Orochimaru told Hiruzen Sarutobi everything—Shindai's plan to help the orphanage earn money, and Danzo's intention to have Nonou Yakushi return to Root as a spy to serve him again.
Hiruzen's expression immediately turned serious. "Danzo wants Nonou to go back to Root and become a spy again?"
"The kids at the orphanage deeply respect Nonou and see her as a mother figure. If she leaves, those children will be heartbroken. Plus, Nonou genuinely cares for them wholeheartedly. There's no one who can take her place."
"Most of those children lost their parents, who sacrificed themselves for Konoha. In fact, Nonou once talked to me about this, hoping I could arrange funding for the orphanage."
"But because we're in wartime, funds are limited and must prioritize military needs first. I promised her I'd give a preliminary sum, then more when our financial situation improves slightly."
"Shindai's plan does seem feasible. If it goes smoothly, it could solve the orphanage's funding issues long-term. Then I'll personally host a charity event to raise funds."
"As for opening shops or anything related to the orphanage, I won't get involved. After all, I'm the Hokage, so it wouldn't be appropriate for me to meddle directly. You'll just have to handle those things."
"The orphanage really needs improvement. At the very least, the children should live worry-free with food, clothing, and education."
"Orochimaru, when you go to Root today, tell Danzo straight—no touching Nonou."
Orochimaru nodded and agreed, "I understand. I'll head to Root now."
...
Meanwhile, Shindai had already taken Pakura to get Konoha ninja identification papers, and after completing treatment at the ninja hospital, they were now casually strolling around the village.
"Pakura, look—avoid that place selling three-colored dumplings. They're way too sweet, literally rotten-sweet. One bite was enough for me; eating many would definitely make me gain weight."
"That okonomiyaki place is pretty good—cheap and delicious."
"This sukiyaki shop? Super tasty, but super expensive. Unless someone else treats me, I'm not spending a dime here."
Shindai started giving his opinion on every shop they passed.
Pakura asked, clearly annoyed, "Is food seriously all you've got to talk about?"
Shindai shrugged helplessly. "What else do I need to know? Besides, I don't really go out much anyway, so there's not much else I know. Now let me take you home first, then find Sister Kushina and get her to treat us to some barbecue."
"What?" Pakura stopped walking suddenly, puzzled. "Didn't you just ask the Hokage-sama for money? Why still rely on others to pay?"
Shindai replied matter-of-factly, "Now that the money's in my pocket, it's mine. If someone else treats, why should I spend my own? Makes sense, right!"
"You've got some nerve!" Pakura said helplessly.
Shindai defended himself, "Who's shameless? You don't even have money, do you? Your clothes don't have pockets—case closed, you're broke. Which means right now, I've got to support both of us."
"Then I'll have to buy you essentials—clean clothes, pillows, blankets, things like that. All these cost money! Can't you see I'm just trying to save a bit so we can live comfortably together?"
Pakura fell silent.
Because Shindai was right. Right now she had joined Konoha but wasn't yet a ninja, meaning she had no income. She truly needed Shindai to support her.
"Here, take this as pocket money."
Shindai took out the money Hiruzen Sarutobi had given him and pulled additional bills from his own thick wallet, placing them into Pakura's hands.
"Try to spend it carefully. When you run out, tell me. I'm your guardian now, so you'd better treat me right from now on! Got it?"
Pakura didn't bother being polite. She simply stuffed the cash into her ninja gear pouch and replied, "We'll see about that."
"What do you mean 'we'll see about that'?! I've been this good to you—doesn't your conscience hurt?!" Shindai complained unhappily.
Walking back home, Shindai spotted Kabuto Yakushi.
"Oh hey, there's my little bro!" Happily, Shindai waved at Kabuto. "Kabuto! You're back already?"
Kabuto glanced at Shindai with displeasure and tried to run off.
Because Shindai had clearly promised to talk to Headmaster Nonou Yakushi about those money-making plans, then just vanished.
This made Kabuto think Shindai had lied to him, feeling like he'd been taken advantage of.
"What's his problem?" Shindai scratched his head in confusion.
Pakura smirked slightly, "Looks like he doesn't feel like your little brother anymore—he looks like someone you ripped off."
"Come on, when did I rip him off? Let me catch him and ask!"
Shindai ran after him and grabbed Kabuto by the collar.
Kabuto struggled hard, shouting, "Let go of me! What are you doing?!"
"Don't run off," Shindai asked. "Why are you glaring at me and running away when you see me? I'm your big brother after all!"
"What big brother? Who else acts like you do? You promised me something, then vanished the second I turned around!"
Shindai suddenly remembered—it was because of Pakura that he hadn't spoken to Nonou Yakushi about Kabuto's plan.
Back then, he'd barely managed to deal with Pakura's situation; how could he possibly have thought about that matter?
"Ah... So it's about that! Back then I really did have an emergency! Is Headmaster Nonou in the village? If she is, I'll talk to her soon."
Kabuto eyed him suspiciously, "Seriously? You won't pull a fast one on me again?"
"For now, let me treat you to a barbecue meal as an apology—how about that?"
Shindai patted his chest and said, "I'm your Aniki, when have I ever lied to you before!"
Kabuto Yakushi replied with a resentful gaze, "You lied to me the moment you became my Aniki!"
Shindai let go of Kabuto Yakushi's collar. "That was an accident. It doesn't count as lying. Alright, come on, I'll treat you to a big meal."
Pakura commented sarcastically beside them, "You're actually treating someone? That's a first."
Shindai ignored her and led Pakura and Kabuto Yakushi back to his home.
Proudly, Shindai announced, "Look! This is my house. What do you think? Pretty nice, huh? A standard three-bedroom, one-living room, one-kitchen, two-bathroom layout!"
Kushina looked around at what would now be her home and nodded, "Hmm, it really is quite good."
Kabuto Yakushi looked on enviously. The orphanage dorm had six or seven kids per room—very cramped.
"Hmm? I heard some noise from next door. Minato-sama should still be out, so it must be Sister Kushina."
As soon as Shindai stepped outside, he met Kushina Uzumaki, who was also stepping out.
Seeing Shindai return, Kushina Uzumaki happily exclaimed, "I came out as soon as I heard some noise. It really is you, Shindai!"
Beaming, Shindai greeted her cheerfully, "Long time no see, Sister Kushina!"
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