The Konoha Orphanage was unusually quiet in the night, a stark contrast to the ongoing celebrations in the village.
This place seems to be a corner forgotten by the trauma of war, or perhaps it deliberately maintains a sense of tranquility to soothe those young and wounded hearts.
Chiyo didn't use the main gate; instead, she silently vaulted over the courtyard wall like a falling leaf and landed lightly inside the courtyard.
He already knew the layout of the place by heart. He avoided several areas where children might still be playing and went straight to the detached house in the backyard that belonged to the head of the Yakushi Nonō.
Warm orange light shone through the window, creating a particularly cozy atmosphere in the cool night.
Chiyo walked to the door, her finger just raised but not yet lowered, when the door was gently pulled open from the inside.
A gentle figure appeared at the doorway; it was Yakushi Nonō.
She seemed to be getting ready to go out; she was wearing a plain apron, her hands were dusted with flour, and her face showed a hint of fatigue, which only made her look gentler.
When she saw Chiyo standing outside the door, her eyes widened instantly, filled with unbelievable surprise.
" Chiyo... you?"
She subconsciously lowered her voice, as if afraid of disturbing the surrounding tranquility, but the joy in her tone was hard to hide.
"You... why did you suddenly come here? I heard the village..."
Her words were somewhat incoherent; clearly, Chiyo's sudden appearance had made her both happy and somewhat at a loss.
Chiyo looked at her flour-covered hands and apron, his gaze softening. He naturally reached out and gently wiped away a small white stain that had accidentally gotten on her cheek with his fingertips.
"Yeah, I just got back. I finished taking care of some things and came to see you."
His voice was deeper and gentler than usual, carrying a hint of weariness and relaxation.
"What are you busy with?"
Nonō felt the warmth of his fingertips, her cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head somewhat shyly.
"Thinking that the kids could have some dessert tomorrow morning, I was trying to make some cookies... and it turned into a bit of a mess."
She stepped aside to make way.
"Please come in, it's chilly outside."
Chiyo stepped into the cabin, a sweet aroma of flour, butter, and icing sugar wafted towards her, warm and inviting.
The cottage was simply but neatly furnished, full of life, with some freshly shaped, unbaked cookie dough on the table.
I haven't congratulated you yet.
Nonō closed the door, turned to look at Chiyo, her eyes filled with sincerity and admiration.
"He won the war and returned safely. The whole village is talking about Chiyo-kun's deeds."
She knew the decisive role this man played in the war.
Chiyo shook his head, walked to the table, and casually picked up a bear-shaped cookie dough to look at it.
"Those things don't matter. What matters is that the war is over, and the children should be able to have a few years of peace."
His gaze returned to Nonō, and he carefully examined her.
You look thinner. Have you been working hard lately?
A simple greeting, yet it contains genuine care.
Nonō felt a warmth in her heart and shook her head.
"It's not hard work. It's just that I recently took in a few children sent from the border, and they need more care both physically and mentally. I've been staying up a few nights."
Seeing them slowly recover makes it all worthwhile.
She walked up to Chiyo, looked up, and carefully examined his face, her eyes filled with heartache.
" Chiyo-kun is the one who... looks fine, but must be very tired, right?"
She could imagine the ferocity of that battle and the immense effort it had taken.
Chiyo didn't answer, but simply reached out and gently pulled her into his arms.
Nonō's body stiffened slightly, then completely relaxed, obediently leaning against his broad chest, her cheek pressed against his clothes, listening to his steady and powerful heartbeat.
She stretched out her arms and carefully hugged him back, avoiding the flour on her hands, and gently wrapped her arms around his waist.
The two embraced silently, neither of them speaking.
The air was filled with the aroma of desserts and a silent warmth.
No need for many words; the longing after separation, the exhaustion after victory, and the peace of reunion at this moment all flow quietly in this embrace.
Nonō could sense the concealment of Chiyo's sharpness and a subtle relaxation.
Only in such a private space where no one can disturb him can he relieve some of his burdens.
And she greedily absorbed this rare warmth and sense of security.
After a while, Chiyo gently released her and lowered his head to place a soft kiss on her smooth forehead.
"Come for a walk with me,"
He said in a low voice.
"While you're at it, go check on that kid Dou. Hope he hasn't caused you any trouble lately."
When Kabuto was mentioned, a gentle smile appeared on Nonō's face.
"Dou is very sensible. Not only does she learn her lessons quickly, but she also often takes the initiative to help me take care of the younger children. She is very patient."
He's a very good kid, but... sometimes he's too sensible, it's a little heartbreaking to see."
She took off her apron and quickly wiped her hands.
"At this time, he should still be reading in the library. I'll take you there."
The two walked hand in hand out of the small house and side by side in the quiet courtyard of the Orphanage.
The moonlight cast long, intertwined shadows upon them.
The night breeze was slightly cool, but it couldn't dispel the warm and tacit atmosphere between the two.
Nonō spoke softly to him about the recent situation at the Orphanage, which children had been adopted by kind people, and which children had made new progress, her tone full of love and responsibility.
Chiyo listened quietly, nodding occasionally.
Only when he was facing her and these pure lives did he feel a peace that was different from the peace he felt when he was on the battlefield or holding power.
The lights in the library were still on.
It's called a library, but it's really just a separate lounge.
Through the window, you can see a boy with silver hair wearing round-framed glasses sitting under the lamp.
He was intently reading a thick medical book, his expression focused and serious; it was Yakushi Kabuto.
Just as Nonō was about to greet her, Chiyo gently stopped her.
The two stood outside the window and watched quietly for a while.
A barely perceptible hint of satisfaction flickered in Chiyo's eyes.
Yakushi Kabuto had already demonstrated a composure and talent far beyond his years. In the original story, Yakushi Kabuto was a genius in medicine and intelligence analysis.
Seemingly sensing the gaze from outside the window, Yakushi Kabuto suddenly looked up.
When he saw Chiyo and Nonō outside the window, he was clearly stunned for a moment, then immediately put down his book, stood up, and quickly walked out.
"Teacher Chiyo! Dean!"
He bowed respectfully to the two of them, his tone a mixture of surprise and slight apprehension.
She pushed up her glasses, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Chiyo.
"You're back."
Chiyo sized him up and nodded.
"It seems they haven't let their guard down."
Upon receiving this simple affirmation, Dou's face broke into a shy yet genuine smile.
"I dare not slack off. The director has given me many learning opportunities, and I hope to be able to help the Orphanage as much as possible as soon as possible."
Nonō gently patted his shoulder.
"You've already helped a lot. It's so late, you should take care of your eyes."
"Yes, Dean."
Dou nodded obediently.
Chiyo looked at the boy before her, her eyes filled with even greater admiration.
"Well done."
Chiyo nodded.
"Yes, Teacher Chiyo!"
Encouraged by Chiyo, Kabuto became even more invigorated.
"Alright, it's getting late, remember to get some rest."
Chiyo spoke gently.
"Practice and study are important, but the body is fundamental."
"Yes, I understand."
Kabuto responded respectfully, then bowed to Nonō and Chiyo.
"Dean and teachers, please get some rest as well."
Watching Kabuto return to the library to pack his things, Chiyo Nonō exchanged a smile.
"What a child who is both easy to care for and heartbreaking to see."
"Nonō said softly."
"Jade that is not carved cannot become a useful object."
Chiyo said calmly, his gaze distant.
"In the future, appropriate pressure and guidance will be beneficial for him."
Watching Yakushi Kabuto return to the Orphanage dormitory.
Chiyo's gaze fell on Nonō, a hint of something deeper in her eyes.
"It's almost time!"
Nonō was stunned.
Then she realized what was happening, and her eyes filled with increasing embarrassment.
" Chiyo-kun, aren't you going back to the clan's territory tonight?"
Chiyo smiled.
Yakushi Nonō could say anything more...
The world spun around her, and Chiyo swept her up in his arms.
"Later is fine!"
Nonō felt a warm breath on her ear, and her body trembled.
The two disappeared instantly, followed by the sound of a door closing in the distance.
The clouds drifted overhead, completely obscuring the moonlight.
Like a shy young girl seeing her beloved, her tender cheeks blushed.
A hazy, shy feeling washed over her.