After returning to Konoha, Nonō covered her face and went to the orphanage with Lin Chongshu first.
The current director, Urushi, had been one of the children Nonō adopted alongside Kabuto years ago. He called Kabuto his younger brother.
Lin Chongshu placed a large bag of gold biscuits on the table. Its loosened opening leaked a dazzling golden glow that practically blinded Urushi.
Lin Chongshu immediately tied the bag shut. "Remember, don't flaunt your wealth."
Urushi nodded rapidly. "Yes, yes! My lord, you're far too generous. God will bless you. All of us will remember you."
Lin Chongshu curled his lips in a smile. Is this god of yours going to bless me, or send me straight to hell?
He glanced at the masked Nonō beside him. "I was very close to your former director, Yakushi Nonō. I promised her I'd take care of the orphanage."
Urushi's eyes lit up. "Are you one of Mother's children too?"
Behind her mask, Nonō covered her face, her shoulders trembling slightly.
Lin Chongshu stared at Urushi expressionlessly. I'm your father!
"We were very good friends."
A group of children gathered around them as well, chattering their thanks over one another.
While the children were making noise, Nonō took a walk through the dormitories and cafeteria.
After counting, she returned to Lin Chongshu's side with a slight frown. She had counted only 153 children, while Lin Chongshu had previously told her there were 187.
She pulled Lin Chongshu aside and lowered her voice. "There are only 153 children here. How many times have you been dissatisfied with me?"
"...Oh, maybe I remembered wrong. I'll make up those extra two times to you."
After leaving the orphanage, Lin Chongshu returned alone to Root's holding cell and learned that Izumi Uchiha had awakened once while