Chapter 94: Diverted Fate

Rasa seemed to understand now why these three children were so special. It is because their bodies actually contained senjutsu energy. However, this only made him even more curious.

Was it because these children were frequently exposed to senjutsu energy, or was it a gift from this protective phenomenon?

If it was the former, then that was a good thing. It meant that as senjutsu energy in this world continued to grow stronger, Sunagakure, as the source, would have the advantage of proximity, awakening more ninja influenced by senjutsu energy. But if it was the latter, then it would be a bit troublesome.

With that thought, Rasa turned his gaze toward Sēramu.

If it was the first case, then someone like Sēramu, who was born with the ability to use Dragon Vein chakra, should also have senjutsu energy within him. After all, the current senjutsu energy was all derived from the Dragon Vein chakra.

"I heard that you've been learning ninjutsu, Sēramu?"

Everyone was caught off guard by Rasa's sudden change of topic, and Sēramu felt a bit embarrassed, like a child caught sneaking around.

"Yes, at the very least, it makes moving around more convenient."

Rasa nodded and then dropped the subject, turning instead to Goshima.

"Kids like these would be wasting their time learning ninjutsu. Starting today, shift their studies to taijutsu. I obtained a secret taijutsu technique from Konohagakure. Once I've refined it, I'll pass it on to them."

Goshima immediately responded with excitement.

"That's wonderful, Kazekage-sama! On behalf of these children, I thank you."

"Alright, let's continue."

As expected, surprises like this didn't happen all the time. The rest of the students at the ninja academy were unremarkable, failing to catch Rasa's attention.

Next, they proceeded to their second stop: the Sunagakure Ninja Hospital.

Here, Rasa met his brother-in-law, Yashamaru, and the head of the medical department, Iris. Yashamaru was present at Iris' request. Due to the current shortage of talent in Sunagakure, the village's ninja hospital lacked high-level medical ninja who could take charge. As a result, Rasa had temporarily assigned Yashamaru here.

However, this arrangement wouldn't be necessary for much longer.

"Yashamaru, have you ever thought about taking on a disciple?"

Yashamaru's gentle face showed a moment of surprise before he nodded.

"I wouldn't mind, but… am I qualified?"

Rasa chuckled.

"Of course, you are. You're a jōnin of the village, and it's about time you started training a few students. Contributing to the village's future is important."

"T-then I will look for one."

Seeing her husband and younger brother getting along so well, Karura was naturally very happy.

After taking a brief tour of the newly expanded ninja hospital, they moved on to their third stop: the orphanage.

Unlike the ninja academy and the ninja hospital, which were located in the village center, the orphanage had been newly constructed in the southeastern part of the village. This area had plenty of open land, allowing for a large facility. The building maintained the typical enclosed architectural style of Sunagakure.

When Rasa arrived, the head of the logistics department, Ryūji, was already there waiting. Since the orphanage had just been built, it was still mostly empty, with only a few children.

Ryūji proceeded to share his thoughts on the matter.

"Report, Kazekage-sama! Moving forward, I will have the villagers pay attention to orphans who have lost their parents due to war in the Land of Wind and other small countries. This should gradually increase the number of children here."

"Hmm. If you encounter any difficulties, just let me know."

As soon as Rasa finished speaking, Ryūji immediately seized the opportunity.

"Kazekage-sama, there actually is one difficulty."

Saying this, Ryūji glanced at Karura, looking slightly embarrassed.

"I have a rather bold request… Would it be possible for Lady Karura to become the director of the orphanage?"

Everyone was taken aback by his words, and Karura instinctively covered her mouth in surprise.

Of course, this wasn't entirely Ryūji's own idea—it was something Rasa had subtly hinted at.

"Oh? Tell me your reasoning…"

Ryūji, understanding the situation well, quickly explained.

"Kazekage-sama, Lady Karura… An orphanage is not like other places. The children here have lost their parents, making them extremely sensitive. They need someone as gentle as Lady Karura to take care of them."

Rasa nodded, then turned to Karura.

"What do you think, Karura?"

"Would I be able to…?" Karura hesitated.

Noticing Rasa's intention, Sēramu immediately encouraged her.

"Of course, you can. Karura, you're so kind and so, you'd definitely take great care of these children."

Seeing the encouraging look in her husband's eyes, Karura finally nodded.

"Then… I'll give it a try!"

"Good. Ryūji, coordinate with Karura on the transition. The official order will be issued tomorrow."

"Yes, sir!"

Just then, Rasa suddenly stopped in his tracks, his gaze fixed on something.

Recognizing this familiar reaction, everyone instinctively followed his line of sight.

In the orphanage, a woman with flowing golden hair, dressed in a nun's habit, was tending to the few children present. Her radiant smile, warm and beautiful, exuded a natural kindness that made even the women in the group feel a sense of closeness.

Noticing the attention, the woman looked over and gave them a gentle nod.

Ryūji immediately stepped forward and introduced her.

"Kazekage-sama, this is Miss Nonō. She is from the Land of Wind and has extensive experience as an orphanage director. When I heard about her background, I invited her here to help care for the children."

As if noticing the Kazekage, Nono stepped forward.

"Greetings, Kazekage-sama."

The woman named Nonō greeted Rasa with remarkable composure, as if he were just another ordinary person.

"Hmm."

Although Rasa was a bit surprised, he showed no sign of it and instead expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you, Miss Nonō. Looking after these children will be no easy task, but I feel much more confident about the orphanage's future with someone as experienced as you."

"This is my duty,"

Nonō replied with a gentle nod.

"Then, I won't keep you any longer."

With that, they moved on to the final stop—a tour of the settlement where the people of Rōran lived, accompanied by Sēramu.

Unfortunately, no further surprises awaited them.

By the time they returned to the Kazekage Building, Rasa's official duties for the day had concluded. However, everyone could sense that something was off—Rasa seemed deep in thought.

Back in the office, Pakura, feeling oddly irritated, spoke up.

"So, Kazekage-sama, are you still thinking about that Nonō woman?"

Her words caused an awkward atmosphere among the women present. Meanwhile, the only other man in the room, Michikawa, nodded and added,

"That Miss Nonō was indeed very beautiful."

After all, even he had to admit that the warmth and motherly aura she exuded was quite attractive to men.

Hearing this, Karura, who hadn't initially suspected anything, suddenly widened her eyes in an adorable mix of shock and scrutiny toward her husband. Sēramu, on the other hand, glanced at Rasa with a slight hint of disdain.

Hmph! Men really are all the same.

Caught completely off guard by the sudden accusations, Rasa was momentarily baffled. However, he didn't let it bother him. Seeing that he was surrounded by his closest confidants, he finally shared what was actually on his mind.

"No… What I was thinking about was something else entirely—Miss Nonō is actually from Konohagakure."