Chapter 27: Securing an Ally
"Cloning..." Yakushi Nono murmured the word, her expression turning thoughtful. Known as the Wandering Saint, her proficiency in medical ninjutsu was renowned. Such skill meant she was no stranger to the cutting-edge research topics within the ninja world.
The concept of cloning had been proposed over a decade ago, and related experiments had never truly ceased. As one of Konoha's most skilled medical ninja, second arguably only to Tsunade herself, Nono was not unfamiliar with the theory. In her assessment, the Uchiha's true goal was likely the directed cultivation of specific tissues. Cloning technology itself was probably just a necessary stepping stone, a byproduct on the path to their real objective.
The current ninja world was not far from a breakthrough in cloning. Judging by the progress reports she had discreetly seen, it would only be a matter of a few years.
"This is indeed not forbidden research," Nono finally said, looking directly at Uchiha Akira. "I can accept the Uchiha clan's offer, but I have one condition."
"What condition?" Akira asked.
Nono met his gaze steadily. "I believe you have investigated my background and know my past."
"We are aware of your former affiliation," Akira confirmed with a nod.
"Then you understand," Nono continued, her voice firm. "My condition is this: if Danzo ever attempts to force me back into Root in the future, the Uchiha clan must help me resist him. This orphanage cannot function without me here. I will not return to that life."
"You need not worry about that," Akira replied, a confident smile touching his lips. "Once you leave Root and join our enterprise, you will be under the Uchiha clan's protection. We will provide that shelter."
"There is... one more thing," Nono added, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks as she lowered her voice. "Would it be possible to receive an advance on the salary? As you correctly noted, the orphanage's funds are critically low. We cannot hold out much longer."
After speaking, her face flushed slightly. It felt presumptuous to ask for money before even signing a contract.
Akira didn't hesitate. "That's acceptable. How about an advance of half a year's salary? Let's say one million ryo. You can come to the Uchiha compound to collect it tomorrow, if that suits you."
Nono's eyes widened in genuine surprise and relief. "That is more than enough. Thank you." Internally, she was stunned by the sum. The Uchiha clan truly is the most powerful family in Konoha. An ordinary jonin wouldn't see this much from a full year of missions.
In Konoha, the reward for a top-rank S-class mission was around one million ryo, but that wasn't pure profit. The village took its share, and any teammates had to be paid. An individual ninja might only see a hundred thousand from such a mission. Furthermore, A and S-rank missions were rare; a ninja might only undertake a handful in an entire year.
"Good. Then it's settled," Akira said, his mood lifted by the successful negotiation. Recruiting Nono was a definite win. Her skills and knowledge would be invaluable.
"Wait," Nono spoke up again, her blush returning. "I was wondering... what will my specific position in the company be?"
"That hasn't been fully determined yet," Akira admitted, pausing to consider. "The final role will depend on your demonstrated capabilities. But you need not worry about the pay. The two million ryo annual salary is a guaranteed minimum, regardless of position."
Nono's eyes suddenly gleamed with a determined light. "What would the salary be for a project lead position?"
Akira felt a spark of interest. "Do you have experience with cloning technology specifically?"
A gentle, confident smile spread across Nono's face. "I have some understanding. I've been involved with related... assignments in the past."
Assignments from Danzo, Akira realized immediately. It made sense. Danzo had always coveted the power of the Nine-Tails and had conducted numerous shadowy experiments aimed at controlling it. The Sharingan and Hashirama's cells were just two pieces of that puzzle. Cloning research would fit perfectly into his schemes.
"The annual salary for a project lead is five million ryo," Akira stated. Then he added a caveat. "However, if no tangible results are produced within two years, the lead's salary would be halved the following year."
"Five million..." Nono whispered, her gaze growing distant as calculations ran through her mind. "With five million, the orphanage could be expanded. The children wouldn't have to start doing odd jobs so young. They could have a proper, peaceful childhood..." Her focus snapped back to Akira, burning with intensity. "How does one become the project lead?"
"That depends entirely on one's ability to contribute and lead the research," Akira explained.
Nono gave a slow, firm nod. "I will prove my capability."
"Regarding the specifics," Akira concluded, "once the company establishes its research division, our professionals will sit down with you to discuss everything in detail."
After leaving the orphanage, Akira went directly to the residence of Clan Head Fugaku.
"Did Yakushi Nono agree?" Fugaku asked without preamble.
"She did," Akira confirmed, a satisfied smile on his face. "And it seems she may have some existing experience in the field of cloning. That was an unexpected bonus."
"Indeed, a pleasant surprise," Fugaku acknowledged with a nod. "What is the current situation? When will the formal election for the Fourth Hokage begin?"
"Currently, the village's primary focus is still on formally ending the war. The Third Hokage's position is that peace treaties must be signed first," Fugaku reported.
Akira nodded slowly in understanding. "So, in the Land of Rain, the conflict with Iwagakure continues on a small scale?"
"It's not just Iwagakure," Fugaku corrected, a slight frown on his face. "Ninja from all the great nations are still active within the Land of Rain. They are essentially using it as a continued, limited battleground."
Akira raised an eyebrow, surprised. "And Hanzo does nothing about it?"
"Nothing at all," Fugaku said, his own puzzlement evident. "According to intelligence from our Ninja Cat partners, Iwagakure has been particularly active, destroying several Rain villages. I truly cannot fathom what Hanzo is thinking."
Fugaku seemed to recall something else. "Ah, yes. It is said that to promote the peace process, the Third Hokage sent Danzo to the Land of Rain a few days ago. He took a contingent of Root operatives with him."
"Danzo? Sent to the Land of Rain to promote peace?" Akira's face became a mask of deep thought.
Sarutobi Hiruzen's order was for peacemaking. But Akira knew the historical truth: once in the Land of Rain, Danzo would do the opposite. He would disguise his Root ninja as agents from other villages and sabotage the peace talks, blatantly countermanding the Hokage's directive. The man operated under the twisted belief that a signed treaty wouldn't truly end the war, that constant conflict was necessary for Konoha's strength.
From a logical standpoint, Akira could see no reason for Konoha to continue fighting. There was no tangible benefit, and the village desperately needed time to recover and rebuild.
If history holds true, Akira thought grimly, this is the operation where Danzo will ally with Hanzo to eliminate Yahiko. That single act will directly lead to the birth of Pain.
(End of Chapter)
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