Konoha.
As he led the little boy toward the Small Grove,
quite a few shinobi recognized Obito and greeted him enthusiastically.
"Morning, Lord Obito!"
"Lord Obito, I want to have your babies!"
(Hiruzen Sarutobi: ???)
"You look full of energy, Lord Obito!"
Obito put on no airs, smiling as he answered each of them.
"Morning, miss."
"Sorry, I'm not into boys covered in muscles."
"You're looking mighty energetic yourself!"
Once they reached the Small Grove,
Obito sprawled lazily on a wooden bench, crossed his legs, and swung his foot.
"Ah, now this is the life~"
He glanced at the rather reserved Kabuto.
Patting the seat beside him, he said with a smile,
"Come sit down and talk. Having you stand there puts a lot of pressure on me."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses and answered with a bashful smile.
"Yes, sir. Then I'll gladly accept."
With that,
Kabuto straightened his clothes and carefully sat down beside Obito.
Seeing him like this, Obito couldn't help chuckling inwardly.
Why is this kid so well-behaved?
He doesn't have any of that swagger he had as Mr. Dragon in my previous life.
Seemingly a little nervous,
Kabuto spent quite a while gathering his words before slowly speaking.
"Obito, sir, the reason I hold you in such high regard is that I owe you a debt."
Obito looked surprised.
As far as he remembered, he had never had anything to do with Kabuto.
So he waited curiously for the rest.
"You must be confused, but please hear me out."
Kabuto rubbed his glasses, a nostalgic look coming over his face.
"I was a war orphan. Director Nonō found me and kindly took me in."
"She gave me her surname, and even gave me her glasses..."
"In my heart, I've always thought of the director as my