Naruto: Starting with Snatching the Mangekyō Sharingan

"Cloning…" Nono murmured under her breath, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. Known as the "Wandering Miko" for her expertise in medical ninjutsu, Nono was no stranger to the latest research in the shinobi world. Cloning had been discussed for over a decade, and research in the field had never truly stopped. As the second-most skilled medical ninja in Konoha, just under Tsunade, she knew quite a bit about the technology.

From her perspective, the Uchiha clan's true objective likely involved targeted cloning, cloning itself was probably just a means to an end. The shinobi world was not far from a breakthrough, and at the current pace, it was only a matter of time.

"This isn't exactly forbidden territory," she remarked to Akira. "I'm open to accepting your clan's offer, but I do have one condition."

"What would that be?" Akira asked, intrigued.

Nono looked directly at him. "I assume you've done your research on my background?"

"We're aware of your past," he replied with a nod.

Nono sighed, "My condition is that, should Danzo ever try to force me back into Root, you'll help keep him off my back. This orphanage needs me, and I can't just abandon it."

"You can rest easy on that," Akira said with a reassuring smile. "Since you've left Root and joined us, we'll protect you."

"There's… one more thing," Nono hesitated, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "Could I possibly get an advance on my pay? Just as you mentioned, the orphanage's funds are nearly dried up."

Akira nodded. "We can arrange that. How does half a year's salary sound? One million ryo upfront, which you can pick up from us tomorrow."

Nono's face lit up in gratitude. "That would be more than enough—thank you."

The Uchiha clan truly was the wealthiest family in Konoha, she thought. For a regular jonin, earning this much from a year's worth of S-rank missions would be nearly impossible, especially considering the amount that had to be split with the village and teammates.

"Glad to hear it," Akira said, clearly pleased that the matter was settled. Nono's expertise was well worth the generous salary—he was confident she'd be an asset.

"If everything's clear, let's consider this arrangement official," he said with a smile.

"Hold on," Nono said, slightly embarrassed. "Do you know what my position will be in the clan?"

Akira paused thoughtfully. "We haven't settled on a title yet, but rest assured, your base salary will be two million ryo a year, at minimum."

"And if I were to head the project… what would the pay be then?" Nono's eyes gleamed with ambition.

Akira's interest piqued. "You have experience with cloning?"

She smiled confidently. "I know a thing or two. I've handled related assignments in the past."

Akira's face showed a hint of realization. Most likely, this experience came from tasks assigned by Danzo, who'd long coveted the power of the Nine-Tails and had dabbled in various secret projects, including experiments with the Sharingan and the cells of the First Hokage.

"A project lead earns five million ryo a year," Akira answered, "but if you can't show significant progress within two years, the salary drops by half."

"Five million…" Nonou repeated, eyes alight. "With that, I could expand the orphanage, and those kids could stay with me longer—they wouldn't have to fend for themselves so soon."

"And what would it take for me to lead this project?" she asked, determined.

"That depends on your capabilities," Akira said after a pause.

Nonou nodded confidently. "I'll prove myself."

Before she left, he added, "We'll have a team come speak with you about specifics once our research center is set up."

Back at the Uchiha compound, Akira made his way to the clan leader Fugaku's residence.

"Did she agree?" Fugaku asked.

"She did," Akira replied, smiling. "It seems she has a solid grasp on cloning technology."

"That's an unexpected boon," Fugaku nodded approvingly.

Akira then shifted to the larger topic at hand. "What's the current state of affairs? Any word on when the Fourth Hokage election might happen?"

"The village is still focused on wrapping up the war. The Third wants to finalize peace treaties before moving forward," Fugaku explained.

Akira nodded slowly. "And on the battlefield, we're still seeing skirmishes with Iwagakure in the Land of Rain?"

"It's not just Iwagakure," Fugaku replied. "Ninjas from all the major nations are treating the Land of Rain as a battleground."

Akira raised an eyebrow. "And Hanzo isn't putting a stop to it?"

"Not at all," Fugaku replied, looking equally puzzled. "According to the ninja cats' reports, Iwagakure's forces have wreaked havoc on several villages there. I can't imagine what Hanzo's endgame is."

"By the way," Fugaku continued, "the Third recently sent Danzo and Root to the Land of Rain as part of the peace negotiations."

"Danzo… leading Root to broker peace in the Land of Rain?" Akira muttered, contemplative.

While the Hokage's orders were to secure peace, Danzo seemed to have his own agenda. Once in the Land of Rain, he operated under the guise of ninjas from other villages, inciting chaos and sabotaging any hope of a treaty. His actions were the exact opposite of the Hokage's intentions, fueling the conflict rather than calming it.

Akira suspected Danzo had his reasons, though he couldn't fathom what. Konoha was hardly in a position to keep fighting, the village needed time to recover. If nothing changed, Danzo's schemes in the Land of Rain might lead to even darker consequences—namely, the tragedy that would one day give rise to Pain.