Outside Konoha.
When the children playing in the yard saw Tsunade arrive, they all stopped mid-game.
An older child recognized her and quickly called the others to line up and bow. In unison, they shouted, "Hello, Tsunade-sama!"
Tsunade smiled and nodded. "Go back to playing. I need to speak with Dean Nonō about something."
The older child immediately ran inside to announce her. Not long after, Yakushi Nonō hurried out to greet her.
"Please come in and have a cup of tea."
They entered the reception room. It was plain but neat. Nonō poured Tsunade tea and sat across from her.
Tsunade took a light sip, then got straight to the point. "Nonō, I came for two things today."
"Please go ahead, Tsunade-sama."
"First, I want to thank you." Tsunade's tone was sincere, with clear praise. "That kid Hyuga Kiyonari has a very solid foundation thanks to your teaching. On his first day at the front line, he was already able to use what he learned to treat wounded."
Nonō shook her head modestly. "You praise me too much. The key is Kiyonari himself—he's naturally bright and eager to learn."
"You're too humble." Tsunade set down her cup and leaned forward slightly. "Kiyonari told me your teaching methods are systematic and standardized. He couldn't have done it without your help."
Then she changed topics. "Running this orphanage by yourself… it's hard, isn't it?"
Nonō hesitated, but answered honestly. "It is difficult. The village allocates some funding each month, but it never quite covers enough. To be honest, your commission fee was a huge help."
Tsunade nodded. "That's the second thing I came for. I may be able to offer some help."
Nonō looked at her questioningly. "What do you mean?"
"I plan to open a medical-ninja interest class at the Ninja Academy—start by cultivating a batch of kids." Tsunade stood and looked out the window at the children playing. "I want you to be the instructor for that class."
The proposal clearly caught Nonō off guard. She froze for a moment before speaking. "Tsunade-sama, I'm honored you think so highly of me. But—my energy is mainly devoted to the orphanage, and I haven't taken formal missions in a long time. I'm afraid I won't be able to handle the teaching—"
"Don't underestimate yourself. Your ability has already proven itself." Tsunade's tone was firm.
"We can schedule the class flexibly. It won't take too much of your time. And even though it's just an interest class, you'll receive a monthly salary. That money can also help subsidize the orphanage's expenses."
Nonō fell silent. She could feel Tsunade's sincerity, and she understood it really was a win-win.
Tsunade added, "Also, my requirements aren't high. You don't need to train them into another Kiyonari—just teach basic trauma care. It's an interest class; the goal is to spark interest, so that after graduation they'll be willing to actively pursue medical ninjutsu."
"If it can help you and improve the orphanage's situation, then I'm willing." Nonō finally nodded. "But when would it begin?"
"The specific schedule still needs to be discussed with the Hokage, but it should be soon." Tsunade smiled with satisfaction. "I'll notify you in advance."
"Then I'll see you out." Nonō stood to escort her.
…
Not long after Tsunade left, a Root ninja appeared silently outside the orphanage. He didn't use the front gate—instead he slipped straight into Nonō's office.
Nonō was organizing things. When she looked up and saw the uninvited guest, she showed little surprise—clearly accustomed to this.
She had always known Root was watching her.
"Tsunade-sama came to see you just now. What did you talk about?"
"Mainly she thanked me for teaching Hyuga Kiyonari, and brought up the orphanage's funding issues." Nonō's voice was calm, stripped of the warmth she'd shown Tsunade.
"Just that?" The Root ninja didn't believe her.
"There was also this," Nonō continued. "Tsunade-sama said she plans to open a medical-ninja interest class in Konoha and wants me to be the instructor."
"Did she ask you anything about Root?"
So that was what Root actually cared about most.
"No." Nonō shook her head. "Tsunade-sama doesn't know my past. From start to finish she never mentioned Root."
"Did you agree?"
"I agreed," Nonō answered truthfully. "Teaching pays a salary. I can use it to subsidize the orphanage, and it lets me contribute to the village."
The Root ninja fell silent for a moment, then said coldly, "Remember your identity. You are not allowed to leak any information about Root—even to Tsunade. If she asks, report immediately."
"Understood."
"Good." Before the words finished, his presence vanished from the room.
Nonō stood alone, removed her glasses, and rubbed her brow lightly. A flicker of helplessness and sorrow passed through her eyes.
Once you enter Root, you never truly get out again.
When would Danzo-sama finally understand? Hands that have been stained will never be able to stand in the sunlight.
…
Root headquarters.
In a dim office, Shimura Danzo listened to his subordinate's report.
"You're sure that's all she said?"
"Yes, Danzo-sama." The Root ninja lowered his head respectfully. "Yakushi Nonō says Tsunade only discussed the medical-ninja interest class and didn't mention Root at all."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
Danzo's fingers knocked rhythmically on the wooden armrest. In the cramped office, it was the only sound echoing.
"A medical-ninja interest class…"
Tsunade could have done this herself. Teaching a bunch of brats wouldn't take much time or effort. It would even raise her prestige among the younger generation. So why recruit Nonō?
Could it be… she intends to return to the border?
But if that's the case, then the border arrangements must be delayed.
Seeing Danzo deep in thought, a Root ninja spoke up carefully. "Frontline reports say Hyuga Kiyonari was able to treat the wounded on his first day. Perhaps… Tsunade-sama truly values Nonō's teaching ability."
Danzo shot him a glare. "If I were her, I wouldn't do something so meaningless. If she becomes the Fifth Hokage, she will certainly try every way to disband Root. Nonō may be her chosen breakthrough point."
With insufficient intelligence, Danzo activated his usual skill again—judging others by himself.
"Then what should we do?"
After thinking, Danzo ordered, "Continue monitoring Nonō. And also—send her a photograph of Yakushi Kabuto."
"Understood, Danzo-sama."
…
After leaving the orphanage, Tsunade went straight to the Hokage's office.
"Oh, it's you, Tsunade." Hiruzen set down his pen. "It's rare for you to be back—won't you rest a bit more?"
"Old man, this is serious." Tsunade sat across from him, legs crossed, posture casual.
"Go on. What is it?"
Tsunade placed the proposal document—written by Hyuga Kiyonari and Uchiha Shisui—onto the desk. "Old man. This time… you're not going to stop me again, are you?"
"How could I?" Hiruzen took it and skimmed it, surprise flashing in his eyes.
"Oh? Let me see… this is very well written. But pushing this plan through will have problems too—like not enough suitable mid-level shinobi, and resource and time constraints."
"I know." Tsunade leaned forward slightly.
"So I plan to start with a medical-ninja interest class at the Academy and cultivate a batch of children first. When they graduate, we select the best among them to take over teaching the interest class, and the original instructor gets promoted to a specialized training program."
Hiruzen exhaled a ring of smoke, thoughtful. "That's a good idea. But… you alone might not be able to handle it. What about the border?"
Tsunade nodded. "I still need to return to the border, but I've found a suitable candidate. Her name is Yakushi Nonō."
At that name, Hiruzen's expression shifted slightly—then returned to normal. "Yakushi Nonō? The one who helped teach Kiyonari?"
"She's an excellent medic, and a strong teacher—she raised Kiyonari extremely well. And she's also an orphanage director. I went to see the orphanage; those kids are all being taught properly…"
"I think Nonō is very suitable for the interest class. Pay her a normal salary through the village."
Hiruzen studied Tsunade for a moment, then said, "Since you've decided to use her, I won't oppose it. However… I suggest you first learn her full background."
"Of course." Tsunade replied. "I'm going to review Yakushi Nonō's file. She'll be with me a long time—I need to know her details."
Hiruzen chuckled, sounding relieved. "No problem."
Border forces, medical reform… she was finally willing to take up the Hokage mantle.
"Hah…" Tsunade let herself breathe easier.
Finally, they'd reached this step.
Next, she could find an excuse to pull Yakushi Kabuto out—but with her understanding of Danzo, there was no way that old bastard would hand him over easily.
Especially since Nonō and Kabuto both knew enough to warrant being silenced—what they carried was heavy beyond measure.
Danzo had never been short on playing along in public while disobeying in private.
Maybe… that bastard also knew key intel. If he'd taken Kabuto as a subordinate, he must have been paying attention to him.
Thinking that, Tsunade looked up, her expression a bit unnatural. "Old man… do you still have a way to contact Orochimaru?"
That name carried a kind of weight. Hiruzen's hand holding the pipe trembled sharply, and ash slapped onto the desk, scattering everywhere.
"…No."
"But Jiraiya is chasing—" Tsunade started, then cut herself off. "…Forget it."
She suddenly remembered: Orochimaru was currently inside Akatsuki.
Better not drag Jiraiya into danger.