Finding Nonō

After hearing Tsunade out, Karn finally understood what had happened at the Jonin meeting.

Tsunade had spent several days putting together a report on Medical System Reform, but the Third Hokage probably thought it would cost too much. Unable to find a good reason to reject it, he could only stall.

Tsunade, however, believed this could not wait. Perhaps because her younger brother had been injured, she felt that the sooner they established a comprehensive medical system, the more fellow ninja they could save.

"When you put it that way, the Third Hokage shouldn't turn down something this beneficial. The initial costs really wouldn't be that high."

Karn rubbed his chin as he spoke, puzzled. Beside him, Dan Katō immediately felt the urge to explain things on the Third Hokage's behalf. He thought Karn had only said that because he did not understand Konoha. But before Dan Katō could speak, Karn continued.

"Tsunade-san, could you have asked for too much at once and scared the Third Hokage off?"

Tsunade frowned slightly at his words and asked in confusion, "Too much? Everything I mentioned is essential to Medical System Reform. Frankly, the old man just has no vision."

"Even reform has to happen one step at a time. If the Third Hokage put you in charge of all those things at once, you'd probably be the first to work yourself to death."

After looking over Tsunade's proposal, Karn continued, "Add medical classes to the curriculum and assign two Medical Ninja to teach the fifth- and sixth-year students at the Ninja Academy. Neither of those requires additional spending or much effort. Konoha Hospital isn't particularly short-staffed now that the war is over, so the Third Hokage should agree."

"As for developing and compiling Medical Ninjutsu, you could take the lead on that at Konoha Hospital, as long as it doesn't interfere with treating the wounded. The Third Hokage would have no reason to object to that, either."

"And for distributing the First Aid Manual, it would be best to focus on female ninja. If some people refuse to learn, there's nothing you can do. After all, it's their own lives they'll lose on the battlefield."

"In short, proposals that don't involve additional spending should be fine. As for the rest, once the first few measures produce results and the ranks of Medical Ninja expand, the Third Hokage naturally won't ignore your subsequent proposals."

The lack of a strong voice for Medical Ninja was another problem. Although Tsunade was a renowned Jonin in Konoha, her fame had spread after she fought Hanzo of the Salamander and was granted the title of Sannin. The title of Medical Saint would only become widely known after she completed the reform of the medical system.

Tsunade's eyes lit up when she heard this. "That sounds good, but what if the old man still refuses?"

"Then that means he has something against you," Karn said irritably. "In that case, you might as well quit and come work for me. I'll pay you five hundred thousand ryo a month."

"Really? Five hundred thousand ryo?"

Seeing that Tsunade seemed tempted, Dan Katō hurriedly coughed twice. "Tsunade, Lord Hokage wouldn't have anything against you. Konoha Hospital needs you!"

"Kato-san, please don't worry. I was only joking. Even if Tsunade-san wanted to come, I wouldn't hire her. I run a business."

Karn was not yet sure where Dan Katō stood, but the man was a powerful Jonin in Konoha. If he went to Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo and put in a few bad words about Karn, that would be trouble.

Karn had always been extremely cautious in Konoha, keeping Konoha High Command in check by bluffing about a nonexistent power behind him. His current dealings rested on a delicate balance, supported by his seemingly friendly relationship with Tsunade and the merchant persona he consistently maintained, among other things. If someone upset that balance, he would be in danger.

"Kato, it was only a joke."

Tsunade had also noticed Karn's caution and spoke up to reassure Dan Katō. After listening to Karn, though, she had already thought of a way to persuade Teacher Sarutobi. Feeling more relaxed, she changed the subject.

"By the way, Karn, aren't you going to bring out some pastries for your guests? That cake Kushina bought last time..."

"You know Kushina too?" Karn asked, feigning surprise, before continuing, "One hundred thousand ryo each, no bargaining. I also brought a few premium cakes this time. Four hundred thousand ryo. Want one?"

"Ahem!" Tsunade choked and coughed twice. "Four hundred thousand ryo? Why don't you just rob someone?"

"They're worth the price. I'm talking about the best cakes in the Shinobi World." Karn shrugged. "Besides, Tsunade-san, how could an ordinary person like me rob a ninja?"

Once they finished discussing Medical System Reform, Tsunade and Karn moved on to other subjects, leaving Dan Katō with little chance to join in. He had only spoken to both of them for the first time that day. He might have been a little more familiar with Tsunade, but that amounted to little more than being a fellow ninja from the same village.

Dan Katō could only sit beside them drinking tea and occasionally laugh along. That continued until Kawaki Miwa came to report to Karn, finally giving Dan Katō a chance to leave.

"There are three orphanages in Konoha altogether?"

After hearing this from Kawaki Miwa, Karn nodded. He thought for a moment, then asked, "Could you take me to see them, Miwa-san?"

Kawaki Miwa promptly replied, "Of course, boss."

The two made their preparations, and Karn also brought a case containing three portions of money totaling one million five hundred thousand ryo. Since he had decided to donate, he might as well give something to every orphanage. Gaining a reputation for kindness in Konoha would not hurt, either. Besides, one million five hundred thousand ryo was not much to Karn, but it could keep over a hundred war orphans well fed for more than a month.

At each orphanage, once Karn explained why he had come, the director excitedly gathered all the children to thank him. Whenever Karn spotted a child who might be Yakushi Nonō, he would casually ask questions to draw out information, but he learned nothing useful. He did not find her at either of the first two orphanages.

At the third orphanage, however, Karn spotted a little girl who seemed likely to be Yakushi Nonō.

When Karn asked about her, hopeful, the orphanage director's answer finally gave him what he was looking for.

"That child's name is Nonō. She's a bright girl, so she was attending the Ninja Academy, but recently she heard the orphanage was short of money and insisted on dropping out to come back and help the other children. Fortunately, you came today, Mr. Karn. Otherwise..."

After hearing this, Karn nodded and smiled at the orphanage director. "It's better for her to stay in school if she can. It would be a shame to waste her talent. Why don't I sponsor this child? If any other children here are suited to attending the academy in the future, I'll sponsor them too."

Although the Ninja Academy charged no tuition, food, drink, and ninja tools were still a considerable expense. Nonō usually practiced with wooden kunai she made herself. That saved some money, but did little to help her training.

The orphanage director wanted very much to help Nonō become a ninja, but simply lacked the money. Deeply moved by Karn's promise, the director thanked him. "Thank you so much, Mr. Karn. I truly don't know what to say..."