Nonō: Thank You, Chiyo-kun; Find That "Ice Release Ninja" at All Costs

Nonō: Thank You, Chiyo-kun; The "Ice Release Ninja" Must Be Found—Root Organization truly lived up to its reputation as an elite force.

Their efficiency alone was beyond reproach.

The message sent to the border had taken less than half a day.

Yakushi Nonō had already arrived in Konoha.

The setting sun cast its lingering glow over Konoha's streets as Yakushi Nonō stood before the Hokage Building.

She tilted her head slightly toward the sky, her gaze somewhat lost.

She had just returned from Root Organization's secret base, still carrying that cold, gloomy aura. Standing beneath the sunlight now, she actually felt a little unaccustomed to it.

Yakushi Nonō.

"Yakushi Nonō, right? Come with me!"

An Anbu stepped out from the entrance and spoke to Yakushi Nonō in a low voice.

"Yes!"

Yakushi Nonō came back to her senses, lowered her head, and followed behind the Anbu into the building.

The Hokage Building was even quieter than outside.

Although Yakushi Nonō had returned to the village under Danzo's orders to report in, Danzo had not told her the details.

Knowing she would soon meet the Third Hokage, Yakushi Nonō could not help feeling nervous.

The two arrived outside the Hokage's Office, and the Anbu pushed open the door for her.

After receiving permission, he lowered his voice and said to her.

"Go in!"

Yakushi Nonō bowed and carefully walked inside.

"Sit."

Hiruzen Sarutobi was writing on a Scroll. He glanced at Yakushi Nonō as she entered, then pointed at the sofa not far away.

She obediently walked over to the sofa, but did not sit.

She merely stood there quietly.

A few minutes later, after finishing the Scroll, he finally looked at Yakushi Nonō.

"Yakushi Nonō."

"Yes!"

Nonō's expression tightened, and even her breathing grew lighter.

"Starting today, you will assist Tsunade with matters concerning Konoha Hospital, as well as part of the work involving training Medical Ninjas."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice was gentle.

"If you perform well, you may officially leave Root in the future and join the medical system."

Those words were like a ray of light shining into her dim world.

Nonō lowered her head, unable to conceal the turmoil in her eyes, and nodded solemnly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage. I will not fail your trust."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at her and nodded gravely.

Yakushi Nonō's records had been delivered yesterday.

She had served Root, stealing a great deal of intelligence from enemy nations. It would not be an exaggeration to say her military achievements were outstanding.

Especially during this war.

Nearly half the intelligence regarding Kumogakure's combat force movements had been provided by Yakushi Nonō.

Not to mention the information on the Jinchuriki.

During wartime.

Intelligence work was extremely important.

Whoever held intelligence held the initiative in war.

Without intelligence, one was like a blind man feeling an elephant.

"This is your new personal file."

Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the prepared document to Yakushi Nonō.

An intelligence operative like her naturally could not continue acting within the village under her former Root Organization identity.

Because Root could only exist in darkness.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"

Yakushi Nonō accepted it seriously and gripped it tightly.

She knew.

This identity might accompany her for the rest of her life.

As for what was written inside, she did not care.

Back in Root, she had only been a codename.

Now that she had returned to Konoha, as long as she still had her own name, nothing else mattered.

Yakushi Nonō.

"Go back and rest early. Remember to report to Konoha Hospital tomorrow!"

She bowed and withdrew.

Once she stepped out of the Hokage Building, her footsteps became noticeably lighter.

Root Organization's missions were always filled with bloodshed and conspiracies.

Yet deep down, she had always longed to be like an ordinary Medical Ninja, using her hands to heal others rather than take lives.

And now, her wish was about to come true!

Just then.

She noticed someone waving at her from not far away.

When she looked closely, surprise flashed through her eyes.

That person was Chiyo Uchiha, whom she had worked with in Kumogakure last time.

He leaned against the wall at the street corner, a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, his black eyes carrying a warmth she recognized.

"Nonō, over here!"

Chiyo's voice was not loud, but it reached her ears clearly.

Nonō froze for a moment.

She was quite grateful to Chiyo Uchiha.

If not for his suggestion back then, those Kumogakure orphans would probably have been purged afterward.

She hurried over.

"Lord Chiyo!"

Chiyo straightened up and smiled.

"No need for all that 'Lord' stuff. Just call me Chiyo!"

The girl before him had skin as pale as snow, nearly translucent beneath the sunlight.

Her slender frame gave her a fragile yet pure air.

Her soft golden hair curled slightly inward, its ends resting lightly on her shoulders and making her seem even gentler.

"Did the Third Hokage transfer you to the hospital?"

Nonō nodded, then suddenly thought of something.

She pointed at Chiyo with her delicate, pale fingers, her eyes full of shock.

"Could it be that Chiyo-kun was the one who got me transferred back?"

Chiyo crossed his arms and neither confirmed nor denied it.

"You were never suited for darkness. Only the light is the path meant for you."

Although Chiyo did not say it outright, as an elite of Root Organization, how could Nonō not understand that her transfer back to the village was related to him?

"Chiyo-kun, thank you!"

Yakushi Nonō's voice trembled slightly, and tears shimmered in her eyes, about to fall.

She quickly turned her head away and wiped them with her sleeve.

Seeing this, Chiyo smiled at her.

"Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

Chiyo turned and gestured for her to follow.

"Where?"

She took a deep breath and calmed her agitated emotions.

"A welcome feast."

Chiyo looked back and winked at her.

"Consider it a celebration for your new life."

Nonō's heart grew even warmer, and her fingers tightened around the file.

Without the slightest hesitation, she quickly stepped forward and followed him.

The two arrived at a quiet Dumpling Shop. Chiyo skillfully ordered several of the shop's signature dumplings and some hot tea.

The warm lighting and sweet fragrance inside gradually eased Nonō's taut nerves.

"If you need help with anything in the Medical Team later, you can come to me."

Chiyo pushed a skewer of dumplings toward her.

"But don't worry. Tsunade may be strict, but she values capable people."

Nonō accepted the dumplings and softly said.

"Thank you."

She took a bite. The sweet, soft texture melted across her tongue, as though even some of the gloom in her heart had been dispelled.

"Chiyo-kun, why did you help me...?"

Chiyo looked at her, his tone casual yet sincere.

"Life in Root Organization doesn't suit you. The path you're on now is the one you should walk."

Nonō looked up and met his eyes, suddenly feeling warmth gather in her eyes.

She quickly lowered her head and whispered.

"I'll cherish this opportunity."

Chiyo smiled and said nothing more.

He knew that for Nonō, escaping the shadow of Root Organization was already an immense stroke of fortune.

All he needed to do was quietly give her a push as she stepped onto the road toward the light.

"Try this!"

Chiyo split the dumplings the server had brought between himself and Yakushi Nonō.

"Thank you, Chiyo-kun. Um... you should eat too!"

"..."

At this moment.

At a hidden stronghold on the Land of Earth Border.

"Have you found out anything about Kirigakure's movements?"

The stern Commander at the head of the room looked at the six Battalion Commanders below and asked coldly.

"No. Kirigakure seems to have undergone some changes and isn't allowing outsiders in.

We also haven't seen the Ice Release Ninja who attacked our unit!"

"So there's still no news? Then send people to keep investigating!!"

"Especially that Ice Release Ninja. Go deep into Amegakure and make sure you capture him!!"

"Yes!"

Everyone scattered and left.