Yamato and the little girl had spent their entire lives in cultivation tanks.
They couldn't speak, express themselves, or even understand what others were saying.
Even when Yamanaka Shinno used the Mind Body Transmission Technique, he could only vaguely pick up some emotional feedback. What he sensed was clear—Yamato had no intention of leaving the girl's side.
Given their Wood Release bloodline limit, it was best to keep their existence under wraps for now.
After some thought, Shinno instructed Captain Omega of Root's Second Squad to summon someone who was on leave—Yakushi Nonō, who was currently working part-time at Konoha's orphanage.
She was gentle, patient, approachable, and experienced in taking care of children. If anyone was suited for this task, it was her.
"Lord Shinno, Intelligence Division operative 'Miko' reporting for duty."
Yakushi Nonō, known as the Wandering Miko, was a top-tier spy with impeccable emotional control. She managed her expressions so well that even though she wanted to tear Shinno apart every time she saw the tally marks on her thigh from their past encounters, she always appeared perfectly composed in person—cold, distant, steady, and reserved, just like any other Root shinobi.
"Come on, with our history, there's no need to be so formal."
Shinno sighed, exasperated at her official demeanor.
"This subordinate does not recall ever meeting Lord Shinno."
"Oh, cut the act. You've probably cursed me a hundred times in your head already. No need to pretend you don't know me."
"Lord Shinno is overthinking things. This subordinate is absolutely loyal to Root and strictly adheres to its shinobi code. I would never insult my superior."
Nonō slightly lowered her head, concealing the momentary struggle on her face.
Another Mind Body Transmission Technique!
Calm down. Stay calm!
She quickly adjusted herself, emptying her mind to prevent any unnecessary thoughts.
Root had strict regulations.
If she got caught badmouthing a superior, the consequences would be severe.
"Relax, I'm not actually using the Mind Body Transmission Technique."
Shinno massaged his temples, inwardly cursing Danzo yet again.
Just look at what he had turned this poor woman into!
"..."
Nonō remained silent for a moment before cautiously lifting her gaze to study Shinno's expression. Only after a long pause did she allow herself to relax slightly.
"...Wait a minute, you just cursed me in your head, didn't you?"
"Please rest assured, Lord Shinno. I was merely praising your kindness and consideration for your subordinates. You are a true inheritor of the Will of Fire."
"You're really getting the hang of sarcasm, huh?"
Shinno rolled his eyes but didn't press the matter further. Instead, he gestured toward the medical room, pointing at the little girl inside the cultivation tank and Yamato, who was slumped beside it.
"I have a long-term task for you—teach these two kids how to speak, read, write, refine chakra, and handle basic daily activities. Oh, and look after them while you're at it."
"Using Root's training methods?"
"No, just a normal child's education."
"...Understood."
Nonō gave Shinno a deep look before bowing in acknowledgment.
A normal education... for kids in Root?
And... speech? Writing? Basic knowledge?
Judging by their appearance, those two children seemed around five or six years old. And they couldn't even talk?
"I'll send you a mission scroll later. I'll also transfer your personnel file from the Intelligence Division... For now, consider yourself my assistant."
Shinno waved his hand dismissively and walked out of the medical room.
Making drastic changes to Root's system before fully securing control would only create unnecessary trouble. If he wanted to shape it into something more useful, he had to take things slowly.
"Understood."
Nonō bowed again.
Assistant, huh?
If her superior wasn't too strict, maybe this wouldn't be so bad?
"Oh, right. The boy is Yamato, and the girl is Kohaku."
"Understood."
...
Leaving the medical room, Shinno switched out the Shadow Clone managing Root's operations and the one impersonating Danzo.
Then, with an exhausted mind, he dragged himself home.
After working nonstop for so long—especially the past two days without sleep—he hurriedly ate dinner before falling asleep in the comforting embrace of Kushina.
By the time he woke up again, it was already noon the next day.
Stretching lazily, he squinted at the snowfall outside the window. The Yamanaka compound was already decorated with lanterns and streamers.
Wait a second.
New Year's was just around the corner?
"Lady Kushina, Lord Shinno's genjutsu is amazing! Six days inside his illusion is equivalent to six years in real time. Wouldn't that make learning anything incredibly fast?"
A young girl's voice drifted through the bedroom door.
"Hmm… No technique is without flaws. There must be some limitations. But you should ask Shinno himself if you want the details—I don't really know."
Kushina patiently explained to Shizune, who had recently graduated from the Academy alongside Kurenai Yuhi.
Tsunade had personally requested her from the Third Hokage and had kept her studying at Konoha Hospital ever since.
Now that Tsunade was undergoing genjutsu therapy and hadn't visited the hospital in days, a concerned Shizune had come over with a fruit basket to check on her.
The two continued their conversation in hushed voices.
Meanwhile, Shinno considered the potential of Shizune's suggestion.
Since he typically used genjutsu for combat and brainwashing, he had never really thought about its other applications before.
But now that she mentioned it…
It actually sounded possible.
Of course, training inside a genjutsu would rely entirely on the caster's own knowledge and experience to simulate techniques, and the body would still need time to adapt upon exiting.
But it could significantly accelerate the learning process!
The only downside was that, for Shinno himself, this method required a willing participant or an animal as a test subject. Plus, it could only speed up his thought process, not help him learn things he hadn't already mastered.
Even if he tried to simulate something he didn't know, it would just be a hollow imitation.
After sorting out the potential applications, Shinno was about to get up and wash his face when he heard Shizune's voice again.
"Lady Kushina, is it true? Is Lady Tsunade getting married?!"
"Huh? What makes you think that?"
"I heard that noblewomen in the Land of Fire shave their eyebrows before marriage as a sign of commitment to their partner. Lady Tsunade—"
"Cough! Cough! Cough!"
Shinno loudly cleared his throat, interrupting their conversation.
What kind of nonsense was this?!
Shizune, this little girl, had an impressively wild imagination!
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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