Chapter 78: Kabuto Wants to Learn Sage Jutsu

[Note: Sorry for the late update, Exams started, cramming up.]

Chapter 78: Kabuto Wants to Learn Sage Jutsu

Taking the container from Yusuke, Kabuto's eyes flashed with brief surprise.

Inside was a Sharingan marked with three tomoe—clearly, the eye of an Uchiha.

Though questions swirled in Kabuto's mind, he knew better than to ask. If his teacher had chosen this course of action, it was for good reason. His role was to follow instructions.

"This eye is extremely important," Yusuke said seriously.

"I can't go into details, but you must not breathe a word of this to anyone—not even Izumi or Itachi."

After all, Yusuke had told the Third Hokage that Shisui had been burned to death and his eyes destroyed. If word of this surgery leaked and reached the Third's ears, it wouldn't take much for him to deduce that Shisui's eye was actually in Yusuke's possession.

"Understood. I'll keep it secret," Kabuto replied solemnly, nodding without hesitation.

Unpacking his surgical tools, Kabuto began the procedure to transplant the eye into Gen'ya's left socket.

The operation went smoothly. Given Kabuto's current level of medical ninjutsu, there was never any real risk.

Yusuke had also requested that Kabuto not use anesthesia. Though Gen'ya's pain would be felt by Yusuke himself, years of cultivating his mind in the spiritual realm had steeled him against even soul-deep agony. Physical pain was nothing by comparison.

After the transplant, Yusuke guided Gen'ya to activate the Mangekyō Sharingan. Sure enough, he immediately sensed the distinct power of Kotoamatsukami surging within it.

"Perfect," he thought.

"Now everything is ready."

In Yusuke's plans, he only intended to use Kotoamatsukami once.

After that, he would remove Shisui's eye from Gen'ya and replace it with another left eye—one specially prepared to counter Obito's abilities.

With Shisui's eye now housed in Gen'ya, Yusuke sent the raven flying toward the capital of the Land of Fire, where its target awaited.

---

Back in the lab, Kabuto looked around curiously.

"Sensei, did your lab always have this much equipment?" he asked, noticing an assortment of new scrolls, strange devices, and unfamiliar materials.

He'd noticed the additions upon entering but had focused on the surgery first before bringing it up.

Yusuke smiled.

"Sharp as always. That's actually one of the reasons I had you come by today."

"These are research notes and experimental materials I recovered from a Root stronghold."

"I've already gone through the notes myself. Most of it deals with human experimentation."

"That's not my area of expertise—but it is yours."

"So I'm handing it all over to you."

Back during the Chūnin Exams in the Land of Wind, Yusuke had traded information with Orochimaru, including a very valuable piece: the location of Root's secret laboratory.

After concluding his negotiations with the Third Hokage, Yusuke had traveled there alone and used sealing scrolls to take everything important—data, materials, equipment.

As for the researchers still working inside the lab… Yusuke had simply knocked them unconscious.

This wasn't a matter of Yusuke going soft. In truth, those Root researchers still had a role to play—he intended for them to become his subordinates before long.

The raid on Root's lab had proven immensely profitable. Not only had Yusuke acquired a large amount of Hashirama cells and rare experimental materials, he'd also obtained cutting-edge research—most notably, Root's cloning technology.

With this solid technological foundation, Yusuke made a decision: he would build a research division in Konoha, with Kabuto at its center.

Clapping Kabuto on the shoulder, Yusuke said,

"Kabuto, I'm planning to set up a full-scale research institute in the village, and I want you to lead it."

But to his surprise, Kabuto hesitated. Then, as if coming to a firm decision, he replied,

"Sensei… I may have to set aside the research institute for now."

"I want to start learning Sage Jutsu—the one you mentioned before. I hope you'll allow it."

Seeing the determined light in Kabuto's eyes, Yusuke immediately understood.

The near-death encounter with Obito had left a deep impression on Kabuto. A sense of urgency now drove him—he needed to grow stronger, and fast.

"Truthfully, I don't know much about the Sage Arts of Shikkotsu Forest," Yusuke admitted.

"I only warned you before because of the risks involved. But if you've made up your mind… I'll support you."

In Sage training, the more chakra a shinobi possessed, the better their chances of success. Low chakra levels made it harder to balance with natural energy—too much imbalance, and the user risked being consumed by it.

But that wasn't a hard rule.

In the original timeline, Kabuto didn't have immense chakra reserves like Hashirama or Naruto, but even so, his chakra levels were well above average. More importantly, his chakra control was extraordinary—enough to eventually master the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave.

This time around, Kabuto hadn't wasted years playing spy for various villages. Instead, he had spent his formative years under Yusuke's guidance, laying down a solid foundation. Later, he trained extensively under Tsunade, further refining his medical ninjutsu and chakra control.

In nearly every aspect—aside from his cunning—Kabuto had already surpassed his original self.

Yusuke was confident: the road to Sage Mode might be dangerous, but Kabuto would not fail.

Receiving Yusuke's approval, Kabuto beamed with gratitude.

"Thank you, Sensei. I promise—I'll succeed!"

Yusuke smiled and reached out to ruffle his hair, something he hadn't done in ages.

"I believe in you. And my expectations for you don't end at Sage Jutsu, either."

Kabuto was still savoring the rare praise when Yusuke suddenly winked and added,

"After all, you are a grown man now."

Before Kabuto could react, Yusuke continued,

"Just remember—some books are fine to browse, but don't get too into them."

Kabuto's face turned bright red. He immediately knew what Yusuke was referring to—it had to be Make-Out Paradise.

"T-That's a misunderstanding! That book wasn't mine!"

Yusuke gave him a knowing "every man understands" look.

"Of course, of course. A friend lent it to you, and you were just holding on to it for them, right?"

Though Izumi hadn't mentioned anything, Anko was a notorious gossip. If it wasn't classified, and Anko knew… then practically everyone in the village knew. On the very day Kabuto had received visitors, Yusuke had already heard about the book from Guy—and found himself feeling a little wistful, like a father watching his son grow up.

Kabuto sighed and gave up trying to explain. It was hopeless.

After saying his goodbyes to Izumi and Itachi, Kabuto summoned Katsuyu and used the Reverse Summoning Technique to teleport himself to Shikkotsu Forest—where he would begin his path into Sage Jutsu.