The Rotten, Necrotic Parts Will Eventually Fall Away, and New Life Will Surely Come; Do You Hate Me?

Konoha, Guard Unit Headquarters.

The Uchiha squad led by Tekka Uchiha and the Anbu ninja dispatched by Hatake Sakumo returned to the village.

Their footsteps were steady and grim, drawing the sidelong glances of passing villagers.

Some whispered among themselves, speculating about the details of the border mission, but no one dared step forward to ask.

Tekka Uchiha did not stop and headed straight for the Guard Unit Headquarters.

He knocked on the door to Chiyo's office, and a lazy "Come in" came from inside.

When he pushed the door open, he saw Chiyo sitting in a broad office chair.

Mikoto Uchiha stood beside him, a faint blush still lingering on her cheeks.

Clearly, the interaction between the two had been interrupted by Tekka's arrival.

"The mission is complete."

Tekka Uchiha was naturally rather dense and did not notice anything unusual.

He immediately began reporting on the border operation.

This included how they had raided the laboratory, Orochimaru's escape, and...

The sole surviving child.

Yamato (young)

"People from all the major Anbu families saw Orochimaru with their own eyes."

The corner of Tekka Uchiha's mouth lifted slightly.

"They're probably even angrier than we are now."

Chiyo chuckled softly, his fingers lightly tapping the desk.

"Well done."

"What about the child?"

Chiyo asked.

"He's already been brought back. His vital signs have stabilized."

Tekka Uchiha replied.

"Send him to the Orphanage."

Chiyo said blandly.

"The Orphanage isn't the neglected place it used to be."

Tekka Uchiha nodded.

Konoha Orphanage was already nothing like it had been in the past. Two elite ninja were stationed at its entrance year-round.

One Uchiha, and one Anbu.

Along with the Konoha Guard Unit and the special attention it received during Anbu patrols.

All of this had been deliberately arranged by Chiyo. It was both protection