Konoha Orphanage was not large. All kinds of flowers and plants grew in its little courtyard, radiating a vigorous, stubborn vitality even in the cold weather.
River walked along the cleared path and immediately spotted a little boy wearing glasses, pressed against the wall as he eavesdropped on the people inside.
A smile touched his lips, and he stepped inside.
His undisguised footsteps startled the little boy, who accidentally bumped into a nearby rack, making a faint noise.
At that moment, the boy turned to look at him, his mouth falling slightly open in shock.
"L-Lord Hokage!"
Kabuto Yakushi cried out in surprise.
River raised an eyebrow and smiled, bending down to pat the boy's head.
Meanwhile, the people inside exchanged glances, a hint of wariness appearing on their faces.
"The Hokage?"
The young voice outside caught their attention.
Nonō breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look outside.
A moment later, she saw Danzo, Orochimaru, and the Aburame Clan ninja before her all head toward the door.
Clearly, the arrival of the Lord Hokage Kabuto had called out to forced them to put their purpose here on hold.
But why would Lord Hokage come here?
When they opened the door and saw the two outside, they all paused in surprise. At the same time, a warm voice, tinged with laughter, reached them.
"I'm not the Hokage, little one."
River stroked Kabuto's head, then looked up at the three figures standing a short distance before him.
"Orochimaru, one of the renowned Sannin, Shimura Danzō, the Third Hokage's adviser behind the scenes, and a powerful ninja from the Aburame Clan, all working together."
"To threaten and bribe a kindhearted woman here?"
"The world really has gone downhill!"
He shook his head with a sigh.
Then he pulled Kabuto Yakushi behind