Little Itachi vs. Little Kabuto

Outside, the setting sun cast its glow over the orphanage courtyard, echoing with the children's joyful laughter. Inside, Nonō stood quietly to one side, gazing intently at the scene before her, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"It seems Kabuto really likes you," Nonō whispered to Koki.

Perhaps because he hadn't had time to prepare suitable clothes, Kabuto Yakushi was wearing a slightly loose outfit. The long sleeves and trouser legs made him look like a child who had secretly put on adult clothes, adding to his cuteness and playfulness.

His short, soft, gray hair swayed gently in the breeze, with a few strands playfully clinging to his thin cheeks.

Kabuto's eyes were large and bright, like two clear and transparent crystals, and he was looking at Koki with anticipation, his pink lips tightly pursed.

When he heard Nonō say that he liked Koki, a shy blush rose on his face, and he quickly lowered his head like a startled little rabbit.

Nevertheless, his little hands still gripped Koki's clothes tightly, as if it were his only support in the world, fearing that if he let go, Koki would disappear without a trace.

After a while, Dou quickly raised his head again and said earnestly, word by word, in his childish voice, "I like it."

Koki looked at Kabuto Yakushi's cute little face; his fair skin was like solidified cream, as if you could squeeze water out of it with a gentle pinch.

His slightly furrowed brows revealed his inner tension and unease, but at the same time, they also evoked a sense of pity.

It's so cute!

Were all the world's big bosses this cute when they were kids?

Koki couldn't help but kneel down, gently stroking his hair, her gaze fixed on Kabuto's clear, bright eyes, and whispered, "I like you very much too, Kabuto, but I have to go home now."

Nonō chimed in, "Koki. How about letting the other older brothers and sisters play with you?"

However, Kabuto seemed not to hear Nonō's words at all. The little boy stared at Koki with unwavering determination, his eyes fixed on her, and said firmly, "I... want to go home too."

Koki helplessly turned her gaze to Nonō, only to see Nonō shaking her head slightly, her face also filled with helplessness, unsure of how to deal with this stubborn child.

Since we brought Dou to the orphanage two days ago, he has been very obedient and quiet, which is almost heartbreaking.

He always stayed alone in a corner and hated other children approaching him, but I never expected him to be so close to Koki today.

Indeed, who could resist such a warm and innocent child?

Koki stood there, deeply hesitant. He knew he could easily take the bag home and play with it for a few days.

After all, Mom has always loved children.

She kept saying that the children in the family were either at school or on missions, and although Itachi didn't have to go to school, he still had to go out to train every day.

The house was empty, and she was all alone; loneliness was inevitable.

Besides, his birthday is just around the corner, and every year on that day it's a lively celebration. If he brings Dou along, it will allow this poor child to experience some joy.

However, Koki knew very well that her younger brother would definitely not want him to bring a child of similar age home.

Koki had already discovered that Itachi harbored a strong possessive desire towards him.

Just like before, Koki didn't realize it at first, but he quickly understood that Itachi wasn't uncomfortable because he was cold, but rather because he was jealous of seeing him holding another child.

But he was still willing to play along with his brother in this play.

Perhaps this is the inherent brotherly love and affection within the Uchiha Clan.

Koki didn't care about these things. He knew his younger brother was still young, and it was normal for him to feel jealous. As time went by, these feelings would probably fade away.

Koki glanced at Kabuto again, and when he saw Kabuto's pitiful and helpless appearance, his sympathy instantly overwhelmed him.

This child had a tragic past, and his eyes always revealed a pitiful loneliness. Koki couldn't help but want to protect him and give him some warmth and care.

At that moment, Nonō noticed that Koki was still in a daze, so she squatted down, forcibly removed Kabuto's hand from Koki's, and gently coaxed, "Let's go out and play."

At the same time, she gave Koki a wink, signaling him to leave quickly.

Koki nodded slightly, indicating her understanding.

He slowly stood up, Earth Flow of the room, leaving Kabuto and Nonō behind.

However, just as he ran into the yard, he heard Dou's heart-wrenching cries coming from inside the house.

The cries sounded like the desperate howls of a wounded animal in the darkness, shrill and helpless, each sound as if it were being ripped from its throat, carrying endless pain.

The crying seemed to penetrate the walls, piercing Koki's heart and causing him to stop in his tracks.

Koki clenched his teeth, the cries echoing in his mind, becoming clearer and clearer, more and more unbearable, each sound like a sharp blade piercing his heart.

"Damn it!" Koki cursed under his breath, a struggle on his face. He wanted to leave, but the crying followed him like a shadow, tormenting his heart.

Finally, Koki could no longer remain indifferent. He turned around and resolutely ran back into the house.

After a while, Koki led the bouncy and happy-looking Kabuto Yakushi out of the orphanage.

Not far from the gate, Itachi and Shisui were standing there waiting for him, their figures appearing and disappearing in the slanting sunlight.

Itachi stared in disbelief at his brother leading a child, his bright eyes filled with confusion. Shisui, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow, his expression also revealing a hint of inquiry.

What's going on here now?

Upon seeing the two, Dou instantly wiped the smile off his face, as if he were putting on a mask of indifference.

Koki smiled awkwardly and quickened her pace to walk over.

"... That's how it is. Anyway, let's take him home for a couple of days." Koki tried her best to explain the whole story.

As soon as he finished speaking, Itachi's eyes instantly filled with tears. Like a flood bursting its banks, he suddenly rushed towards Koki, hugging him tightly around the waist, tears streaming down his face.

"Itachi, don't cry, it's your fault." Koki felt extremely sorry for Itachi and quickly picked him up, letting his little head rest on her shoulder.

"Itachi is the bravest child. We can't let him cry over something so small." Koki gently patted Itachi's back, again and again, as if trying to pass on all her warmth to him.

"Brother promises, it won't happen again, okay?" Koki's words were full of love and promise for Itachi.

At the same time, he gave Shisui a look, signaling him to take care of Little Kabuto.

Shisui nodded knowingly. He turned to look at Kabuto Yakushi, who was standing there stunned after being shaken off by Koki, and said calmly, "Let's go."

Kabuto didn't speak, but simply nodded silently, then obediently followed behind Koki.

Koki walked ahead, with Itachi clinging tightly to his neck. His small face still bore traces of tears, but his gaze was sharp as he stared at Kabuto Yakushi, who was accompanying him.

Kabuto Yakushi felt Itachi's gaze and immediately abandoned his previous docility, staring back at him with a gloomy expression.

Shisui took it all in.

Sigh, do whatever you want, as long as it doesn't affect Koki.