Chapter 164
Whenever Orochimaru left, he always took Kabuto with him. Kabuto was a perfect tool—skilled in data collection and analysis. Orochimaru often praised him highly.
Yet Kabuto had his own goals. His life had been a web of lies and deception, and somewhere along the way, he lost himself. Now, he seeks the meaning of his existence.
Due to an injury and amnesia in his childhood, Kabuto was taken in by the orphanage director, Nono Yakushi. But when Danzo Shimura threatened Nono, Kabuto chose to leave and serve Danzo in her stead.
He had been traveling the world as a spy ever since he was young. Eventually, Danzo orchestrated a mission that forced Kabuto and Nono to kill each other. Kabuto accidentally killed her, and from that moment on, he felt empty—like he no longer had a reason to live.
Later, he met Orochimaru and followed him in the pursuit of uncovering the truth of the ninja world. But even after studying everything, Kabuto still couldn't find the meaning behind his existence. He still wore the glasses Nono gave him, perhaps in hopes of returning to those days.
"Kabuto, maybe it's time you returned to your roots," Orochimaru said, having long noticed Kabuto's absent-mindedness. There were several occasions when Kabuto would've mixed the wrong reagents had Orochimaru not stepped in.
"...Ah, okay." Kabuto didn't hide the joy in his heart. He pulled a small shovel from behind him—digging graves was the job he liked best.
"Teacher Nono... I will find you. Even if I haven't found my purpose yet, I'll revive you... Maybe then, you can help me find it."
He made a silent vow, put on his raincoat, and disappeared into the downpour.
As the self-proclaimed Tomb Raider of the Ninja World and father of the "Golden Spatula," Kabuto knew where the strongest dead shinobi were buried. His little black notebook wasn't for show.
"Amegakure... Hanzo of the Salamander is dead now, but Pain is still around. That'll make it hard to act."