C118(2)

"Nohara-san, I thought you might need a few more days to think about it. I didn't expect you to come so soon. Did something happen?"

Yakushi Nono greeted her warmly, pouring her a cup of tea. Rin accepted the cup but hesitated to speak. She felt awkward bringing up her intention to help Kakashi and sat quietly, looking around the room instead.

"Since that's the case, I won't ask further. Nohara Rin, are you certain you want my help? You know, as your teacher, I won't assist you for no reason."

Yakushi Nono spoke calmly, then explained, "Among us civilian ninjas, there are some good friends who help each other, but I believe that kind of help is too limited. That's why I established a Mutual Aid Club. Those who join will receive the club's support, and once you become stronger in the future, you'll be expected to give back to the club. We uphold the principle of mutual benefit."

After listening, Nohara Rin's eyes widened slightly. "That sounds great, Nono-san. Are there many members in the Mutual Aid Club right now?"

Yakushi Nono shook her head and smiled. "Not many. Including myself, there are only about a dozen members. For now, it's mostly about sharing Genin-level techniques and training tips to help everyone survive better on the battlefield."

The club was real, but most of its members were Genin, with a handful of ninjas not from the orphanage included as a cover. The ninjutsu resources available for exchange were limited, mostly just a few C-rank techniques. 

However, talented individuals were personally recruited by Yakushi Nono and could access B-rank or even A-rank techniques if they showed promise. For those who excelled, there was even a chance that Kain might involve them in his super soldier serum project once it became operational.

"In that case... I'd like to join the Mutual Aid Club, Nono-san," Nohara Rin said with a smile after some thought. At the moment, her only real chance to improve was through Nono; the opportunities at the ninja academy were far too limited.

Seeing Rin agree, Yakushi Nono began to explain that every member needed to receive a special curse mark, which would serve as a future means of identification. 

Nohara Rin, while clever, lacked the experience to see through the implications. Moreover, she trusted her teacher and couldn't think of a reason why Yakushi Nono might deceive her, so she agreed.

Before applying the curse mark, however, Yakushi Nono used a mild sedative to make Nohara Rin drowsy and eventually fall asleep. Once Rin was unconscious, Nono stood up and contacted Kain.

"This little girl is worth your effort, Nono," Kain said as he appeared in Yakushi Nono's house through apparation. His eyes fell on Nohara Rin, who lay asleep on the sofa. The faint scent of burning herbs lingered in the room, though his Extremis virus immediately detected it and began neutralizing any potential effects.

"Boss, Rin Nohara is definitely worth investing in," Yakushi Nono replied confidently. "Among the students in her class, she shows the greatest talent for medical ninjutsu and has a sharp mind. Without the curse mark's influence, she might not have aligned with us in the future."

The most important thing was that Yakushi Nono felt something unusual about Nohara Rin's chakra. It was just a suspicion, without solid evidence, but it caught her attention.

Kain nodded after hearing Nono's observation.

He trusted Nono's judgment, so he stepped forward and left a curse mark on Nohara Rin's chest. The neck would have been too obvious, and he had modified the curse mark to create an irregular pattern. Anyone who saw it would assume it was a birthmark or scar.

The seal Kain placed in Rin's body contained sage chakra, though it had been tamed by him. This altered sage chakra could only deplete itself and lacked the ability to absorb natural energy from the environment, making it undetectable. 

However, the infused natural energy was potent and carried an enhanced mind-altering effect.

After completing the seal, Kain left immediately.

A while later, Yakushi Nono woke Nohara Rin. She handed over a "welcome package" from the Mutual Aid Club, including resources for practicing medical ninjutsu and tips on mixing medicines. 

Nono also shared her experience in dispensing medicine, leaving Rin overjoyed with the unexpected help.

Still slightly dazed, Nohara Rin quickly thanked Yakushi Nono, unable to contain her happiness.

Before Rin left, Nono promised to inquire about an internship opportunity for her at Konoha Hospital, then sent her on her way.

As Nohara Rin walked home, she had completely forgotten about the curse mark. It would only come to mind if she noticed it, but for now, the seal began its slow work. Kain's chakra within the mark was subtly influencing her spiritual energy, gently affecting her thoughts and perceptions.

Hokage's Office

Sarutobi Hiruzen sat at his desk, reading Jiraiya's latest report. As he finished, his brows furrowed slightly. Taking a deep puff of his pipe, he exhaled a cloud of smoke with a hint of frustration.

Jiraiya's report contained only suspicions and no concrete evidence. While Hiruzen trusted Jiraiya implicitly, he couldn't expect others to accept mere conjecture as fact.

"Summon Namikaze Minato," Sarutobi ordered the Anbu stationed outside the office.

It had been a while since he last checked in on Minato, and now seemed like the right time.

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