Naraku's Will of Fire
"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."
Even our Military Police Force are in arrears with their funding. But even so, I believe we cannot neglect these children; they are the seedlings and future of Konoha.
I've decided to donate some money privately to the orphanage as a small token of my kindness. How much does your orphanage cost to operate for a year?
"The children's expenses are not high; five million taels a year is enough."
Naraku's words were like heavenly music to Yakushi Nonō's ears, and the slight sorrow between Yakushi Nonō's brows was completely covered by gentleness.
"Five million taels... um, I will personally donate ten million taels to give the children a better environment and treatment."
They are all seedlings of Konoha; this is just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope it can help them grow better.
Where Konoha dance in the air, fire will never cease; its Kakkō will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout.
Naraku's smiling face became more and more dignified as he spoke, and when he talked about the Will of Fire, he even had a sense of compassion for humanity.
With profits from the sale of Naraku's Chakra Armor and arms sales during the Ninja Wars, he had over 3 billion ryo in hand. He decided to reveal a small portion of his funds to help the orphanage and, incidentally, spread Uchiha Nara's Will of Fire.
"Ah, really? Thank you so much Naraku! This orphanage and the children will never forget your help!"
Upon hearing Naraku's words, Yakushi Nonō, a former Root ace spy, seemed somewhat nervous.
It was incredibly difficult for Nonō to raise and care for these children; she truly went to great lengths to do so.
Nonō originally thought that Naraku would only sponsor a few hundred thousand ryo at most, but she didn't expect that the person in front of her would cover her expenses for a whole year.
With ten million taels of silver, if they held their wallets tight and were frugal, the orphanage wouldn't have to worry about funding for three or four years.
Naraku's donation was solely intended to improve the children's lives; he made no demands whatsoever.
Nonō firmly imprinted the Will of Fire, which she hadn't quite understood before, in her heart.
Despite his young age, Yakushi Kabuto possessed extraordinary intelligence. He gazed at the man before him and the headmaster, while carefully pondering Naraku's words.
"The leaves are sprouting?"
These words flashed through Yakushi Kabuto's mind.
"Well, Yakushi Nonō, my sponsorship is selfless, but since you know Medical Ninjutsu, I have a small suggestion for you to consider: I hope you can become an external physician for the Military Police Force."
If the Military Police Force need doctors and medical-nin, you will be needed to cooperate with them.
Of course, since you've been hired, the Military Police Force will provide you with relevant remuneration and allowances, which can be considered a form of income. If you can train more medical-nin, the Military Police Force will do its best to recruit as many as possible."
Naraku softly made a request that wasn't really a demand, but rather a form of mutual help. Accepting employment from the Military Police Force would also bring income to the orphanage, and for an orphanage with limited funds, this request could be considered a unique form of assistance.
At the same time, Naraku also gains access to many medical-related talents, such as the adorable white-haired girl hiding behind the Yakushi Nonō.
"Naraku, thank you for your care. I will obey the orders of the Military Police Force! Whenever you need me, Nonō will do her best to provide medical care! I have some confidence in my medical skills!"
"Very well then, let's do it this way for now. To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, the donated funds will be distributed quarterly, at a rate of 2.5 million taels each time, for a period of one year."
I'll arrange for someone to deliver the funds this afternoon. Nonō, take good care of them, especially the little guy behind you."
Naraku nodded slightly in response to Nonō's words of gratitude, explaining the donation in more detail, while pointing to the white-haired Yakushi Kabuto, Yakushi Nonō.
Night
After taking 500,000 ryo from the 2.5 million Naraku sent, Nono used it for the operation of the orphanage, and hid the rest in the cracks at the bottom of the orphanage. This sum of money was too important, Nonō dared not be careless.
After hiding the funds, Nonō summoned the other two adults at the orphanage, eager to share the good news and cheer on the orphanage staff.
"Two and a half million taels per quarter, totaling ten million taels for a year! Uchiha Nara is truly a kind person!"
"Yes, I've heard before that many people in the village ostracized Uchiha Nara's clan. Now it seems that those villagers who ostracized Uchiha Nara's clan are nothing but ingrates."
The plump nanny and the tall, thin old man with glasses behind Nonō were both very happy that the orphanage had received such a large donation.
The tall, thin old man was quite old and had lived in Konoha for a long time. He knew a bit about the Uchiha's reputation and past. Now, after actually meeting the Uchiha, he discovered that it wasn't what had been rumored at all.
The tall, thin old man had dealt with the Security Department several times and had always had a good impression of many of the staff in the Security Department's Public Security Division section. This time, receiving the donation from the Security Department leader, he was even more impressed.
How bad could someone as kind-hearted as him be? The tall, thin old man secretly decided that after work, he would go back to the village and have a good argument with those neighbors Tenten spoke ill of the Uchiha! He wouldn't allow them to continue spreading rumors and slander!
"I'm so happy! I'm a little thirsty, I'm going to get some water!"
Upon hearing the good news, the plump nanny was excited and even thirsty. She went out to get some water, but as soon as she reached the door, she opened it and saw three uninvited guests.
The chubby nanny knew the leader; he had visited the orphanage once before and spoken to the director, but the nanny didn't have a good impression of him; he gave her a very bad feeling.
"Nonō there? I'm here to find her."
Danzo had just arrived at the orphanage and was about to knock on the door when the plump nanny opened it.
"Yes, please come in."
Although the plump nanny didn't have a good impression of Danzo, she knew he was an important person and didn't dare to be negligent, so she invited him in.
"I never imagined that you, the Wandering Shrine Maiden, would become a babysitter. Long time no see. You seem a little haggard, Nonō."
After Danzo entered, he made no attempt to be polite and sat down on the stool opposite Nonō, with two guards standing Danzo.
"I've already retired, and I should have already reached an agreement with Konoha regarding the aid funds. Why are you here again now?"
Yakushi Nonō had been working tirelessly for the orphanage for a long time, and her face had always looked very haggard. Fortunately, Uchiha Nara's visit today brought hope to the orphanage and made Nonō feel much better.
However, Danzo's visit made Nonō was in a good mood, very resistant. Danzo's visit was definitely not a good thing.
"You, who were once the top elite of the Intelligence Division, have forgotten everything since leaving Root? I'm not here for the aid money alone."
Shimura Danzō, his face grim, just as condescending as when Yakushi Nonō served Root. He then brought up the matter of the aid money.
One of Aburame Ryoma Shimura Danzō, wearing black sunglasses, spoke up:
"We've received intelligence that Iwagakure plans to launch a large-scale offensive during the war."
The negotiations between Shimura Danzō and Iwagakure have stalled due to the issue of 2 billion ryo. Sarutobi Hiruzen ultimately refused to take the blame and ordered a renegotiation. As a result, tensions between Konoha and Iwagakure are gradually escalating.