Why was the Hokage in Mother Director's bedroom?
Kabuto had no time to think further before Naruto, seated in a chair, spoke first.
"Kabuto."
"Hokage." Kabuto knelt on one knee, lowering his head and not daring to ask or speculate.
"Nonō says you've improved by leaps and bounds recently. If you continue staying here, you'll only be wasting your talent."
Kabuto carefully considered the meaning behind Naruto's words before hurriedly saying, "Hokage, I want to stay with everyone. I want to stay with Mother Director."
Nonō scolded him from the side, "Idiot, what's the point of staying here forever? You're being sent out to serve the Hokage!"
As soon as Nonō spoke, Kabuto immediately fell silent.
Naruto said, "I only want to give you the identity of a ninja. You can still come here often in the future, and you can see Nonō whenever you want."
Only then did Kabuto relax. "Kabuto was raised by the Hokage. Whether Kabuto lives or dies, he is the Hokage's tool."
Nonō had taught him those words. Not just him—all the children here had received the same education.
Naruto said, "I'm not asking you to be a tool. What you need to be is yourself. How can a person go on without a sense of self?"
In the original story, Kabuto had become neither human nor monster because he lost himself. He spent his life imitating the paths of others, constantly absorbing others to fill the emptiness within himself.
"Remember this: you are Yakushi Kabuto, a Konoha ninja, Yakushi Kabuto."
"Yes, Hokage!"
Kabuto answered with ringing conviction.
Naruto nodded. "The village will arrange a separate place for you to live and provide you with monthly living expenses. From now on, you'll have to learn to live on your own. At first, you may feel