A private orphanage on the outskirts of the village.
Under the bright sunshine, happy and excited children filled the area with joyful smiles. However, a young boy with round eyes observed the scene with a complex expression.
"Thank you for the support you've provided to the orphanage," said a nun-like pharmacist named Yakushi Nono, wearing a white headscarf. She offered a genuine, gentle smile.
Looking at this figure radiating maternal care, Uchiha Kaien—the round-eyed boy—smiled and waved his hand. "We're here on behalf of Orochimaru-sama. You're too kind."
"Orochimaru-sama couldn't come personally due to his heavy duties, so he entrusted me to deliver this. Please don't hesitate to contact the Seventh Division of the Police Department if the orphanage needs food or supplies," Yakushi Nono added.
Both of them wore polite smiles, but neither betrayed their hidden agendas. This time, the Seventh Division had come representing Orochimaru, accompanied by two team members.
Kaien and Yakushi Nono walked toward the director's office while chatting. Outside, the sounds of children playing drifted through the windows. Meanwhile, Kabuto, who was covertly distributing food to the orphans, watched Kaien and Nono with calculating eyes.
In the director's office, Yakushi Nono maintained her compassionate facade, despite being Konoha's top spy known as the "Wandering Miko."
"Director, please have some tea," she said, pouring a cup.
"Director, you're too kind," Kaien added, adapting smoothly to his political role. He narrowed his eyes, discreetly scanning the director's reactions.
"If the orphanage needs anything else, please let us know. We can't provide vast sums, but we will ensure these children have food," Nono continued.
Then Kaien's next words made her tense.
"After all, you are worth that value, aren't you, Wandering Miko?"
The room grew heavy. But Yakushi Nono's expression remained inscrutable, as if she hadn't heard.
"Director?"
Seeing no crack in her composure, Kaien gently shook his head. "Director, the Police Department will ensure you never lack—these children won't starve. You understand what that means."
Nono's blank facade impressed Kaien, but he signaled he'd had enough pretense. "My teacher is Orochimaru-sama, Deputy Minister of Root. Director, your disguises mean nothing to me."
Her eyes flickered coldly, but her smile stayed steady as she sipped her tea. After a pause, she asked, "May I know your request, sir?"
Despite her politeness, her warmth had cooled. Kaien, looking at the children outside, allowed himself a relaxed smile. "Yakushi Nono, I am not from Root. Though Root must exist, I dislike treating our own people this way."
He leaned forward. "The Police Department will provide monthly food subsidies to your orphanage. Requirements are simple—you can trust us. The children will still perform tasks, but their nature will change."
Having revealed his hand, Yakushi Nono's face grew grave. She knew Orochimaru must be hiding, and that Konoha's leaders were quietly erasing the Sannin's influence. Now they wanted orphans to bolster his reputation—an unsettling prospect.
Yet Nono's quick mind found the truth: as long as the Seventh Division remained, someone would always champion Orochimaru.
Seeing her skepticism, Kaien smiled. "Director, Orochimaru-sama praised the Wandering Miko highly. You are his real treasure."
He glanced out the window at Dou, the pharmacist playing with the children, who suddenly froze and watched them, his face hardening as he read lips.
Kaien caught Dou's gaze but did not flinch. He turned back to Nono. "Director, your medical ninjutsu is excellent. The Police Department will hire you to teach our logistics division each month."
Then Kaien's gaze shifted toward Kabuto outside. A small smile played on his lips. "By the way, Director, do you recognize that child?"
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