On the way back, Shisui kept glancing at Yue, increasingly puzzled.
Yue had been acting weird ever since they arrived in the Land of Demons.
"Yue… what's wrong with you?" Shisui finally asked, worried.
"You've been strange ever since we reached the shrine maiden's country. Did she put some kind of spell on you?"
Yue froze—then grinned smugly.
"Brother, you wouldn't get it. I've got it handled. Completely."
"Let me tell you—when it comes to charm, I'm built different."
"Li dou wu zi wo yau gei leng zai gaa meh?"
(Shisui understood absolutely none of that.)
With Yue's constant stream of incomprehensible "golden quotes," Shisui only grew more confused.
He secretly decided that if Yue kept acting like this once they returned to Konoha, he'd go back to the Land of Demons and question Miroku himself.
After returning to Konoha and reporting the mission, Shisui—as the team leader—became Yue's next victim.
Yue insisted they must celebrate their first completed mission and dragged Shisui into treating them to the most expensive barbecue in the whole village.
Shisui was robbed blind.
That night, Yue lay on his bed, planning his future.
If he wanted a peaceful and happy life, he needed a proper roadmap.
Next year, nothing major would happen in Konoha.
Kushina would get pregnant.
Jiraiya was supposed to return to the village around that time—Yue had to find a way to learn Sage Mode from him.
Even if Jiraiya didn't know it yet in this era, Yue would at least squeeze some summoning jutsu out of him.
He could always just go mess around at Mount Myōboku himself.
Right now, Yue faced two bottlenecks:
His chakra reserves were tiny.
Strong Wood Release techniques required Sage Mode.
If he learned Sage Mode, both problems would disappear.
But after thinking all night, he still had no clue how to approach it.
He understood the theory, but understanding didn't magically grant him talent.
The simplest way was the Naruto route:
Let two giant toads clamp onto him and pump natural energy into his body.
Not very fashionable—
But damn effective.
He'd also need to make sure Jiraiya stayed in Konoha.
Once Obito attacked, an extra Sannin would be priceless.
Just as Yue was deep in thought, a name suddenly flashed in his mind—
Kabuto.
A future Sage of Ryūchi Cave.
A late-game boss.
A snake-type Pokémon, essentially.
He had to recruit Kabuto early.
The next day, Yue headed straight to the orphanage outside Konoha to find Nonō Yakushi—she was key to getting Kabuto.
But she wasn't there—likely out on a mission.
Yue asked around for information on Kabuto, then shadowed him from afar.
Kabuto, around Yue's age, was currently attending the Academy.
Half a month passed.
Every day Yue visited the orphanage hoping to meet Nonō, but returned empty-handed each time.
At last, one day, Yue brought Yamato and finally met her.
"Director Nonō," Yue said respectfully, "I have something important to discuss. Can we talk somewhere private?"
Nonō was curious why a Konoha chūnin—and a jōnin escort—had been looking for her for a week.
She nodded.
They arrived at a secluded area.
Nonō looked at the two, puzzled.
"What did you need from me?"
"Wood Release – Wood Bind."
Thick wooden pillars burst from the ground and restrained her.
Nonō barely reacted.
She simply whispered, "So… Wood Release. You must be Yamato."
Yue smiled faintly.
"Allow me to introduce myself properly.
That man over there is Yamato, my escort.
And I—" Yue pointed at himself with pride.
"—am Yue. Or Senju Yue.
Unlike Yamato, who uses implanted First Hokage cells, I am the only true bloodline inheritor of the Senju clan's Wood Release."
Nonō's eyes widened in shock.
A true Senju?!
She could not imagine why someone of such status would seek her out.
"Nonō… do you know?" Yue said slowly.
"Your cover has been blown. Danzō plans to eliminate you."
Nonō froze.
"I… don't understand. Sir, what do you mean?"
She stared at Yue, confused.
"Oh, please." Yue waved a hand.
"My escort Yamato used to be part of Root—so I received reliable information.
Since the Fourth Hokage took office, Danzō's influence has been weakening.
The higher-ups are now investigating his dirty secrets."
"And you—after serving him for so long—have become a liability.
He plans to silence you."
Yue delivered his carefully prepared speech smoothly and without blinking.
Nonō's expression shifted several times before she said quietly,
"Then… may I ask what you want from me?"
"I value your ability," Yue said bluntly.
"I want you alive.
And I also value one of your children.
I want him under my command."
Nonō exhaled slowly.
"…Which child?"
"Kabuto."
Nonō lowered her eyes, deep in thought.
Yue dispelled the Wood Bind, giving her space.
After a long silence, she bowed.
"Sir… I thank you on Kabuto's behalf."
"I will introduce him to you.
But I cannot serve you myself."
Yue was stunned.
"Why?! You know you'll die!"
"Is it because of the orphanage funding? Don't worry—I can take care of that," Yue added quickly.
Nonō looked at him in surprise.
"I didn't expect even that to be known to you."
"But no… money isn't the reason."
Her eyes grew calm.
"This is simply the fate of someone who once joined Root."
"The orphanage is my life's work.
If I leave Root—and go against Danzō—he will take it out on these children.
Sir, surely you don't wish to confront Danzō openly at this time?"
"So I cannot accept your offer."
Her tone was gentle but absolutely firm.
Yue felt like his brain short-circuited.
Damn. She's right. I have no rebuttal.
"As for Kabuto," Nonō continued, "I will make the arrangements myself."
Yue let out a long sigh.
He couldn't force her—she was too determined.
"I do have a plan for Kabuto," Yue said.
"Follow my instructions when the time comes."
Nonō nodded, then asked softly:
"Do you… know how Danzō intends to deal with me?"
"That old bastard is insane!" Yue spat.
"He plans to put you under genjutsu and make you fight Kabuto to the death!
In that state you wouldn't beat him—he'll kill you.
And Kabuto, unable to bear killing his own mother figure, will take his own life."
Nonō's eyes widened.
She never imagined Danzō would go that far.
Her expression darkened—then softened with a small, sad smile.
"Sir… you will protect Kabuto, won't you?"
Yue nodded firmly.
"I will."
Nonō bowed again, her voice gentle.
"Then… please tell me your plan."
~------------------------------------
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