Chapter 156 Nonou Yakushi and Kabuto Yakushi

"You seem nervous."

Inside the room, Mirai Uchiha gently set her teacup on the table and spoke casually.

Nonou Yakushi forced a slight smile onto her face. "Who wouldn't be nervous in your presence?"

"No, no," Mirai Uchiha shook her head. "You're just afraid of me."

Those few simple words instantly made the air in the room grow heavy.

An oppressive, suffocating aura filled the room, causing sweat to bead on Nonou Yakushi's forehead.

A sense of despair unlike anything she'd ever felt before welled up inside her.

So... was it finally here?

At first, when Nonou Yakushi had read the newspaper reports about Danzo Shimura, she had been genuinely pleased.

That bastard who treated children like tools was finally getting his comeuppance.

If Danzo Shimura had been removed from his position as Hokage's advisor, surely the children at the orphanage wouldn't have to live in constant fear anymore.

Just thinking about possibly beginning a new life filled Nonou Yakushi with excitement.

However, that feeling only lasted for a single day.

When she saw the next day's newspaper reporting that Danzo Shimura, Root, and even the entire Shimura Clan had been wiped out completely, her heart sank to the bottom of her stomach.

The truth was obvious—the village elders were purging everyone associated with Danzo Shimura.

Then the orphanage, which had always been funded by Danzo and provided many Root ninjas, might soon face annihilation.

From that day on, Nonou Yakushi lived in constant anxiety.

Now, they had finally arrived.

Thinking this, Nonou Yakushi prostrated herself on the ground in a gesture of submission. "Please, Lady Mirai, whatever happens, the children are innocent."

"They understand and know nothing. If you must kill someone, just kill me."

Hearing that, Mirai Uchiha frowned slightly. "When did I ever say I wanted to kill these children?"

Nonou Yakushi lifted her head and immediately apologized upon seeing Mirai's displeased expression. "I'm sorry, I—I really didn't mean it that way..."

"Stand up. The reason I came today is to discuss something with you regarding the orphanage's funding."

"Huh?"

Nonou Yakushi's eyes widened in surprise, momentarily at a loss.

Mirai Uchiha smiled slightly. "Root has already been wiped out, so the orphanage has lost its source of funding now."

"As the sole director overseeing so many children, I imagine things must be quite difficult for you, aren't they?"

"The truth is, I want to try my best to provide some help for the orphanage."

The heavy atmosphere dissipated like morning mist under spring sunlight brought by Mirai Uchiha's smile, leaving Nonou Yakushi so incredulous that she covered her mouth in shock.

From facing a tragic incident at the orphanage to now being offered continuous financial support...

One thought can lead to heaven, another to hell.

Overwhelmed by intense emotions, Nonou Yakushi's eyes filled with tears.

Tap! Tap! Tap!

The sound of fingers tapping on the table brought Nonou Yakushi back to her senses. She bowed deeply again, excitedly saying, "Lord Mirai, if you're willing to continue supporting these orphans at the orphanage, I'll do absolutely anything you ask."

This time, her voice carried genuine sincerity.

Mirai Uchiha raised an eyebrow, "Anything at all?"

Nonou Yakushi nodded firmly, "That's right, anything at all."

She wasn't a naïve girl living in an ivory tower. She knew very well that everything in this world comes with a price.

Who would waste their energy on a bunch of orphans without anything to gain?

Compared to what she had expected, this result alone was already more than she could hope for.

Seeing Nonou Yakushi's expression, Mirai Uchiha slowly spoke, "Since you've said that, there happens to be something I'd like to entrust to you."

Expecting such a reply, Nonou Yakushi smiled bitterly, "Please go ahead."

"In the future, help me take good care of the children at the orphanage, and teach them survival skills outside as soon as possible."

"After all...the funds I can provide will barely ensure they won't starve to death or freeze to death."

Nonou Yakushi's expression once again became blank.

Using the children as tools like Danzo Shimura had done, exploiting the orphanage to boost one's reputation, or lusting after her body...

Nonou Yakushi had imagined countless possibilities for what Mirai might request, but never expected his requirement to be this simple.

Teaching the children survival skills as soon as possible...

She would've done that even without him asking.

So much had happened in such a short time that Nonou Yakushi felt utterly overwhelmed.

She found herself unable to understand the man standing before her—he seemed so different from the rumors.

Mirai Uchiha finished his tea in one gulp, then stood up and walked toward the outside, "I'll send someone to handle the funding matters with you. From now on, these children are entrusted to you."

As he slid open the door, a thin figure suddenly tumbled to the floor.

"Kabuto?"

"Didn't I tell you all to stay inside your rooms and not run around randomly?"

Seeing that Mirai Uchiha wasn't angry, Nonou Yakushi rushed out of the room and let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Mirai Uchiha helped Kabuto Yakushi stand up, carefully examining him.

He had come specifically to talk about all this today—all for this very "visionary schemer of the ninja world."

In the future, the team under Orochimaru's leadership would certainly require many talents. Kabuto Yakushi was undoubtedly an indispensable part of it.

Thinking about this, Mirai Uchiha suddenly looked as if he had just recalled something and said offhandedly, "Director Nonou, it seems there are quite a few promising children in this group."

"If they want to become ninjas, you can come find me. I'll help out."

After saying this, Mirai Uchiha left without even looking back.

A simple introduction was enough for their first meeting. There'd be time to build a stronger bond later.

Though he could simply resort to force, that would take the fun out of everything.

If he handled every issue personally the moment it came up, what would be left in his long life worth experiencing?

Watching Mirai Uchiha leave, Kabuto Yakushi couldn't help but raise his head and ask, "Director, what kind of person is Lord Mirai Uchiha?"

A slight relaxed smile appeared on Director Nonou Yakushi's face. "He is an excellent ninja who, despite possessing great strength, still treats the weak with gentleness."

"Kabuto Yakushi, you must also strive to learn from Lord Mirai in the future."

Kabuto Yakushi nodded. "I'll do whatever you say, Director."

Just now, Lord Mirai had praised him for having talent for becoming a ninja. Maybe he really should try heading in that direction.

Once he starts earning money, Director Nonou will probably feel a lot more at ease…

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