A warning is a must as there were several hints where Danzou was behind the tragic ends of these possible Hokage candidates.

However, that warning was postponed as there is a visitor who came with important news inside Shang’s study room.

A boy with round glasses and a ash-grey ponytail now sits across the table from Shang.

Yakushi Kabuto.

The boy who works as a spy for many individuals, organizations, and countries. He also plays a major role in the Fourth Shinobi World War where the Allied Shinobi Forces clashes with the group Akatsuki.

Those who know Kabuto will be surprised to see him inside a house of someone who they knew that he wouldn’t have connections with.

So what brings Kabuto here?

Neither the orphanage nor Urushi, his foster brother were the reason for him to be here.

It was Yakushi Nono.

While Kabuto was doing his Iwagakure infiltration mission, he had no idea that he was being supervised by Orochimaru and Shang from afar.

After he tried to save Nono and then ran away, Shang whisked her away and left behind a burning corpse for Nono’s Iwa backup who came late.

Nono was rejuvenated back to life after Shang uses the same needle, Evil Needle (Aku-hari), which he used on Madam Xiao during his stay in Jin Yong Universe. Nono then becomes the second resident to live in Shang’s house.

Sakumo, who is the first permanent resident, recognized the new resident as the renowned Aruki no Miko and did not report her to Hiruzen. Shang considered that as Sakumo’s payback at Hiruzen for not saving him from depression.

Nono was later discovered by Kabuto when he was asked by Danzou to infiltrate Shang’s house. The mother and adopted son had a short reunion during that time.

Back inside Shang’s study room, Kabuto was telling how Orochimaru planned to kill the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, who is the father of the future Fifth Kazekage, Gaara.

There is a door knock and the door to the study room is slide open.

????: Ojamashimasu.

A mature female voice can be heard.

Nono enters the study room with two steaming cups of tea.

Kabuto: Mother…

Kabuto mutters as he watches the actions of the golden-haired motherly figure.

Nono simply smiles and sits by the side of the table.

Kabuto later realizes both Shang and him are having a secret conversation and Nono should not get involved. He immediately shoots a glance at Shang, telling him that Nono shouldn’t be here.

Shang: I guess that’s all for today. Enjoy the moment with your mother.

Noticing Kabuto’s glance, Shang says after deciding not to stay as a lamppost between mother and son.

After Shang leaves the room, Kabuto starts talking like a child seeking a parent’s approval and Nono quietly watches him and listens.

In Kabuto’s mind, he can imagine a new life with Nono once he is done with this spy business.

But something breaks his thoughts and it was Nono’s words.

Nono: Kabuto, what do you think of having a father?

Kabuto is caught with surprise that his mother is thinking of something like that.

Kabuto: Why do you have that thought? Isn’t it better that you have us and the orphanage?

Nono: Hmm.... Probably due to the near-death experience I had.

Kabuto:...

Kabuto stays silent for a while as he was the one who nearly killed Nono.

Kabuto: So who do you have in mind?

Nono: Elder?

Kabuto’s glasses start to have cracks on them.