Naruto: Reincarnated As Orochimaru

Nonō was stunned.

Considering the gap in their statuses, how had Orochimaru even recognized her after all these years? It seemed almost unbelievable.

In truth, Orochimaru was just as surprised.

Sometimes, fate worked in strange ways. Moments earlier, feeling restless from overthinking, he had decided to test the infrared night-vision function he'd developed for his reconnaissance flies. To his astonishment, the device revealed Nonō standing right outside his door.

If that wasn't fate, then what was?

Hearing Nonō's question, Orochimaru's lips curved into a slight smile. "Of course I remember. I've been keeping an eye on your progress."

"Keeping… an eye on me?" Nonō was even more bewildered. Why would someone like Orochimaru someone who had stood out as a genius since childhood pay attention to her?

It was almost too much to believe.

"Come inside. Let's talk," Orochimaru said casually.

"Y-Yes, of course!" Nonō straightened her posture and adjusted her glasses, following him into the living room.

Since Orochimaru had returned to Konoha, Kushina had gone back to her own place, and Nawaki had returned to the Senju compound. Besides Tsunade, who was sound asleep in the bedroom, the house was empty.

"Sit," Orochimaru gestured toward the sofa.

"Thank you, but I'll just stand…" Nonō began hesitantly.

"You'll sit," Orochimaru interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Relax. There's no need to be so formal."

"Uh… yes! Of course…" Nonō reluctantly sat down, her back straight as a board, her legs pressed together.

Orochimaru shook his head lightly, amused by her rigid demeanor. "Nonō."

"Yes, sir?" she answered, already moving to stand again.

"No need to get up. Let's just talk casually, all right? Sit and stay seated."

"Yes, sir." She nodded, her body still visibly tense.

Seeing her finally settle, Orochimaru spoke. "Judging by the way you hesitated outside my door, I assume something's troubling you?"

Nonō blinked, startled. How had he noticed? But there was no point in hiding it now. After a brief pause to collect her thoughts, she replied, "I came to say goodbye."

"Goodbye?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "Why?"

Nonō explained her situation: her decision to leave the Root and her plans for the future. As she spoke, Orochimaru listened intently, though he couldn't help but feel surprised.

She was leaving the Root already? According to his memories, this was supposed to happen later. And Danzo… agreed to let her go?

"Danzo agreed to this?" he asked, his expression unreadable.

"Yes," Nonō confirmed.

"Danzo… agreed?" Orochimaru's frown deepened. He knew Danzo far too well to believe he would release a loyal operative so easily. Something wasn't adding up.

"And what are your plans now?" he asked.

"My plans?" Nonō hesitated for a moment, but seeing no reason to lie, she answered truthfully. "I understand that leaving the Root means I won't be trusted by either Danzo-sama or Hokage-sama. So I've decided to leave the village entirely. I've already spoken to the Hokage, and he's given his approval."

"Leaving the village… I see." Orochimaru's gaze lingered on her for a moment. "And what will you do after leaving?"

"I'm going to open an orphanage," Nonō said quietly, her determination clear. "To take in children who've lost everything to the war."

So it's true, Orochimaru thought.

This matched his memories. Nonō would indeed go on to establish an orphanage, eventually taking in Kabuto Yakushi as one of her charges. The orphanage, funded by Konoha, operated under the tacit approval of the Third Hokage.

"I'm sorry, Orochimaru-sama," Nonō added, noticing his contemplative expression. "If there's something you need help with, I'm afraid I won't be able to assist you…"

"There's no need to apologize," Orochimaru interrupted with a faint smile. "In fact, your work might align with my goals better than you think."

"Huh?" Nonō blinked in confusion, unsure what he meant.

"You want to save those orphans, don't you?" Orochimaru's tone was calm. "If that's your ambition, then we share a common goal."

"Like-minded?" Nonō repeated, her voice filled with doubt.

"Yes. But while you're only planning to start, I've already begun."

"W-What?" Nonō was stunned.

An hour later, Nonō left Orochimaru's house in a daze.

To think that Orochimaru one of the legendary Sannin had been quietly working to help war orphans all this time… It seemed almost surreal.

And yet, he had asked for her assistance.

Nonō was conflicted. Should she trust him? Everything he said sounded noble, but as a seasoned spy, she knew better than to take things at face value.

Even if she had admired him since her youth, she couldn't let that cloud her judgment. The world was rife with deception, and one misstep could lead to disaster.

After thinking it over, Nonō came to a decision.

"I'll observe for now," she murmured to herself. "If what he's saying is true, and he's really working to help others, then I see no harm in contributing."

With her mind made up, she walked purposefully toward her new residence.

…

"Judging by my memories, this approach should win Nonō over," Orochimaru mused as he watched her leave.

In his experience, people like Nonō those who shared ideals with Tsunade and Jiraiya had a certain idealism. Their kindness made them long to bring a sliver of hope to the harsh reality of the ninja world.

Knowing this, Orochimaru believed that if Nonō realized she could save more lives by helping him, she wouldn't turn a blind eye.

But memories were memories, and reality could deviate. Would she truly remain loyal to him after this?

"There's no doubt about her abilities," Orochimaru muttered to himself. "But her loyalty… Should I take measures to ensure it?"

As he considered his options, his mind wandered to Chana, another of his protégés.

Chana's loyalty had never been in question. As an orphan he had personally rescued and trained, her gratitude and devotion were palpable.

But Nonō…

The uncertainty gnawed at him.

"Orochimaru, you're still awake?"

Tsunade's voice drifted from the bedroom, interrupting his train of thought.

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly as an idea crossed his mind, leaving him momentarily stunned.