Naruto: Saving the Universe by Stealing Attributes

"Really?"

Upon hearing what Yakushi Nonō said, Kabuto's face lit up with excitement.

He had worked under Orochimaru for a long time, but never once did he dare to dream that Uchiha Mirai himself would step in to help him solve his problems.

Mirai was the master of the shinobi world, the emperor who had unified the universe, while he was just a lowly research assistant.

Their statuses were worlds apart. Kabuto had never even considered asking Mirai for help.

Yet today, Director Nonō had actually asked Mirai-sama to step in on his behalf!

Seeing Kabuto standing there, stunned and overwhelmed, Uchiha Mirai spoke calmly,

"Kabuto, from now on, you can focus on being the director of the orphanage. Carry on Nonō's will."

As he finished speaking, Mirai waved his hand lightly—and Kabuto's body began to change.

Before long, his form was restored, back to that of a normal human.

"Thank you, Mirai-sama!"

Kabuto dropped to the ground in a deep bow, his voice full of sincere gratitude.

Mirai waved a hand dismissively.

"No need to thank me. Go now—live in the sunlight. The kids at the orphanage are curious about you."

"Right!"

Kabuto nodded enthusiastically, then leapt out the window. Not long after, surprised shouts could be heard from outside.

Watching as Kabuto quickly blended in with the children, laughter ringing out, Yakushi Nonō's face softened with comfort and relief.

Now, she no longer had to worry about the orphanage.

She believed Kabuto would do an even better job than she did.

Uchiha Mirai smiled as he picked up Yakushi Nonō.

"Nonō, how are you going to repay me?"

Biting her lip, Nonō buried her face into Mirai's chest.

"Mirai... everything I have has always been yours. Do whatever you want."

"Hahaha..."

As a gentle breeze passed through, the figures of Uchiha Mirai and Yakushi Nonō vanished into the air.

...

Standing in the courtyard, Kabuto suddenly felt something in his heart. He bowed deeply in the direction the two had disappeared.

Then he pushed up his glasses and smiled—a bright, childlike smile—as he laughed and played with the children.

...

Three months later, a heavy snowfall signaled the arrival of the annual New Year in the shinobi world.

As the year turned, festive decorations were strung up everywhere. People dressed in new clothes and walked the streets with joyful smiles on their faces.

Even the narrowest alleys rang out with the occasional sharp crackle of firecrackers, followed by peals of innocent, bell-like laughter.

The whole world felt vibrant and full of life.

"Keep it up! Weather like this is the best test of a person's willpower! Metal, I now pass on the spirit of Grandpa Duy, my teacher Guy, and myself to you! You're not allowed to slack off!"

Clad in a green jumpsuit, Rock Lee walked upside-down through the snow, step by step.

Beside him, a boy of about seven or eight years old, also wearing a green jumpsuit, mimicked his movements as he walked on his hands through the snow.

Both had thick eyebrows and identical bowl-cut hair. Their breath came out in clouds of white mist, quickly fading into the chilly air.

Though it was the dead of winter, both of them were already drenched in sweat.

Might Guy walked slowly behind them, supporting Might Duy.

"In the blink of an eye, little Lee's son is already this big. Time really flies."

"Guy, it's been a while since you've challenged Kakashi, hasn't it?"

Guy chuckled. "Dad, Kakashi has no fighting spirit anymore. Every time I challenge him, he just wants to settle it with rock-paper-scissors. It's no fun."

"And besides, I want to spend more time with you. Just like Mirai said—youth only needs to be passed on. There's no need to cling to it too tightly, right?"

Hearing that, Might Duy's face showed a trace of nostalgia.

"Yeah... Back in the day, I never would've imagined that a genius from the Uchiha clan would be willing to associate with nobodies like us—the bottom rung of Konoha."

Guy frowned slightly. "We're not nobodies! Mirai said I'm a hard-working genius!"

"Right, right," Duy laughed. "If Mirai hadn't praised you like that, you might not have made it this far."

"And during the Third Great Ninja War—if it weren't for Mirai rescuing us from the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, we wouldn't even be here having this peaceful walk."

"Guy, you must never forget what Mirai did for us."

Guy smiled brightly. "Dad, I'm not someone who forgets kindness. Besides, Mirai said that if we can live happy lives, that's the best way to repay him."

"Why don't we grill some meat tonight?"

"Sounds great."

Father and son exchanged smiles, their sparkling white teeth gleaming in the winter sun.

Their four figures grew smaller in the distance, and before long, the falling snow had completely covered their tracks.

...

Not far away, in the village cemetery, Kakashi Hatake stood quietly, holding a bouquet of fresh flowers. He placed them in front of Sakumo Hatake's grave.

"Hey, Dad. Bad news—I think the Hatake family line ends with me."

"I tried. I really did. But I just can't seem to find the right woman."

"It's not my fault. Ever since Jiraiya-sama passed away, the Icha Icha Paradise series stopped updating, and I lost all direction in life."

"But don't worry too much. I've got plenty of friends now, and money's not a problem."

"Especially since the current ruler of the shinobi world is my best friend. How's that? I'd say I've done better than you ever did."

He let out a sigh.

"Still... it pisses me off when I think about it. Why did you have to go and kill yourself?"

"If you'd just waited a little longer, the village would've turned into exactly the kind of place you always dreamed of…"

"It's strange. When I was young, I never wanted to talk to you. But now that I'm older, I keep finding myself wanting to chat with you about life. One day, if I end up using Edo Tensei to bring you back, you better not get mad at me."

"Well, it's getting late. I should head back and prepare dinner."

"Another year to ring in alone..."

Kakashi rambled on for a long while, then finally turned and began walking out of the cemetery.

Just then, a black-haired girl stepped in front of him.

"Kakashi-senpai, please wait a moment!"

He blinked, surprised. "You are…?"

"I'm Momoko. Uchiha Momoko. Mirai-sama introduced me."

"My great-grandmother was taken care of by someone named Obito. She never stopped thinking about him, even on her deathbed."

"I heard you and Obito once fought side by side. Could you… tell me a bit about him?"

She wasn't particularly stunning, but with her gentle smile, she radiated warmth and sincerity.

With just one glance, Kakashi felt a strange pang in his chest.

Mirai! I swear I'll never doubt you again. From now on!

Seeing Momoko's hopeful expression, Kakashi stood tall, straightened his collar, and cleared his throat.

"If you want to know about Obito, then you've come to the right guy."

"How about this—come over to my place tonight, and I'll tell you everything."

"Oh, and by the way, my dog can do backflips and talk!"

"Uhh..." Momoko's smile vanished. She took a few steps back and bowed. "I just remembered—I think I left the gas on at home. I'll… ask you next time!"

She vanished in a puff of smoke before he could say another word.

Watching from the shadows, Uchiha Mirai smacked his own forehead hard.

Kakashi, man, I want to help you not die alone—but you've got to meet me halfway here!!!