"Really?"
After hearing Nonou Yakushi's words, Kabuto Yakushi's face lit up with excitement.
Though he had long served under Orochimaru, he had never imagined that Mirai Uchiha himself would personally intervene to solve his problem.
The other was the sovereign of the ninja world and the Emperor who had unified the universe, whereas he was only a lowly aide in the laboratory.
Their standings were worlds apart, so Kabuto had never dared to consider asking Mirai Uchiha for assistance.
Who could have known that today, Director Nonou would actually request help from Mirai on his behalf!
Seeing Kabuto's flustered state, Mirai Uchiha said calmly, "Kabuto, from now on you may serve as director at the orphanage with peace of mind, carrying forth Nonou's will."
With that, Mirai waved his hand, and Kabuto's body began gradually transforming.
Soon enough, he had fully reverted back into human form.
"Mirai-sama, thank you!"
Kabuto prostrated himself on the ground, his voice filled with gratitude.
Mirai waved him off gently, "No need to thank me. Go now—live in the sunlight. The children at the orphanage have been eager to meet you."
"Mm!"
Kabuto nodded firmly before jumping straight out the window. Soon after, startled exclamations echoed from outside.
Watching Kabuto blend right in with the children, Nonou Yakushi's face softened with satisfaction.
Now, she no longer needed to worry about the orphanage.
She believed Kabuto would definitely do an even better job than her.
Smiling, Mirai scooped Nonou into his arms. "Nonou, how will you repay me now?"
Biting her lip slightly, Nonou buried her head into Mirai's chest.
"Mirai, I've given you everything long ago. Do whatever you want."
"Hahahaha..."
A gentle breeze blew, and the figures of Mirai Uchiha and Nonou Yakushi vanished from sight.
Outside in the courtyard, Kabuto suddenly felt a connection, respectfully bowing toward the direction they had disappeared.
Then adjusting his glasses, he showed a childlike innocent smile as he playfully interacted with the orphans.
---
Three months later, as heavy snow blanketed the land, the ninja world welcomed its annual Lunar New Year festival.
At the end of one year and beginning of another, lanterns shone brightly everywhere, everyone wore new clothes, and smiles bloomed across their faces.
From those once-unremarkable alleyways came the occasional loud crackle of firecrackers, followed by strings of clear, youthful laughter.
Joy and liveliness hung in the air, filling the streets with a warm, festive spirit.
"Come on! This kind of weather tests one's willpower the most, Metar! Right now I'm passing down to you the [Youth] of Duy, Guy-sensei, and myself—you must not slack off for even a moment!"
Rock Lee, wearing his green spandex suit, walked steadily on his hands through the snow, performing a headstand.
Beside him was a child no older than seven or eight years old, also dressed in a green spandex suit, performing a headstand in the snow.
Both had thick eyebrows and bowl haircuts, their heavy breaths forming white mist that continuously dissipated into the air.
Even though it was the middle of winter, both were already drenched in sweat.
Might Guy supported Might Duy slowly behind them.
"Time really flies—Rock Lee's son has already grown this big."
"Guy, you haven't sparred with Kakashi in quite some time now, have you?"
Might Guy smiled. "Father, Kakashi lacks fighting spirit these days. Every time I go find him, he wants to settle things with rock-paper-scissors. It's just not fun."
"And besides, I want to spend more time with you. Like Mirai once said, as long as youth is passed down, there's no need to dwell on petty matters, right?"
Upon hearing that, Might Duy's face took on a nostalgic expression as he slowly said, "That's true. Back then, I never would've guessed a genius from the Uchiha Clan would willingly associate with us dead lasts at the very bottom of Konoha."
Might Guy frowned slightly. "What do you mean 'dead last'? Mirai said I'm a hardworking type of genius!"
"Right, right—that's exactly how she put it," Might Duy chuckled. "If Mirai hadn't praised you like that, you probably wouldn't have gotten this far."
"And during the Third Great Ninja War, if Mirai hadn't stepped in when he did and rescued us from the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist, we wouldn't be enjoying such peaceful times today."
"Guy, don't ever forget what Mirai did for us."
Might Guy laughed. "Father, I'm not someone who forgets kindness easily. Besides, Mirai once said that as long as we live happily, that's the best thanks he could ask for."
"How about tonight—we cook our own barbecue?"
"Sounds good."
Might Duy and Might Guy exchanged smiles, their rows of bright white teeth gleaming under the sunlight.
The four figures gradually walked further and further away, and the falling snow soon covered all traces of their footprints.
Nearby, within the cemetery, Kakashi Hatake stood before the gravestone of Sakumo Hatake, holding a bouquet of flowers which he gently placed in front of it.
"Dad, I've got some bad news—I think the legacy of the Hatake clan might end with me."
"I tried my best, but I just couldn't find the perfect lady—or rather, none seemed interested in me."
"When Master Jiraiya passed away, so did the Make Out Paradise series—I lost my life mentor along with it."
"But don't worry—I've got lots of friends now, and I never run short of money either."
"And especially since the current leader of the Ninja World is one of my closest buddies! See? I'm doing way better than you did back in your day!"
"Sometimes I still feel bitter thinking about it—why did you choose to end your life anyway?"
"Even though the village will soon become exactly what you hoped for..."
"I don't know why, but when I was younger, I never felt like talking to you. But now that I'm older, I often find myself wanting to sit down and chat with you. If one day I can't help myself and bring you back using the Impure World Reincarnation, don't be mad at me."
"Enough then, it's getting late. I should head back and prepare dinner for New Year's Eve."
"Another New Year alone again…"
After murmuring to himself for quite some time, Kakashi Hatake turned around and walked toward the cemetery exit.
Just then, a black-haired girl blocked his path.
"Excuse me, Kakashi-senpai, please wait a moment."
Kakashi asked curiously, "And you are?"
"I'm Momo, Uchiha Momo. Mirai introduced me to you."
"My great-grandmother was taken care of by a clan member named Obito. She couldn't stop thinking about him until her dying day."
"Hearing that you used to fight side by side with Obito, could you tell me about your story?"
The girl wasn't exceptionally beautiful, but her smile gave off an honest, gentle charm.
With just one glance, Kakashi felt an odd sense of unease in his heart.
Mirai, my dear brother! I'll never argue with you again. From this day on, you're my sworn father!
Seeing Momo gazing at him hopefully, Kakashi subtly tilted his head, tugged at his collar, and cleared his throat. "If you want to learn about Obito, you've definitely come to the right person."
"How about coming over tonight? I'll tell you everything."
"Oh, and just so you know, my dog doesn't just do backflips—he talks too!"
"Uh…" Momo's smile faded as she took several steps back and bowed. "I just remembered I left the gas on at home. I'll ask you again next time I have the chance."
Then immediately, she vanished in a flash.
Watching this scene silently from the shadows, Mirai Uchiha couldn't help but slap his forehead hard.
Kakashi, I really don't want you to end up alone forever, bro—but could you at least try a little harder?!
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