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 in his eyes.
"Thank you for the support you've provided to the orphanage," said a nun-like pharmacist named Yakushi Nono, wearing a white headscarf and a genuine, gentle smile.
Looking at this woman 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 with this. Please don't hesitate to contact the Seventh Division of the Police Department if the orphanage needs food or supplies," Yakushi Nono added with equal warmth.
Both wore polite smiles, but neither revealed their true thoughts. The Seventh Division had come as Orochimaru's representatives, accompanied by two team members.
Kaien and Yakushi Nono walked toward the director's office while chatting. Outside, children's laughter drifted in. Meanwhile, Kabuto, secretly distributing food to the orphans with a polite grin, watched Kaien and Nono with hidden concern.
In the director's office, Yakushi Nono maintained her compassionate facade—she was Konoha's most feared spy, the legendary "Wandering Miko," but here she played the kindly pharmacist.
"Director, please have some tea," she said, offering a cup in a motherly gesture.
"Director, you're too kind," Kaien echoed smoothly, settling into his political role. He narrowed his eyes slightly as he set his cup aside.
"If the orphanage needs anything else, please let us know. We may not have vast funds, but we will see to the children's needs," Nono continued.
Then Kaien's next words cut the warmth. "After all, you are worth that value, aren't you, Wandering Miko?"
The room grew heavy. But Yakushi Nono's expression remained perfectly blank.
"Director?"
Seeing no hint of reaction, Kaien shook his head slightly. "Director, the Police Department will ensure supplies never run out. I believe you understand what that means."
Her unreadable mask impressed him. He rubbed his forehead as though weary of pretense. "My teacher is Orochimaru‑sama, Deputy Minister of Root. Director, none of your disguises hides you from me."
Her eyes flickered coldly, but her smile never wavered. After a moment's pause, she asked politely, "May I know your request, sir?"
Despite her calm, the warmth had drained from her tone. Kaien allowed himself a brief, relaxed smile as he glanced toward the playground. "Yakushi Nono, I am not Root. Though Root exists, I dislike harming our own people."
He leaned forward. "The Police Department will provide a monthly food subsidy to your orphanage. The conditions 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 was in hiding and that Konoha's powers were quietly erasing the Sannin's influence. Now they sought to use orphans to bolster his reputation—a bitter pill.
Yet her instincts told her this was the best gamble. As long as the Seventh Division remained, someone championed Orochimaru's cause.
Seeing her contemplation, Kaien smiled. "Director, Orochimaru‑sama praised the Wandering Miko above all. You are his true treasure."
Outside, pharmacist Dou, playing with children beneath a tree, froze and watched through the window, reading their lips and frowning.
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 train our logistics division each month."
Then Kaien's gaze shifted toward Kabuto. A small, knowing smile touched his lips. "By the way, Director, do you recognize that child?"
In that moment, Yakushi Nono—the most exceptional spy—had noticed Dou eavesdropping outside, but she remained calm. Despite her disdain for Root, she felt powerless against Konoha's greater currents.
"His name is Yakushi Kabuto, also from this orphanage. You know him well. By the way, he's a Root operative," Kaien said softly.
Thirteen‑year‑old Kabuto, a talented spy, froze at being unveiled. The children playing with him noticed his troubled look.
"Big brother, what's wrong?" they asked innocently.
Kabuto forced a gentle smile, wiped his eyes, and replied, "Nothing. Now, come, let me tell you a ninja story."
As he resumed playing, turmoil churned within him. When had Kaien discovered his secret? And what of the director?
Inside, Nono's composure cracked for a heartbeat. The surname "Yakushi" and the boy's face brought her unpleasant memories. She drew a deep breath, stilled herself, and regained calm.
A moment later, Kaien stood and set down his empty teacup. He looked at Nono—about to refill it—and waved her off. "From now on, Yakushi's team will manage our liaison with the orphanage. Monthly supplies shall be delivered."
"Understood. Thank you, sir," she replied, bowing with polite respect.
This was the power of position: once within the circle, one could exploit others' weaknesses, and they complied.
"The news will reach Danzo soon. Orochimaru's intentions are clear. Neither side will act rashly, and the orphanage will stay out of the conflict."
Kaien rose, smiling in relaxed confidence. His visit drew ANBU and Root scrutiny—exactly why he came in person. No one would doubt Orochimaru's hand in it.
Thus he used the orphanage and its children to rekindle the Sannin's renown, making Orochimaru's name echo through Konoha. This was his overt aim; criticism mattered not—everyone would believe Orochimaru had struck back.
"Hehe, Director makes excellent tea. Let's stay in touch."
He patted Nono's shoulder, and she returned his smile. "Sir, you're too kind."
Their exchange seemed amicable, but held an undercurrent of unease.
Behind Nono's smile lay resolve: Kaien held her weakness—her orphanage—in his hands. He intended to make her a double agent. Root would contact her next; both sides would spy on each other through her.
"Sir, I entrust the orphanage's well-being to you," she declared softly.
In that moment, Yakushi Nono made her choice. Orochimaru's odds of becoming Fifth Hokage felt seventy‑to‑eighty percent. If that gamble paid off, the orphanage's future was secure.
Kaien nodded. "Director, it's for the village."
A cold thought flickered in Kaien's mind. Danzo, you old fox—I'll implant a mole in your Root.
And you, Wandering Miko, are merely the public face. Soon, no one will remember you.
…
Later, at the Police Department, Yakushi Kabuto respectfully reported the orphanage's data.
"Sir, the orphanage has 238 children, thirteen with chakra extraction ability. One director, one vice‑director…"
Kaien listened with narrowed eyes. Kabuto seemed ordinary, but no one would guess what he'd become.
"Kabuto, after the Third War and the Nine‑Tails, the village lost much. The orphanage has few resources. These supplies were squeezed from the Police Department."
He gave Kabuto a half‑smile. "Your loyalty is appreciated. Though I doubt every word, I trust you."
Kabuto's current weakness was the director; hers was the children—and him.
In this twisted world, ninja power wrought endless tragedies.
Kaien tapped the desk. Kabuto nervously revealed the ANBU seal on his tongue. Kaien nodded. "Kabuto, you come from humble origins, but your medical ninjutsu is exceptional. Study it diligently."
"Yes, sir!"
Though calm outwardly, Kabuto's back was slick with cold sweat. He had exposed himself—but for the director's sake, he'd become the other side's spy.
A double agent served as Kaien's trump card; the director remained the public face.
Watching Kabuto leave, Kaien exhaled. He needed the boy's Root‑side eyes—and his medical skill. Yamato's Wood Release had been artificially created; perhaps all kekkei genkai could be. The system's options were costly, and artificial bloodlines imperfect, but combined they might solve every problem—and end one terrible tragedy at last.
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