Red Nara

- Nono-chan, this is our benefactor Ryo Nara-sama, who has helped the orphanage through its worst years.

- It's a pleasure to meet you, Nara-sama," the woman bowed deeply, "Thank you for your support.

- No need to thank me," I waved it away, "just being able to let these children go to bed with full bellies is reward enough for me, and the fact that they are now being cared for by a kunoichi who is at least somewhat familiar with the craft of iryo-nin is gratifying.

Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, a wad of money quietly slipped into the orphanage keeper's pocket. The corner of the old man's mouth quivered faintly at the hint of a smile, and I clicked my tongue in annoyance as I played a little game with Shindo-san, where I try to plant the money discreetly and he tries to catch me. So far I've only won a couple of times out of many - the old bug has about half a century of practice as a specialist in traps and sabotage, where lives depend on attention.

- Well, if you're all right, I'll take my leave," I began to wrap up the conversation.

- Thank you for your concern," the old man bowed and suddenly smiled slyly, pointing behind my back, "but have you forgotten anything?

- Forgotten?

Turning around, I saw the children huddled nearby, their faces literally glowing with hope. I sighed doomedly.

- Oh yes, how could I forget.

By sheer force of will and the ingrained way I mixed chakra from the tenketsu, the doppelganger appeared nearby and the children squealed. Watching as the kage bunshin was surrounded and dragged away to play by a crowd of children from two to seven, I couldn't help but smile softly-perhaps such visits began with a specific purpose, but now I could admit to myself that it was at times like this that I felt like a human being, not a cynical and cold-blooded killer. And maybe a bit of a child, as befits the age of this body.

After looking at the peaceful picture for a bit longer, I nodded to the orphanage staff and used the shunshin - a few more visits are in order.

- Nara-san... is he a good person? - The kunoichi said half-questioningly, looking at the clone of the shinobi who had disappeared in the swirl of leaves playing with the children.

- One of the best," her neighbor said, smiling warmly, "which is a bit strange to expect from an elite clan shinobi towards the common people.

- Does he visit the orphanage so often? - During her three weeks on the job, Nono had heard a lot about the mysterious Nara from the children, but the entire orphanage staff was unexpectedly silent on the subject, despite her extensive experience as a spy.

- About once a month Ryo-sama visits not only us, but also other orphanages in Konoha, donating not only substantial sums to provide for us, but also providing his services as an iryo-nin," the neighbor replied unexpectedly, "and not just to the children. Considering that the orphanages are mostly staffed by crippled shinobi or veterans who have not had enough money for medicine and hospitals to at least reduce the effects of injuries, let alone full treatment, it means a lot to us.

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