Kabuto stepped out into the morning light, enjoying the warmth on his face. He had left Urushi in charge while he went into town, claiming he had errands to run. No one questioned his motives. In fact, they were all of the opinion that he needed some fresh air and a rest. He was overworked and overtired. So dedicated to his cause that he neglected himself. It felt deceptive and it left a bad taste in his mouth. These people cared for him. About him. His little family of castoffs and throwaways. He would not lay this burden at their feet. He was fiercely protective of them.
It's me you need protecting from.
Kabuto hated going into the main village, especially during the light of day. His appearance could be strange and frightening to some. He no longer blended in seamlessly with the crowd as he once had. He refused to hide his face. Part of his self-imposed penance.
Let them see the monster that walks in their midst.
There were those who still remembered. His presence was a slap in the face to the people who had lost loved ones to him. Naruto had put a stop to the cries of "traitor". To the kicks and blows. Kabuto would have gladly endured them but the Hokage had insisted. They could not forgive so they chose to forget. To pretend that he didn't exist, hidden on the outskirts of town. Along with the children they often turned a blind eye to.
We are a constant reminder of the worst of days. We are the refuse of your regret.
He made his way to the tower of the Hokage. The Anbu eyed him suspiciously but didn't give him any trouble. Naruto had seen to that as well. Reluctantly, they let him pass, making comments how if the Hokage hadn't been on lunch break he wouldn't be permitted to pass and next time he should make an appointment. They led him to the main office and stood guard until The Seventh looked up from his ramen and they were casually dismissed.
"Kabuto?" Naruto asked. He seemed confused at first but then he smiled. "What brings you here? I hope everything is well at the Orphanage. Er...I did remember to send the funds this month, didn't I?"
"No, everything is running smoothly," Kabuto answered. "This visit is of a personal nature. I know I have no right to ask you for any favours..."
"Kabuto," he interrupted . "You're too hard on yourself. Let the past go. I have. You've been of great service to Konoha. I'm grateful to you."
He nodded to a chair, overflowing with stacks of paper.
"Sit," he continued. "Er...if you don't mind clearing away some clutter first. I'm afraid my organizational skills aren't as good as yours. Maybe one day you can help me implement a better system for dealing with all of...this."
"I'd be honored, Lord Hokage."
"What can I help you with? Sorry to get straight to the point but well...as you can see I'm rather busy."
"It's about the boy named Mitsuki," Kabuto answered. "I'm requesting all official documents you have on him. I promise to be discreet about it."
"I can't do that," Naruto said. "It's classified information. More than that, his is my son's friend and teammate."
"That's exactly what worries me. You must know of his origin."
"Yes of course, I do. I also believe he deserves a chance at a normal life. Sasuke agrees."
"He's not just a clone of Orochimaru..."
"Yes, our tests did indicate the presence of other DNA as well. Namely yours."
Naruto sighed and smiled sadly.
"I know we should have told you sooner," the Hokage said. "But I knew how you'd feel about the situation. I want to show you something."
He walked over to the window and motioned for Kabuto to follow. He pointed to where there were three children at play in the square below. The Hokage's son, Boruto. The Uchiha girl, Sarada. Mitsuki...
"I know you've been keeping tabs on him since he first came here," Naruto said. "There's nothing that can be gleaned from any documents that you don't already know. Watch him. Really watch him."
This child who was already skilled in espionage and medical ninjutsu. Whose name meant the very symbol of the night. What potential lay sleeping within? Was Orochimaru playing the long con? Releasing a slowly ticking time bomb into the village? Teamed with the child of the Hokage and the Uchiha descendent no less. Surely, that was no accident. Why was Naruto so quick to trust?
What parts of me make up this puzzle?
What would I even teach you?
He couldn't speak of how the mind could become a prison. How even the purest of intentions could become warped and distorted into something monstrous. Of how one could love so strongly, so blindly, it could consume everything about you, stripping you away piece by agonizing piece. That there were actions and words that can never be undone. Regret and shame following the rest of your days. That you could atone and repent a million times over and never be able to fix the damage done.
He watched as the three played at being ninja. They worked together like a well oiled machine already, young as they were. Mitsuki tagging along after Boruto, backing him up as they attempted to ambush their squad leader. Laughing as they were successful and ended up being chased down the street by an irate Konohamaru.
He is already surrounded by better teachers than I. May their lessons be less harsh than the ones I had to learn.
"All three of them make me proud," Naruto said. "Every single day. I wish I had the time to tell them that more often."
The look of parental pride slowly melted into weariness.
"I don't trust Orochimaru, but I do trust Mitsuki," he said. "If you want the location of Orochimaru's last known whereabouts it's the least I can do. It's up to you to do what you want with that information."
Naruto rummaged around his desk until he found what he was looking for. Kabuto looked at the written coordinates and handed them back.
"It's not very well hidden," he said surprised.
"Maybe he's not trying to hide," The Hokage answered. "If you'll excuse me, I really need to get back to work. If I'm late for dinner again my family is going to have my head."
Kabuto made a slight bow and motioned to leave.
"Kabuto," Naruto called out after him. "You're always welcome. Don't be such a stranger."
