Unexpectedly, Konoha's Third Hokage's disciple, the legendary ninja, turned out to be acquainted with these poor orphans from the orphanage, and their relationship seemed quite deep. As a merchant who had traveled across the ninja world for many years, he felt for the first time that he had misjudged the situation.
However, since the formidable youth before him had already spoken, he understood very well that judging by the youth's current reputation in Konoha, from this moment on, Konoha would no longer be a place for him to stay.
"Yu! That's great!"
"That despicable guy, I've been wanting to teach him a lesson for a long time!"
Watching the sarcastic merchant leave in a hurry, everyone in Urushi's group felt a sense of satisfaction. However, as they looked at the piles of cash on the floor in the wooden hall, a hint of hesitation appeared on Urushi's face. "But... so much money... how did you manage this?!"
After all, this was a whopping fifty million ryo, and for these children who had grown up frugally in the Konoha orphanage, it was undoubtedly a astronomical sum.
"Feel free to use it without worry..."
Seeing the unease and hesitation written on Urushi's face, Yu smiled calmly, "After all, in Nono's absence, I have the responsibility and obligation to take care of all of you."
Although after the last intimidation of Danzo at the Root organization base, the orphanage would no longer face threats from Root, for Urushi and the others, the usual struggles with the necessities of life were still a significant challenge.
Since he had almost no concept of money in the ninja world, and there were plenty of ill-gotten gains stored in the space of Kaio's Fruit, Yu thought it would be a good choice to use it to improve the lives of Urushi and the orphanage children.
"Hmm? Urushi..."
As he spoke, Yu suddenly raised an eyebrow, and his Observation Haki clearly sensed the flow of Chakra from Urushi, "It seems you've become a ninja too?"
"Hehe... Although I can't compare to you, I've been a Genin in Konoha since last year!"
Seeing that Yu could see through his strength at a glance, Urushi rubbed his nose with a smug expression. With the black beret on his head, reminiscent of the one Duy used to wear, his carefree and lively personality remained unchanged from his childhood.
However, if one were to differentiate based on ninja talent and strength, after the final great ninja war depicted in the anime, Urushi remained a bottom-tier ninja in Konoha. His level was probably on par with Iruka.
"Yu, why didn't you visit us in such a long time..."
Before Urushi could boast, Momoka, who was beside him, couldn't contain her grievances and hugged Yu's arm. With her cute little mouth pouting high, she said, "We've heard about your adventures! I knew my judgment, along with Mai's, was right..."
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"Even when we were kids, your ninja talent surpassed everyone by a big margin. And now, in just a few years, you've become a ninja as formidable as Hokage-sama!"
As she spoke,Momoka's eyes flashed with a mischievous glint, and a mysterious blush appeared on her face. "And... not surprisingly, you've become a super handsome guy!"
'This little girl...
There's really no way to deal with her...'
Seeing the lively girl Momoka hanging on his arm like a koala, just like when they were kids, Yu shook his head helplessly and, as before, playfully flicked her forehead.
However, in the span of a few years, both Momoka and Mai had transformed from the once innocent little girls into beautiful young ladies. Although not as dazzling as Yugao and Kurenai, they exuded their own charms.
"Oh, by the way, Aunt Keiri."
After chatting and joking with Urushi and the other orphanage friends, Yu's gaze shifted to the plump Aunt Keiri beside him. A hint of confusion appeared on his face. "Where's Grandpa Kanpu? Why haven't I seen him?"
As soon as he spoke, the entire hall of the wooden house fell into a sudden silence. From the faces of everyone, including Urushi, Yu could see their initial smiles gradually fading.
"Grandpa Kanpu... passed away last year."
After a prolonged silence, Keiri took a deep breath, and a sad smile appeared on her face.
"He passed away... last year."
Upon hearing this, Yu was initially stunned, and then his gaze became somewhat distant as he murmured to himself. It made sense; when he was at the orphanage, Kanpu, as the assistant director, was already older than the Third Hokage. Now, hearing the news of his passing seemed fitting.
"Alright, don't be too sad, Yu."
Noticing the fleeting melancholy in Yu's eyes, Aunt Keiri comforted him, "Kanpu's greatest wish during his lifetime was to see all you kids lead safe and peaceful lives."
'Safe and peaceful lives, huh...
Nono, you must have wished for the same thing all along, right...'
Withdrawing his somewhat absent gaze, Yu turned to look out of the orphanage's wooden house window, and before him, Nono's gentle smile seemed to reappear.
...
Hokage's office, in the Hokage Tower.
Behind the desk, Third Hokage smoked a cigarette while perusing a file, his attention slightly drifting.
Yakushi Yu
Ninja ID: 101110
Date of Birth: 6/11 (12 years old, Gemini)
Height: 1.58m, Weight: 40.2kg, Blood Type: A
Academy Graduation Age: 6
Ninja Promotion Age: Promoted to Chunin at 7, Special Jonin and Jonin in the same year
Mission Experience: D: 0 times, C: 0 times, B: 5 times, A: 4 times, S: 12 times
"No matter how you look at it, he's an extraordinary genius!"
Observing the ninja information on the file and the photo displaying a face still tinged with innocence, Third couldn't help but sigh.
"Hmph! No matter how much of a genius he is!"
"That brat Yakushi Yu has caused quite a mess in the Water Country again!"
Hearing Third's sigh, Elders' advisor Mitokado Homura, seated on the sofa, coldly snorted in anger.
"Merely a mission to infiltrate the Hidden Mist to gather intelligence, yet he ended up killing the Fourth Mizukage and numerous Mist ninjas, creating such a major incident! Now the entire ninja world is turning against us, Konoha..."
Another Konoha Elder, Utatane Koharu, voiced her displeasure, "Sarutobi, if you continue to shelter and tolerate him like this, that kid will eventually become the second Orochimaru!"
Just then, a gust of wind blew through the window, and a figure silently appeared, sitting on the windowsill.
"Become the second Orochimaru, huh..."
"It seems the two Elders have quite an opinion of me."
A crisp voice with a hint of playfulness echoed in the Hokage's office.
"Yu?!"
Seeing the newcomer, Third couldn't help but be stunned. He had just mentioned him, and now he appeared, and in such a silent manner...
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