The Apothecary Nonō

"Yakushi Nonō"

Nonō answered respectfully, showing some awe of the person before her, and looked at him carefully for a few moments.

Uchiha Nara, the Uchiha Clan Head and leader of the Security Department, is one of the key figures monitored by the Root.

As Root's top spy, Yakushi Nonō also has some knowledge of the deeds of Uchiha Nara, a figure from Root's opposing forces.

"Yakushi Nonō, thank you for your kindness in taking in these children. Without you, it's uncertain whether they would have survived."

As the head of the Security Department, it is my duty to care for and protect the villagers of Konoha. Is there anything this orphanage needs our help with?

Seeing that the blonde woman was wearing glasses, Naraku guessed that she was Yakushi Nonō. After hearing Nonō's self-introduction, he felt a little happy.

Yakushi Nonō and Yakushi Kabuto are rare talents; let's see if we can recruit them.

"Well..."

Upon hearing Naraku's words, Yakushi Nonō hesitated to speak after Naraku offered to help.

The orphanage is short of funds and relies entirely on Nonō for support.

Yakushi Nonō is the organization's top spy, but she is not a member of any major Konoha clan.

As a ninja selected and trained by Root to serve Konoha, the pay was very low, so Yakushi Nonō was somewhat strapped for cash.

Although the pay for Yakushi Nonō was low, at least there was some compensation. This was because Nonō, as Root's ace spy, possessed outstanding abilities and was exceptionally talented.

Ordinary members of the Root receive no compensation; they are merely tools to be used and discarded.

Please come in and have a look...

Yakushi Nonō extended the invitation somewhat shyly.

"Okay, helping the villagers is the working principle of the Security Department. If you need any help, just ask the Security Department. Don't feel pressured."

Naraku keenly sensed the change in Yakushi Nonō's mindset. He smiled slightly and followed Yakushi Nonō toward the house, looking around at the orphanage and the noisy children as they walked.

The house had many gaps and the repairs were very rough. The children's clothes looked rather thin for the early winter season.

Winter is almost here, and I see the children are dressed rather lightly. Have you prepared winter clothing, bedding, firewood, and other supplies for heating?

Yakushi Nonō led Naraku into the house, and listening to Naraku's caring words, she felt even more ashamed.

"Naraku, to be honest, the orphanage is short of funds. The Lord Hokage's funds have been delayed, so the orphanage's supplies haven't been secured..."

The reason why Yakushi Nonō addressed Naraku with an honorific title was not only because Naraku a high position and great power, but also because Nonō knew that she needed his help.

"What do you mean? Taking care of these children shouldn't require much funding, so how come this is?"

There were only about thirty children in total. Children of this age shouldn't have any expenses, so Naraku was a little puzzled by Yakushi Nonō's financial difficulties.

"It doesn't cost much, but the orphanage has no source of income, and the wages from odd jobs are too meager."

I know some Medical Ninjutsu, but most Konoha ninjas go to Konoha Hospital for regular medical care. Those who come here are usually low-income ninjas, so the pay is very limited..."

Yakushi Nonō didn't know how to ask for help, so she simply led Uchiha Nara a tour of the small orphanage.

"Medical Ninjutsu? Ninjas who know Medical Ninjutsu are rare even in Konoha Hospital. You're being too modest."

Naraku nodded in praise, but said nothing more. Injured Konoha Ninja naturally go to the proper Konoha Hospital for treatment; they wouldn't just go to any random hospital.

Yakushi Nonō is a retired member of the Root. Before her retirement, all information about her was kept secret, and the Konoha ninjas were unaware of Nonō's medical skills.

Naraku and Yakushi Nonō walked side by side, chatting briefly about the orphanage while observing the orphanage and the children.

"That white-haired child, so young, already wearing glasses?"

"That child is a little nearsighted. He is an orphan from a village destroyed in the Battle of Kikyo Pass, but he seems to have amnesia. I took him in. He is a very outstanding child."

Following Naraku's gaze, Yakushi Nonō saw Yakushi Kabuto and replied with a warm smile.

As Danzo described it, Danzo Yakushi Nonō wasn't dark enough. Although she was highly capable within Root, Danzo believed that Nonō was not competent for certain tasks.

Yakushi Nonō, accompanied by Uchiha Nara, inspected the orphanage. Although she looked somewhat haggard, she maintained a warm smile throughout.

When the children in the house saw Nonō with a stranger, many of them even looked interested.

"He's so young and already nearsighted. He shouldn't be nearsighted at this age. Let's see if we can help correct his vision."

White hair, glasses, short stature, looks about five or six years old – it's definitely Yakushi Kabuto. Wearing glasses is a bit too early for a five or six-year-old.

"It's been corrected. The child may have injured their optic nerve or something else. Fortunately, their eyesight hasn't worsened, and the glasses fit their prescription perfectly."

"Dou, come here, let this uncle take a look at you."

After answering Naraku's question, Yakushi Nonō waved to Yakushi Kabuto.

Yakushi Kabuto was unusually quiet among the children. Ever since Naraku entered the house, Yakushi Kabuto had been secretly observing Uchiha Nara.

"Hello, Dean..."

Upon hearing the call from Dean Yakushi Nonō, Yakushi Kabuto trotted over, offering a crisp greeting. He addressed Nonō with the respectful title of Dean, but simply greeted the unfamiliar Naraku with a hello.

Naraku grinned, revealing a hearty smile, and reached out his right hand to ruffle Yakushi Kabuto's white hair.

At the same time, Naraku noticed that Yakushi Kabuto's clothes looked rather thin for the season.

"What a polite and well-behaved child! But your clothes seem a bit thin. Your name is Dou, right? Aren't you cold wearing so little?"

"Yawn, it's me, Kou. It's alright if it's cold..."

For some reason, Yakushi Kabuto sneezed. At that moment, the young Yakushi Kabuto was still an honest and good child, wearing glasses and with a somewhat innocent and cute look in his eyes.

Yakushi Kabuto, after Naraku ruffled his hair, seemed a little shy and pulled away, hiding behind Nonō.

"Kabuto, don't be nervous. This uncle is a high-ranking official from the Konoha Security Department; he's a good person."

Nonō smiled and patted Yakushi Kabuto's hair to comfort him.

Naraku smiled and nodded, Nonō asked softly:

"Nonō, I suggest you don't have too high hopes for Konoha's funds. Konoha's finances are somewhat depleted, and we're in debt everywhere."