Yakushi Nono had already noticed the eavesdropper outside.
Of course she had.
As one of Konoha's most accomplished intelligence operatives, she was keenly aware of every presence around the orphanage. But she made no move to stop it. In truth, she preferred that everything here remained visible to the village's watchful eyes. The struggles of those above her station were not battles she could afford to enter directly.
"His name is Yakushi Kabuto," Uchiha Yoru said calmly. "He also grew up here. You know him well. And yes, he came from Root."
Outside, Kabuto was only thirteen. Skilled, disciplined, already accustomed to living in shadows. The moment he sensed something was wrong, his expression flickered.
"Big brother, are you okay?" a child asked innocently.
Kabuto blinked, then smiled as gently as ever. He adjusted his glasses and crouched down."I'm fine. Come on, let me tell you a story about ninjas."
He laughed with the children, his voice light and warm. Inside, his thoughts were in chaos.
He knows.
When had his identity been exposed? And more importantly—
What about Director Nono?
Inside the office, Nono felt the same unease. For the first time in years, the famed "Wandering Shrine Maiden" felt her composure crack.
The surname Yakushi.The boy named Kabuto.
She needed only a glance through the window to understand. Memories surfaced. Old reports. Root dossiers showing a child whose appearance subtly changed over time.
She exhaled slowly and forced herself back into calm.
Across from her, Yoru took a sip of tea, clearly enjoying the moment. Power had a way of sharpening awareness. He set the cup down at last.
"From now on," he said, "Kabuto's team will act as the liaison between the Seventh Division and the orphanage. Supplies will be delivered monthly."
"I understand," Nono replied quietly, bowing her head. Despite his youth and inferior raw strength, she treated him with complete respect.
This was the rule of the ninja world. Whoever held leverage dictated the terms.
"Danzo will hear about this soon," Yoru continued, rising from his seat. "Orochimaru-sama's stance is simple. Neither side will make reckless moves. The orphanage won't be dragged into open conflict."
He smiled faintly. "This visit was never going to remain secret."
His purpose was obvious. Using the orphanage and its children to let Orochimaru's name circulate again. Academy whispers. Playground talk. A reputation revived without confrontation.
Everyone in the village would see it as Orochimaru beginning his counterplay.
"Your tea is excellent," Yoru said lightly. "We should stay in contact."
He patted Nono's shoulder in a familiar, almost friendly gesture and turned to leave.
"Please," Nono said softly. "Continue to look after the orphanage."
In that sentence was her answer.
She understood exactly what he was asking. A double role. Root would come to her. They would demand information. And Yoru would expect the same.
She weighed the odds swiftly. Orochimaru's chances of becoming Fifth Hokage were far from slim. If she bet correctly, the orphanage would gain lasting protection.
"For the village," Yoru replied with a polite smile.
Inside, his thoughts were colder.
Danzo… I'll return the favor.
Nono was only the visible piece. The real move was already in place.
Back at the Seventh Division headquarters, Kabuto stood straight and delivered his report.
"There are two hundred thirty-eight children at the orphanage. Thirteen show early chakra control. Director Nono and a deputy oversee daily operations…"
Yoru listened with half-lidded eyes, studying the boy before him. No bloodline. No special heritage. And yet, his future potential was terrifying.
"The war and the Nine-Tails incident left the village stretched thin," Yoru said casually. "These supplies were… difficult to arrange."
Kabuto smiled politely. "I understand. I'm your subordinate."
Yoru didn't believe that for a second.
But he trusted something else.
Kabuto's weakness was Nono.Nono's weakness was the children.And Kabuto… was intelligent enough to choose survival over loyalty.
Yoru tapped the desk lightly. Kabuto, intentionally or not, revealed the curse seal on his tongue.
Yoru nodded. "You have talent in medical ninjutsu. Focus on that. Learn everything you can."
"Yes, sir."
Kabuto left calmly, though sweat soaked his back. He had exposed himself. But there was no choice.
Watching him go, Yoru finally relaxed.
Kabuto was invaluable. Not just as an informant within Root, but as a future asset in medical research. Artificial bloodlines had already proven possible. Combining methods would reduce the cost and risks.
And perhaps… just perhaps…
This time, a tragedy could be avoided.