At the edge of the village stood a privately funded orphanage.
Sunlight spilled across the yard, where children ran and laughed without restraint. Their joy was loud, unguarded, and real. Watching them from the shade, a bespectacled boy paused for just a moment, something complicated flickering behind his eyes before he returned to smiling.
"Thank you for the support," the woman said softly.
Yakushi Nono, dressed in a simple caretaker's robe, bowed her head with sincere gratitude. Her expression was warm, gentle, and maternal. Anyone seeing her would think she was nothing more than a kind woman running a struggling orphanage.
Uchiha Yoru smiled politely and waved it off. "We're here on Orochimaru-sama's behalf. There's no need to be so formal."
"Orochimaru-sama couldn't come in person," Yoru continued evenly. "His duties are… demanding. He asked me to visit instead. If the orphanage ever lacks food or supplies, you may contact the Seventh Division directly."
The smiles they exchanged were practiced.
Behind them, two members of the Seventh Division stood watch, silent and alert.
As Yoru and Nono walked toward the main building, laughter echoed behind them. Outside, children were being handed food by Yakushi Kabuto, who smiled brightly while glancing now and then toward the office door, his thoughts carefully hidden.
The Director's Office
"Please," Nono said warmly, pouring tea. "Have some."
No one would ever guess that the woman sitting across from Yoru was one of Konoha's most effective intelligence operatives. In the underground world of espionage, she was known as the Wandering Shrine Maiden.
"You're too kind," Yoru replied, setting his cup aside without drinking.
"The Seventh Division can't provide unlimited funds," he said calmly, "but we can ensure the orphanage never runs out of basic necessities."
Nono smiled, about to speak.
Then Yoru continued.
"After all, your work is worth that much… isn't it?"
He met her eyes.
"Yakushi Nono."
The room seemed to tighten.
Nono's expression didn't change. Confusion, perfectly measured, crossed her face. "I'm not sure what you mean."
Yoru smiled faintly. "From now on, the Seventh Division will cover food and living expenses for the orphanage. No child here will starve."
He paused.
"You understand why."
This time, there was no visible reaction. That alone confirmed everything.
Yoru rubbed his temples. "My teacher is Orochimaru. Root's deputy commander. There's no reason to pretend with me."
For the first time, Nono's eyes sharpened.
She lifted her tea, took a slow sip, and set it down. "Then tell me," she asked calmly, "what do you want?"
Yoru turned his gaze toward the window. Outside, children were playing beneath the trees, laughing without fear.
"I'm not Root," he said quietly. "I don't treat my own people that way."
He exhaled. "The Seventh Division will provide monthly supplies. In return, some of the children here may eventually take on… tasks. Not the kind you're thinking of."
Nono's fingers tightened slightly beneath the table.
"Orochimaru-sama has been keeping a low profile," Yoru continued. "Too low. The village barely hears his name anymore."
Nono understood immediately.
"You want voices," she said slowly.
Yoru nodded. "Stories. Reputation. Presence. Nothing overt. Just… remembrance."
He turned back to her. "If any child here shows potential for the Academy, the Seventh Division will help. That's all."
Silence stretched between them.
"Is that truly all?" Nono asked, wary.
Yoru smiled. "Orochimaru-sama speaks highly of you. He considers you irreplaceable."
That answer made her still.
Outside, Kabuto paused beneath the tree. His eyes flickered as he watched the office, reading lips through the glass. His expression shifted. Concern. Relief. Then tension.
Yoru noticed him. He meant to.
"One more thing," Yoru added casually. "Your medical ninjutsu is excellent. The Seventh Division would like you to provide occasional guidance to our logistics medics."
He glanced toward Kabuto and smiled slightly.
"And tell me… does that boy look familiar to you?"