In the courtyard of Konoha Orphanage.
The cheerful sounds of children playing drifted from within.
Chiyo stood outside the gate, listening to their innocent laughter. The corner of his mouth unconsciously lifted into a gentle smile.
He gently pushed open the gate, and a lively scene greeted his eyes.
The children chased and played in small groups. Some read beneath the trees, while others built castles beside the sandpit.
In the distance, Yakushi Nonō crouched before a little girl, carefully braiding her hair. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, lending a special charm to her gentle face.
Chiyo said nothing. He simply watched the scene quietly.
After a while.
Nonō seemed to sense something and looked toward the gate.
When her gaze met Chiyo's, her eyes immediately lit up with surprise.
"Chiyo!"
She called softly, unable to hide the joy in her voice.
The little girl's braid was not yet finished, but Nonō hurriedly tied it off, rose to her feet, and quickly walked toward Chiyo.
Her steps were light, her white robe fluttering gently in the morning breeze like a blooming white lotus.
Chiyo stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.
Nonō pressed her cheek against his chest, clearly hearing his strong heartbeat.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as though she wanted to etch his scent deep into her heart.
"What brought you here so suddenly?"
Nonō looked up at him, her eyes full of tenderness.
Chiyo looked down at her, gently brushing his fingers through her hair as he smiled.
"I missed you, so I came."
Nonō's cheeks flushed slightly as she shot him a reproachful look.
"Smooth talker."
Yet the smile in her eyes betrayed the sweetness in her heart.
After lingering together for a while, Chiyo took her hand and led her