The words and tone were almost identical to Orochimaru's earlier, yet the feelings they stirred in Kabuto and Nonō were entirely different.
"I'm willing!"
Though Kabuto was young, he understood exactly what this meant.
He would leave the Orphanage, have clothes to wear and enough food to eat, and even get to become a ninja.
It was a chance to rise from obscurity, enough to change his destiny.
"Heh."
River smiled, bent down to pat Kabuto's shoulder, then looked at Nonō.
"Then, Warden Nonō, I'll be taking this little fellow with me."
"You won't be too reluctant to let him go, will you?"
Yakushi Nonō adjusted her glasses and smiled. "Kabuto is fortunate to have the chance to train under you, Lord Sui."
"And thank you very much for the supplies you've provided to the Orphanage."
Of course, she knew perfectly well that the busy Lord Hokage simply had no time to spare for matters at the Orphanage.
Konoha was vast, but the Orphanage was small-so small that no one paid it any attention.
"In the future, there may be some other matters I'll need your help with, Warden Nonō."
"I'm sorry in advance for the trouble!"
River spoke with a smile.
"Lord Sui, you're far too kind!"
Nonō spoke gently.
Compared to Orochimaru and Danzo earlier, Lord Sui's presence felt somewhat like Lord Hokage's, radiating warmth.
Then River turned and left with Kabuto.
Watching their retreating figures, Nonō smiled. She was genuinely happy for Kabuto.
Along the road, the two figures, one tall and one small, left footprints behind them. Wind and snow lashed at them, but Kabuto's heart was warm.
A ninja. He really could become a ninja!
Though he had learned some medical Ninjutsu from Warden Nonō before, in this age of war and strife, only strength