Understood, Sensei. I shall take my leave."
Watching him go, Obito nodded in approval.
"This kid is solid. Definitely worth keeping around!"
Stretching lazily, Obito made his way back to the ANBU headquarters… where he soon captured a wild Itachi and set off for Kirigakure to see his dear "little brother."
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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