"Nonō, congratulations on finally withdrawing from Root."
The current head of the orphanage grasped Nonō's hands with visible excitement as he spoke.
Back then, in order for the orphanage to receive financial aid, Nonō had willingly joined Root. Now, seeing her successfully break free, the old director was overjoyed.
"It's good that you've returned. Once I retire, the orphanage will be entrusted to you."
The director was already of advanced age, his wrinkled face proof of the years. At most, he could hold on for another two or three years before retirement.
When that time came, it would be only natural for Nonō to succeed him as the new head.
"I'll do my best!" Nonō immediately replied with determination.
Just then, a sudden commotion echoed from outside the orphanage.
The two of them quickly stepped out to take a look.
It turned out to be the children of the orphanage, surrounding a blue-haired, golden-eyed young man in sunglasses, laughing and playing with him.
The visitor was none other than Aoshi. Every month, he would spare at least a day to come and lend a hand at the orphanage.
Over time, he had become close with all the children there.
"Brother Aoshi!" Nonō called out with surprise and delight.
The condition for her withdrawal from Root had been to forge a closer bond with Aoshi.
But what Danzō did not know was that, when Nonō had first arrived at the orphanage as a child, it was Aoshi who had comforted her and taught her how to be strong.
Perhaps to Aoshi, it had been nothing more than a casual, thoughtless gesture.
But to young Nonō, who had just lost her parents, Aoshi had shone like a ray of light piercing through her darkened life, illuminating a path toward the future.
"So it's Aoshi again, is it?" The director's face broke into a broad smile as he greeted him. His joy could not be hidden.
"Truly, it's thanks to Aoshi that the orphanage no longer depends on Root's funding to operate. We'll never again be forced to send children there."
In the past, for the sake of the orphanage's survival, they had been compelled to hand some of the children over to Root.
That was a wound in the director's heart that would never fully heal.
Aoshi, still playing with the children, heard their voices and quickly walked forward.
"Director." He first bowed his head respectfully to the old man, then shifted his gaze to Nonō.
A young girl with long orange hair and oversized glasses stood before him.
Aoshi instantly recognized her. "It's been a long time, Nonō."
Nonō had always thought his words of comfort back then were an unconscious act of kindness.
But in truth, Aoshi had done it deliberately.
At that time, before he had his system, Aoshi naturally sought every opportunity to build connections and secure support.
And the girl who would one day become Kabuto's foster mother, Nonō, was undoubtedly within his plans.
As he spoke, Aoshi's hand instinctively lifted, as though to pat her head. But he stopped midway, his hand frozen in the air.
He realized that Nonō was no longer that small, fragile child—she had grown up.
And after so many years apart, such an intimate gesture might not be appropriate anymore.
Yet Nonō seemed to notice his hesitation. Without a word, she leaned forward herself, pressing her head into his palm.
Smiling sweetly as she enjoyed the warmth of his touch, she said,
"It really has been a long time. Brother Aoshi has already become a great figure, renowned across the ninja world."
While carrying out her spy missions in other nations, she had often heard stories about him.
After exchanging a few words, the time soon arrived for the orphanage's daily lessons.
Of course, the orphanage could never provide the same shinobi education as the Ninja Academy.
Most of the time, the children were simply taught how to read and write. However, if a child with exceptional shinobi talent appeared, they would receive special attention.
Just like in the original tale, Yakushi Kabuto had once learned medical ninjutsu by following Yakushi Nono.
"Alright, everyone, it's time for class. Quickly return to the classroom." At the director's words, the children obediently followed.
Once everyone was seated, it was Aoshi who took charge of teaching the lesson.
Having just returned to the orphanage, Nono assisted him as a helper.
Watching Aoshi earnestly instruct the children from the podium, Nono's expression softened, and a gentle smile of happiness unknowingly appeared on her face.
"Nono?" Aoshi's voice pulled her back to reality, and she quickly realized the entire class was staring at her.
What had just happened?
"Help me collect everyone's assignments," Aoshi said.
"O-Oh, right! I'll do it right away."
Time passed quickly, and before long, the day came to an end.
After finishing dinner at the orphanage, Aoshi was preparing to leave for home. But Nono stopped him and led him into a quiet, empty room.
"Aoshi, there's something I need to tell you. You should already know that the reason I left the orphanage in the first place… was because I joined Root."
"And the reason I was able to return this time… is actually because of a mission." As she spoke, Nono gestured toward Aoshi.
Because of the Curse Mark of the Root's Tongue Eradication Seal, she couldn't speak the truth outright.
This vague hint was the only way she could convey the truth.
Aoshi immediately understood what she meant. "That mission… is related to me, isn't it?"
Nono nodded quickly.
Aoshi wasn't surprised.
The moment he saw her again earlier that day, he had already guessed it. Danzō definitely intended to use Nono against him.
After all, there was no way Danzō would willingly give up the Konoha Orphanage.
Without it, Root would face far greater difficulties replenishing fresh blood.
"I don't know exactly what he's planning, but Aoshi—you must be careful. Even if it's me standing before you one day… don't let your guard down."
That was Nono's final warning.
"Don't worry, I'll be careful." Even as he reassured her, Aoshi silently made up his mind.
Danzō must die. He would never allow Nono to suffer the same tragic fate as in the original story.
"You don't have to worry. I'm not the same as before. If Danzō wants to deal with me, it won't be that easy."
After comforting Nono once more, Aoshi gently patted her shoulder before turning to leave the orphanage.
---
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office.
Tsunade had returned from the research facility, but instead of going directly back to the Senju compound, she came here.
She had come to report to Hiruzen about the research progress on the White Zetsu corpse.
"Old man, those White Zetsu cells are anything but ordinary. They hide some enormous secret. But studying them alone is taking far too long—I need help."
The fact that the White Zetsu cells contained the power of Wood Release was something she hadn't yet revealed to Hiruzen.
Tsunade wanted to uncover the truth herself before speaking further. But after all this time, progress had been minimal.
Which was why she was now seeking assistance.
Hiruzen thought for a moment before nodding. "Who do you have in mind?"
"Aoshi. With his current level of medical expertise, he's more than capable of helping. Besides, he's the one who brought the White Zetsu corpse back. We don't need to worry about the research leaking outside."
Hiruzen fully agreed with her choice.
The moment Tsunade mentioned needing a helper, Aoshi had been the first person that came to his mind as well.
"Very well. Aoshi will assist you. I'll make the arrangements."