Chapter 26: An Offer to an Orphanage
"I'll have someone start working on the acquisition of the biotech company tomorrow." Uchiha Fugaku looked at Uchiha Akira from behind his desk. "Anything else?"
Akira, who was about to leave, paused. He thought for a moment before asking, "Clan Head, are you familiar with the 'Wandering Saint'?"
He knew Yakushi Nono's scientific research ability was probably average. While she was highly skilled in medical ninjutsu, she was, first and foremost, a spy. Being a top-tier spy did not automatically make one a good researcher. Proficiency in healing arts was not the same as pioneering new ones.
However, her adopted son, Kabuto Yakushi, was different. In the future, Kabuto would become a mastermind. During the Fourth Great Shinobi War, if Kabuto had been absent, the conflict's intensity would have been halved. Like Orochimaru, Kabuto Yakushi was a genuine genius.
Of course, Kabuto was currently just a child of six or seven. But his potential was immense. Such individuals were worth recruiting early.
"The Wandering Saint?" Fugaku's expression grew thoughtful. "I recall she was formerly a Root operative. It's said she left that organization and now runs an orphanage."
"Is there an issue with her?" Uchiha Mikoto, who was also present, asked with a slight frown. "I've heard she is a very compassionate person, having taken in many war orphans."
"That's not the problem," Akira shook his head. "I believe she is someone we should try to bring to our side. The Uchiha can no longer afford to stand entirely alone. To see one of our own become Hokage, we need broader support." He looked at Fugaku seriously.
"She is not only a former elite spy of Root but also highly skilled in medical ninjutsu. She would be a valuable ally," Fugaku agreed with a nod.
Mikoto's frown deepened. "Won't such open recruitment alert the Third Hokage and Danzo? Especially someone like her, who knows many of Root's secrets."
"So what if it does?" Akira shrugged, his tone casual. "We aren't doing anything forbidden by Konoha's laws. We are simply offering her a position as a researcher at our new Uchiha pharmaceutical company. It's a legitimate business venture."
"You both speak as if her agreement is guaranteed," Mikoto said, shaking her head with a soft laugh. "Do not forget her background. As a former Root elite, would she even be willing to associate with the Uchiha?"
"She will be willing," Akira replied, his confidence clear. "Maintaining that orphanage is a struggle. From my understanding, they face a severe shortage of funds. A stable, well-paying job would be hard for her to refuse if it means securing the children's future."
"Very well," Fugaku stated, making his decision. "I will leave this matter in your hands, Akira. I will inform you as soon as the company acquisition is finalized."
The Uchiha clan operated with formidable efficiency. A task that might have taken other clans months was completed in just ten days. A pharmaceutical company named Shentian Biologics was quietly acquired. It was a respectable enterprise, integrating both research and sales.
For a clan as historically wealthy and established as the Uchiha, purchasing a company of this scale was not a significant strain. Their long history had amassed considerable resources.
To the wider Konoha populace, the Uchiha's move into the pharmaceutical industry raised few eyebrows. Most assumed the clan was merely diversifying its business interests. The recent war had proven that those in the weapons and medical supply trades could profit greatly. Nearly every ninja clan in Konoha had side ventures; mission rewards alone could not sustain a large family. The Nara clan had their antler trade, the Yamanaka their flowers and medicinal herbs...
In a quiet forest on the outskirts of Konoha stood an orphanage. Inside her modest office, Yakushi Nono sat behind a simple desk, her eyes shadowed with deep worry.
"The orphanage funds will only last three more days," she murmured to herself. "But the next village allocation isn't for another two months..."
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. A kindly, plump middle-aged woman peered inside.
"Sister Nono, you have a visitor. A ninja from the Uchiha clan. He is waiting in the main hall."
"The Uchiha?" Nono's brow furrowed slightly. What business could they have here? She smoothed her expression, stood up, and walked out to meet her guest.
In the orphanage's simple receiving area, she found a handsome young man with the Uchiha's characteristic black hair and dark eyes. A ninja sword was strapped to his back. He was calmly observing the room.
"I am Yakushi Nono. How may I help you?" she asked, offering her practiced, gentle smile.
"Uchiha Akira," he introduced himself, coming straight to the point. "Nono-san, I'm here to offer you a job. Are you interested?"
"I'm sorry," Nono replied, shaking her head gently. "I am no longer an active ninja. I have no interest in returning to that kind of work." She assumed the Uchiha sought her spy skills, talents she had left firmly in her past. Her life now was dedicated solely to the children.
"You misunderstand," Akira said, correcting her assumption. "I'm not asking you to return to your old profession. The Uchiha clan is entering the biopharmaceutical industry. We have acquired a company called Shentian Biologics and wish to hire you as a lead researcher."
Nono felt a wave of relief. The Uchiha were a powerful clan in Konoha, known for their pride. She had no desire to cross them, as making an enemy of such a family would make running the orphanage impossible.
"While I am honored," she began, her tone polite but firm, "I am the director here. These children need me. I'm afraid I do not have the time to commit to such a position."
Akira's gaze was perceptive. "Nono-san, from what I understand, the orphanage is facing a significant funding shortage. The support from the village is not enough to cover all your expenses, is it?"
Nono fell silent. He was right. The village stipend was insufficient. She often had to take on small jobs and even guide the older children in simple tasks to earn extra money, just to keep food on the table.
"Shentian Biologics offers a very competitive salary to its researchers," Akira continued, his voice calm but persuasive. "You wouldn't want this orphanage to be forced to close its doors, would you?"
After a long moment of quiet thought, Nono finally asked, "What exactly would my work entail?"
"Nothing forbidden, you have my word," Akira assured her with a small smile. "The focus is on biological cloning and the targeted cultivation of organic tissues. It is pure, if advanced, medical research."
For Akira, this was the true priority, even more than the immediate research on Hashirama's cells. With the Demonic Mirror Technique as his ultimate goal, mastering cloning technology was the essential foundation. Once that technique was perfected, acquiring and stabilizing Senju Hashirama's cells would follow naturally.
(End of Chapter)
✨If you're enjoying this story, consider supporting me on Patreon —
Patreon.com/TofuChan
💕Patreon members get early access to chapters, bonus content, and voting power on future ideas.💕
Every bit of support helps me write more and faster. Thank you so much for reading! 🥰
Bonus Chapter For Every 100 Power Stones
Lets hit the goal of 200 Patreon Members now for 5 Extra Chapters 💕
We are at 156 members 🎉
There is a limited discount going on Patreon now 3 days left 😊