"Mm." When Tsunade asked about this, Qingguang's mood sank as well.
By then, Tsunade had clenched her fists, her knuckles cracking loudly.
"A bunch of old bastards."
"They never shut up about the Will of Fire, yet they'd do something so utterly outrageous."
It took quite a while for Tsunade's anger to subside. Then she went with Qingguang to the grass, where they joined the children at play.
Taking the opportunity, Tsunade felt the children's bodies as she touched them, sensing whether the Yang Release Chakra within them was active.
But throughout the process, she had no choice but to force an unpleasant smile.
Most of the children had far less life energy than was normal for their age.
It had nothing to do with talent. They had suffered from malnutrition for years.
"Big sister, if you're unhappy, you can cry. You'll feel much better afterward." A quiet, frail little girl with yellowish-brown hair walked up to Tsunade. She looked up with narrowed eyes and a bright, innocent smile.
"Hahaha, Nonō the crybaby is telling someone else to cry again."
The older boy who had led the others out earlier pointed at Nonō and laughed at her.
Before Tsunade could do anything, Qingguang tapped him on the forehead.
"Taito, how many times have I told you not to make fun of the other orphans?"
Taito covered his aching forehead with one hand. "But if she cries, she'll make trouble for the matron."
His own eyes were reddening with pain, but he still fought back his tears.
"That doesn't mean you should tease her. You can help the matron take care of everyone instead. That's what a real man should do," Qingguang corrected him.
He had been careful not to hit too hard. He only meant to teach Taito a small