The four of them traveled back toward Konoha in silence.
Along the way, Shisui split off to collect a bounty from the black market.
"Alright—we're home."
As Konoha's outskirts came into view, Naruto opened a hidden gate and stepped through first. Shisui followed, with Yakushi Nonou and Kabuto trailing behind, uneasy.
The moment they entered Red Sun Town, Shisui's mood visibly eased.
"It's the president! And Shisui-san!"
"The president and Shisui are back!"
Children rushed out from every corner, laughing and shouting, swarming around them. Their bright eyes locked on Shisui's bag, some of them even drooling in anticipation.
"Alright, line up. Everyone gets candy from Tianyun Town."
Yakushi Nonou froze. Watching these children's smiles stirred a deep sense of nostalgia in her.
How long had it been since she'd seen such carefree laughter? Too long. Far too long.
She followed Naruto, glancing back again and again at the children, while Kabuto's eyes were fixed on Shisui.
He couldn't reconcile what he saw—the infamous Uchiha Shisui, feared and respected across the shinobi world—now grinning and joking with children like an older brother.
It felt unreal.
Naruto led them straight to the central building of Red Sun Town.
"Wait here a moment. I'll have someone help you settle down. There are plenty of rooms—pick whichever you like. You can even stay here in the main hall if you want."
"This place also serves as the Red Sun Society's headquarters. There are verification protocols to enter—don't worry, we'll handle that later."
He guided them into a conference room and took the central seat, gesturing for them to sit.
"President, whatever orders you have, just say the word," Nonou said nervously.
Everything she had seen along the way had left her stunned. This place was nothing like Root—warm, vibrant, full of life. But not knowing what fate awaited her and Kabuto, she couldn't relax. If she had to, she was ready to sacrifice herself if it meant Kabuto's freedom.
"You saw those kids outside, didn't you?" Naruto began.
"Yes."
"For now, you'll keep your old job—headmistress of the orphanage. Manage those children. They're orphans from across the shinobi world, taken in by the Red Sun Society. But with so many, there's bound to be chaos. We need someone experienced to guide them."
Nonou's eyes widened in surprise.
Compared to the shadows of espionage, this role was a blessing. She much preferred being with children.
"Of course," Naruto continued, "that's only part-time. When the organization grows, we'll build a full hospital. At that point, you'll be its director, overseeing all medical affairs."
"No… no missions? No fighting?" she asked.
Naruto smirked. "Dean Nonou, I mean no disrespect, but even Kabuto managed to injure you. Your combat skills aren't exactly impressive. Better to use your medical ninjutsu where it matters. Leave the fighting to others."
Her face flushed, but her shoulders loosened. Relief replaced the weight she'd been carrying.
Then her gaze shifted to Kabuto, worry creeping back in.
"President… what about Kabuto?"
Kabuto himself held his breath, fists clenched, palms slick with sweat.
Naruto studied him for a long moment before speaking.
"Orochimaru said you've become an excellent ninja. Let me ask you—do you like being a ninja?"
Kabuto blinked. "Like…?"
He glanced at Nonou, lost.
For so long, his existence had revolved around her—helping her shoulder burdens at the orphanage, protecting her from Danzo's threats by serving Root. Being a ninja was never about choice—it was survival.
Like it? Hate it? He didn't know.
Naruto nodded, reading him clearly. "That's what I thought."
"Yakushi Kabuto, from this day forward, you're no longer a ninja. You'll become a businessman. Build trade across the Land of Fire, expand it across the entire shinobi world. You will become the richest man alive."
Kabuto's jaw dropped. Nonou's too.
The richest man in the ninja world?
Was this a joke?
"I… President, I don't know the first thing about business—" Kabuto stammered.
Naruto cut him off. "Kabuto, you're clever. Sharp. Adaptable. Business will come to you faster than you think."
"But…"
"No excuses." Naruto's tone sharpened. "Do you know why Root forced Dean Nonou into becoming a spy? Because they cut off the orphanage's funding. Without money, you had no choice but to obey."
Kabuto flinched. The memories resurfaced—Root's manipulation, Nonou's suffering—and he knew it was true.
"Money isn't everything," Naruto continued, "but without money, nothing is possible. Hundreds of orphans live here. To feed them, clothe them, and give them a future—Dean Nonou needs resources."
"And what brings money fastest? Ninja missions? No. Business. Become the best, and money flows endlessly."
"The Red Sun Society needs a stable source of income. Dean Nonou needs massive funds to care for her orphans. And you, Kabuto—you're the one who will make it happen."
Naruto stood, voice ringing with command.
"Your mission is clear. Work hard. Fight hard. And rise—become the richest man in the ninja world!"
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