C 30

In addition to Nono, there were two other children who had the potential to attend the ninja school. Kain brought them all back to the food store. He understood that competition at the ninja academy would be intense, especially for children from orphanages. These kids would face many challenges, as they lacked the privileges that came with being the descendants of established ninjas, and the orphanages couldn't provide them with allowances like Konoha did for ninja families.

Being a ninja required more than just attending school; it meant managing the increased food intake due to rigorous training and handling the wear and tear of weapons like kunai and shuriken, which added up to a considerable annual expense. Yakushi Nono, after spending over two years in ninja school, had already burdened the orphanage to the point that it struggled to make ends meet. That was why she insisted on dropping out once she realized the financial difficulties of the orphanage.

As Kain took the children back, he considered how things might have unfolded if he hadn't intervened. Yakushi Nono, in particular, could have ended up being recruited by Danzo's Root, a secretive organization that preyed on orphans and underprivileged children with talent.

Once they arrived at the food store, Kain offered them tea and desserts. Then, with a smile, he reassured the children, "From now on, you can focus on your studies at the academy. Every month, my staff will deliver the necessary funds to the orphanage to cover your expenses. If you excel, there may even be extra rewards."

The two younger children smiled brightly, filled with excitement. They were clearly more naive and inexperienced, simply grateful for the opportunity. Yakushi Nono, however, looked more skeptical. Her young face betrayed concern as she asked, "Mr. Kain, why are you helping us? What do you gain from this?"

Kain leaned back, speaking confidently, "I believe in your potential. You could grow up to be someone important, maybe even the Hokage or the head of the medical department. When that time comes, you'll know how to repay me."

At the mention of Hokage, the two younger children perked up, enthusiastically declaring their desire to become as strong as Hokage. Yakushi Nono, though quieter, understood the weight of Kain's words. She knew that the orphanage's survival depended on his help. Without it, even her dropping out wouldn't have eased the orphanage's burden.

She stood up and bowed deeply. "Thank you very much, Mr. Kain."

"You don't need to be so formal," Kain replied. "If you're interested in medical ninjutsu, you can visit the Kain Pharmacy. The manager, Mirai, used to be a medical ninja. Perhaps he can guide you."

Kain was pleased with Yakushi Nono's composure. At eight years old, she already exhibited maturity beyond her years, willing to drop out of school to support the orphanage. Kain understood that by giving her help she couldn't possibly repay on her own, he was ensuring her loyalty. With her intelligence and talent, she'd be invaluable once her emotional ties to the orphanage and her gratitude to him grew stronger.

After a brief stay, the children left, and Miwa returned. She had visited the two other orphanages earlier, informing the directors about Kain's offer to sponsor children with the potential to attend ninja school. The news was met with immense gratitude. For the directors, this sponsorship represented hope for a better future for their children, even if, from the perspective of the Third Hokage, it might seem a minor matter. After all, even after graduating from ninja school, these orphans would be Genin with no inherited jutsu, making their prospects limited.

However, Kain believed that, in the world of ninjas, money could solve almost any problem. He was convinced that even world peace could be bought, given enough financial resources. His faith in the power of wealth was reflected in his plans. His enforcer at the casino was Kakuzu, a ninja of great renown and power, proficient in all five elemental jutsu. Kain figured he could buy whatever skills or knowledge he needed from Kakuzu.

"Miwa, has the third shop been set up yet?" Kain asked.

Miwa nodded. "Yes, boss. The shop is ready, and we've hired all the staff as you requested."

"Good. Make preparations for the opening. Aya should be delivering the game consoles soon. Make sure everything is in order."

Kain was strategizing carefully. He had decided to put the opening of his casino in Konoha on hold. Despite the potential, there wasn't enough foot traffic to justify it at the moment. He figured that opening a casino in one of the larger towns in the Land of Fire would be more profitable. Tsunade hadn't yet become the compulsive gambler she was known to be, and the other ninjas of Konoha didn't seem drawn to gambling as much. On the other hand, a gaming hall was a more suitable option—something that would appeal to children and women. That was where Kain saw his financial opportunity.

"Got it, boss," Miwa responded, leaving to finalize preparations for the game hall's opening.

As Kain reflected on his progress, he noted that it had taken nearly two months to open three shops—not a bad pace. Still, he knew it was almost time for him to turn his attention to learning some basic ninjutsu. His goal was simple: to master the Three Basic Techniques—Substitution Jutsu, Transformation Jutsu, and Shadow Clone Jutsu. While these were rudimentary in the world of ninjas, they would be invaluable for him if he returned to the Marvel universe. The combination of Transformation and Shadow Clone techniques would be a game-changer for evading detection. Even S.H.I.E.L.D. would have difficulty seeing through it.

However, he knew he had to be discreet. It wouldn't do to let Konoha's higher-ups become suspicious of his motives for learning ninjutsu. As a non-ninja, he could more easily fly under the radar, but if he became proficient in these techniques, it could raise eyebrows.

"I'll ask Aya first," he thought to himself. "If she doesn't have a way to help, then I'll turn to Kakuzu."

At that moment, Kain heard footsteps approaching. He was momentarily taken aback, wondering who might be visiting at this hour. The door creaked open, and Miwa's head poked in. She smiled cheerfully.

"Boss Kain," she greeted him.

Without hesitation, Kain pulled out his submachine gun and fired several rounds at the floor in front of the door. His expression was cold as he demanded, "Drop the Transformation Jutsu immediately, or I will."

"Wait, wait! It's me, Kushina!" Miwa's voice suddenly changed to Kushina's. "I was just playing a prank!"

With a puff of smoke, the form of Miwa vanished, revealing Kushina standing in the doorway, her eyes wide with shock. The few rounds Kain had fired had landed dangerously close to her. She glanced nervously at the bullet holes in the floor. Had Kain's strange weapon hit her, the damage would have been severe. It was far more dangerous than any kunai she had thrown.

Kain exhaled in relief, though his stern expression remained. "So it was you, Kushina. Do you know that scaring people like that can get them killed?"