Chapter Twenty-Nine: Finding Nonoyu (Please Vote and Support)

After listening to Tsunade, Karn finally understood what had happened during the jōnin council. Tsunade had spent several days preparing a report on the reform of the medical system, but the Third Hokage, perhaps finding the costs too high and unable to come up with a good reason to refuse outright, had simply chosen to stall for time.

However, Tsunade believed this matter could not be put off any longer. Perhaps because her younger brother had been injured, she was convinced that the sooner a comprehensive medical system was established, the more ninja comrades could be saved.

“Thinking about it, the Third Hokage shouldn’t refuse such a good thing. There isn’t much expenditure in the early stages...” Karn mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. Dan Kato, standing nearby, seemed inclined to offer an explanation on the Hokage’s behalf; he assumed Karn’s comments stemmed from a lack of understanding about the Leaf Village. But before Dan could interject, Karn continued,

“Tsunade, maybe it’s because you made too many requests at once and that scared the Hokage?”

Tsunade frowned slightly, puzzled. “Too many? Everything I mentioned is essential for reforming the medical system. To put it bluntly, it’s just that old man lacking vision.”

“Even if you’re reforming things, you need to take it step by step. If the Hokage let you handle so much at once, you might be the first to be worked to death,” Karn said after glancing at Tsunade’s proposal. “Adding medical courses to the academy and assigning two medical-nin to teach fifth and sixth graders—these two initiatives require neither extra funds nor much effort. The Leaf Hospital isn’t particularly understaffed after the war, so the Hokage should agree to them.

“As for the research and consolidation of medical ninjutsu, you could take the lead at the Leaf Hospital, so long as it doesn’t hinder patient care; the Third Hokage has no reason to object.

“And for promoting first aid handbooks, it’s best to focus on kunoichi. If some refuse to learn, there’s nothing you can do—after all, on the battlefield, it’s their own lives at stake.

“In summary, proposals that don’t involve financial expenditure shouldn’t be a problem. As for the rest, once the initial steps yield results and the medical-nin team expands, the Hokage will naturally pay attention to your subsequent plans.”

The lack of a strong voice for medical-nin was also an issue. Although Tsunade was a renowned jōnin in the Leaf Village, her fame truly spread only after the fierce battle with Hanzo the Salamander, when she was named one of the Legendary Sannin. The title of “Healer Saint” would only become widespread after she completed the medical system’s reform.

Tsunade’s eyes lit up at Karn’s words. “That’s a good approach. But what if the old man still refuses?”

Karn replied with a trace of annoyance, “If he still refuses, then he must have something against you. In that case, you might as well resign and come work for me—I’ll pay you half a million ryo a month.”

“Is there really half a million ryo?” Tsunade’s interest was piqued, but Dan Kato quickly coughed and said, “Tsunade, the Hokage would never have anything against you. The Leaf Hospital needs you!”

“Mr. Kato, please don’t worry. I was only joking. Even if Tsunade were willing, I wouldn’t take her—this is a business, after all.” Karn wasn’t sure about Dan Kato’s attitude, but since Kato was a powerful jōnin in the village, if he went to Hiruzen Sarutobi or Danzo to badmouth Karn, it would be troublesome.

Karn had always been extremely cautious in the Leaf Village. He’d managed to fool the higher-ups with a non-existent organization, and his current dealings maintained a delicate balance. His seemingly friendly relationship with Tsunade and his consistent merchant persona helped, but if someone disrupted that, Karn would be in real danger.

“It was just a joke, Kato,” Tsunade added, recognizing Karn’s caution. She, too, reassured Dan Kato. Having been inspired by Karn’s suggestions, Tsunade already had an idea on how to persuade her teacher, Hiruzen. She shifted the topic with a lighter mood.

“By the way, Karn, you have guests. Shouldn’t you at least serve some pastries? That cake Kushina bought last time...”

“You know Kushina too?” Karn feigned surprise, then continued, “One cake, a hundred thousand ryo, non-negotiable. And I have some premium cakes this time, four hundred thousand ryo each. Interested?”

Tsunade nearly choked. “Four hundred thousand? Why don’t you just rob people?”

“Value for money. I’m talking about the best cake in the ninja world.” Karn shrugged, “Besides, Tsunade, how could an ordinary person like me rob money from a ninja...?”

Once the conversation about medical reform wound down, Tsunade and Karn chatted about other things. Dan Kato felt left out; after all, he had only just greeted both of them today. He might be slightly better acquainted with Tsunade, but only by virtue of being a fellow villager.

All Dan could do was sip tea and chime in with a polite laugh every now and then. Things continued this way until Miwa Kawaki came to report to Karn, finally giving Dan a chance to excuse himself.

...

“There are three orphanages in the Leaf Village?” Karn nodded as he received this information from Miwa Kawaki. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Could you take me to see them, Miss Miwa?”

“Of course, boss,” Miwa replied promptly.

The two quickly gathered their things, but Karn also brought along a case containing three donations of one and a half million ryo each. Since he’d decided to make a donation, he would do so for all the orphanages. Garnering a reputation for charity in the Leaf Village was no bad thing, and although a million and a half ryo wasn’t much to Karn, it could feed hundreds of war orphans for over a month.

At each orphanage, Karn explained his intentions, and the director would gratefully gather all the children to thank him. During these visits, Karn would casually ask questions, hoping to identify the child Nonoyu Yakushi, but had no luck in the first two orphanages.

However, at the third orphanage, Karn finally found a little girl who was likely Nonoyu Yakushi.

When Karn inquired with hope, the orphanage director at last gave him the answer he sought.

“That child’s name is Nonoyu. She’s very bright and was attending the ninja academy, but recently, hearing that the orphanage was struggling financially, she insisted on dropping out to help her friends here. Fortunately, Mr. Karn, you arrived today, otherwise...”

After hearing this, Karn nodded and smiled at the director. “It’s a good thing for her to go to school. It would be a pity to waste her talent. Why don’t I sponsor her? If there are other children here who are suitable for school, I’ll sponsor them as well.”

Although there was no tuition at the ninja academy, the costs of food, drink, and ninja tools were considerable. Nonoyu usually practiced with self-made wooden kunai; while this saved money, it offered little help in her training.

The orphanage director had always wanted to help Nonoyu become a ninja, but had been powerless due to lack of funds. Now, hearing Karn’s promise, she was deeply moved. “Thank you so much, Mr. Karn. I truly don’t know what to say...”