Naruto: Power in Play

Chapter 29

A few minutes prior to the attack.

In the quiet, ink-scented office of Takara, head of the Bright Orphanage, the only sound was the faint scratching of her pen against paper. The fragile tranquility was shattered as the door burst open, crashing against the wall, revealing a figure draped in black, their stark white mask gleaming in the dim light.

Takara's breath hitched, her hand instinctively darting under her desk to brush against the rough surface of a hidden alarm seal. Her fingers pressed into its grooves, ready to activate the distress signal. But before she could act further, the sight of the mask stopped her cold.

"Anbu?"

The figure straightened; their movements deliberate slow to not spook Takara.

"Miss Takara, the head of the hospital, Yoshioka Yuji, has ordered the immediate evacuation of the orphanage. Head towards the nearest evacuation point."

In one gloved hand, they held a small parchment, a seal embossed with the Hokage's unmistakable insignia glinting faintly in the light. Takara stared for a fraction of a second, her mind racing. She had no time for questions.

With a decisive motion, her palm slammed onto the emergency seal beneath the desk, its chakra-activated glow spreading across the surface as it triggered an alarm throughout the orphanage.

Takara sprang to her feet, but when she glanced back toward the door, the Anbu ninja had already vanished.

The hallways turned alive with the wailing siren of the alarm, echoing through the orphanage like an ominous chant. Takara burst into the gathering hall, her heels clicking against the polished wooden floor. Within moments, the matrons and staff began streaming in, their faces painted with confusion and worry. Some carried children in tow, while others came empty-handed, their steps hurried and uneasy.

Takara turned sharply, her voice cutting through the clamor. "We have been ordered to evacuate the orphanage. Prepare the children and the necessary supplies immediately."

A frail but firm voice called out from the crowd, belonging to Usagi, an older matron with a discerning gaze.

"Miss Takara, what seems to be the issue? Why the sudden evacuation?"

For the briefest of moments, Takara's lips thinned, her gaze darting toward Usagi. There was always something about the woman that unsettled her, though Takara couldn't place her finger on why. But now wasn't the time for distrust.

She inhaled sharply and responded, her tone clipped and resolute. "The Hokage himself has approved of the order. That's all we need to know."

Feeling the urgency in Takara's tone, the staff scattered, a flurry of motion and purpose filling the room. Some rushed toward the dormitories, calling out to children lingering in their rooms and ushering them into organized lines. Others moved to the records room, pulling out stacks of documents and scrolls, sealing them with chakra to ensure nothing important was left behind.

In the storeroom, hurried hands swept up supplies: food, medical kits, and blankets. The staff worked in a hurry to pack these into compact storage scrolls, their hands glowing faintly as the seals absorbed the items.

Takara stood in the middle of it all, watching the chaos unfold. She barked out orders when needed, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart.

Thirty minutes later, the scene had transformed. Lines of children, some clutching blankets or small belongings, stood near the exits. Staff members moved briskly, checking the supplies and ensuring everyone was accounted for.