Saving Nonō

The chirping of insects in the courtyard forms a dense web, and amidst the rising and falling buzzing, even the sound of a leaf falling to the ground can be heard exceptionally clearly.

Just then, a "click" sound broke the silence; the sound of the lock turning seemed particularly abrupt in the night.

Taiichi couldn't help but turn his gaze towards the doorway, his hand silently resting on the hilt of his sword. After all, this uninvited visit in the middle of the night didn't seem like a good thing.

When the gate was fully opened and he could see who was walking into the courtyard, Taiichi's tense body relaxed and a smile appeared on his face.

"Sister Nonō, you're back."

Under the Gekko Nonō was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting to see Taiichi as soon as she entered.

After a brief moment of surprise, the joy of a long-awaited reunion spread through her eyes.

"Taiichi, you're here."

Taiichi had originally intended to leave, was no longer in a hurry. He pulled Nonō into the courtyard and they talked about their daily lives.

Under the Gekko, the two sat facing each other at the stone table. The night breeze brushed against Nonō's slightly tired face, her pale complexion clearly caused by excessive blood loss. Taiichi, with his sharp eyes, also noticed several newly healed wounds on her exposed arms.

"What urgent mission is this time that requires the involvement of our Orphanage director?"

Taiichi casually picked up a leaf from the table and turned it in his hand as if he were doing it nonchalantly.

In times of peace, ordinary ninjas, especially those of high status like the head of the Kokiin clan, would not be assigned tasks by the village.

However, Nonō was still Root ninja, but she never told Taiichi about her identity, so Taiichi could only pretend not to know.

But things are different now. In the last mission, no matter who Danzo was targeting, I was still involved.

Years ago, Danzo to recruit him, and I had already offended him. That time, the Hokage was there to shield me, and I was also very weak at the time, so I was lucky to escape.

Now that his strength has grown stronger day by day, Taiichi, with his keen senses, could clearly see the deep-seated hatred hidden in Danzo's eyes when he encountered Danzo in the Hokage's Office the previous two times.

All of this forced Taiichi to prepare for the worst.

"I was just going to a neighboring country to buy some medicinal herbs. I encountered bandits on the way and was delayed," Nonō said calmly, her voice soft, as if nothing had happened.

Taiichi remained impassive, the fallen leaf spinning faster between his fingers. "I've heard some rumors lately—a spy operating on the border has been killed."

He paused, then continued, "It's said that the man was posing as a medicinal herb merchant—when he was discovered, he was barely recognizable as a human being, clearly—he had been severely tortured."

Nonō's breathing paused almost imperceptibly.

"Everyone at the Orphanage is very worried about you." Taiichi suddenly stared at Nonō, the Gekko reflected in his eyes like two flames, both cool and passionate.

"Grandma Keiko said that before you left this time, you prepared birthday presents for everyone in advance." Taiichi's eyes were burning. "Did you think—you'd never come back?"

"Gu-"

The cry of an owl outside the courtyard wall broke the silence in the courtyard. Nonō's lips moved a few times, but in the end, she couldn't utter a single word.

"During the last mission, one of my comrades died in battle, right before my eyes—the explosion of the Explosive Tag engulfed him, and I didn't even have a chance to save him." Taiichi's fingernails dug deeply into his palm.

"It was at that moment that I realized that on the battlefield, even the best Medical Ninjutsu cannot save everyone."

Taiichi his head and stared at Nonō, his eyes filled with unseen pain.

"What will happen to the children at the Orphanage if something happens to you?" Taiichi gripped Nonō's cold hands tightly, his grip so strong it almost crushed her bones. "They only have you left!"

Feeling the heat of Taiichi's palm, Nonō felt a warmth in her heart, but also a deep sense of helplessness. The Root was not so easy to withdraw, but she could only remain silent at this moment.

"I heard that the Root ninjas—" Taiichi lowered his voice, deliberately making it heavy, "Couldn't even get their Memorial Stone after they died in battle."

"Where did you hear that from!" Nonō suddenly stood up, the violent movement causing the stone bench she was sitting on to overturn.

"Bang!"

"Gurgle"

The sound of the stone bench rolling was particularly jarring in the quiet night.

"Is that Nonō back?" Grandma Keiko's voice rang out, and the lights inside the house came on, clearly awakened by the noise in the yard.

"Yes, Aunt Keiko, I'm talking to Taiichi."

"Oh, it's so late. Have you eaten? I'll go get you something to eat." The rustling sound of clothes being put on came from inside the house.

"No, Aunt Keiko, I've already eaten. You should go to sleep!"

The dressing sounds stopped. "Alright then, keep your voices down, you're waking the children!" With those words, the lights went out again.

The courtyard fell silent once more, as if sensing the oppressive atmosphere; even the chirping of insects ceased.

"You knew all along?" After a long silence, it was Nonō broke the silence first.

"I've had contact with them." Taiichi's voice regained its calmness as he spoke unhurriedly, "They recruited me before I graduated, so I've done some research on them and know a bit about their style."

Upon hearing the words "not graduated," Nonō clenched her hands tightly, her already pale skin losing all its color.

"Ordinary ninjas, even the Anbu, wouldn't send the Orphanage director on a mission. It's not that Konoha really has no one else available."

Taiichi analyzed the situation bit by bit, his eyes fixed on Nonō.

"Besides, the Orphanage isn't short of funds right now, so there's no need for the director to go on missions for money."

Taiichi helped the fallen stone bench up and pulled Nonō's hands to sit down again.

"Grandma Keiko is getting old and can no longer take care of so many children. The children need you; no one loves them more than you."

Nonō's hands trembled as she struggled to suppress her emotions. She desperately wanted to leave Root, but alas—

"I've submitted my withdrawal request ten times." Nonō's voice suddenly lost all strength, and she seemed about to collapse. "But they say— the Orphanage —is the best disguise."

"I know they're threatening me with the Orphanage, but I have no choice." As she spoke, Nonō's voice choked with emotion.

She took a deep breath, forcing out a glimmer of hope. "But they've already promised me that if I help Root complete three more missions, I can quit."

But Taiichi's heart sank to the bottom at that moment. He suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the courtyard anxiously.

How could Root have such a good thing? Three missions? I'm afraid that before they even finish three, Nonō will "accidentally" die in some corner!

Thankfully, I visited the Orphanage today.

Thankfully, I ran into Nonō today.

Fortunately, everyone was open and honest today.

If we miss today, I'm afraid...

A bone-chilling cold swept over me, and cold sweat instantly soaked my back.

Taiichi made up his mind, walked towards Nonō, grabbed her hands, and held them tightly in his.

"Sister Nonō, listen to me, you can no longer carry out Root missions. Danzo won't let you complete three missions alive."

"I'll ask Teacher Tsunade Lord Jiraiya to go find the Hokage-sama. You're Medical Ninja and the director of Orphanage; there's absolutely no need for you to stay in Root."

Promise me!

Feeling the cold, dampness of Taiichi's palm—unmistakable proof of his nervousness— Nonō, though not understanding why Taiichi was in such a hurry, could sense his concern. After thinking for a long time, she nodded in agreement.

The taut string suddenly relaxed, and Taiichi let out a long sigh, collapsing onto the stone bench as if all his strength had been drained away.

Seeing Taiichi like this, Nonō felt a pang of sadness. Only someone who truly cares about you would act this way.

After saying goodbye to Nonō, Taiichi went straight home, rushed to his desk, picked up paper and pen, and began Tsunade.

In the letter, he described Nonō's predicament in detail, wrote down all his guesses and worries, and emphasized Nonō's importance to him—she was his only family member in the world besides his master Tsunade.

At the end of the letter, Taiichi earnestly pleaded with Tsunade to intervene and persuade the Hokage-sama Tsunade transfer Nonō away from Root. He argued that Nonō's medical abilities and her position as Orphanage director made her unsuitable for continuing in Root, as it severely violated the Will of Fire of Konoha.

After finishing writing, Taiichi repeatedly revised and polished it to ensure that the emotions expressed were genuine and that even he himself would be moved by it. Only then Hand Seals to communicate with the spirits and summon the Katsuyu.

"Katsuyu, this letter is extremely urgent." Taiichi placed the letter gently on Slug's back with a solemn expression. "If Teacher Tsunade replies, please notify me immediately."

"Yes, Taiichi- ichi, I will remember."

Looking at the spot where the slug had disappeared, Taiichi felt a little relieved. He wasn't sure if Teacher Tsunade would help him, but it was the only viable option he had right now, and he had to try it no matter what.

But in the end, it was still because of his own lack of strength. If he had the strength of Super Kage or even just Kage Level, Taiichi would dare to rush into the Hokage's Office and argue with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

What can I do?

Thinking of this, Taiichi dared not delay any longer. He got up and, taking advantage of the remaining time, began practicing Taijutsu and meditation.

The next morning, after finishing his morning lessons, Taiichi set out on the streets of Konoha, his goal clear: to find Jiraiya. However, things didn't go as planned. He spent the entire morning searching almost every corner of Konoha, but he couldn't find that iconic white-haired figure.

In the afternoon, Taiichi could only go to Minato's house to see if he could find out Jiraiya's whereabouts from Minato.

"Knock knock knock"

Kushina First Gate again.

When Kushina saw that it was Taiichi knocking on the door, a bright smile instantly bloomed on her face.

As the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, her usual range of activities is very limited, and she has very few people she can open up to and communicate with.

Especially since it was Taiichi who came. Not only is he a great cook and speaks very nicely, but more importantly, he is a kind and grateful child who values relationships and repays kindness.

"Taiichi, are you here to see Minato?"

"Hello, sister-in-law!" Taiichi's words were as sweet as honey, and Kushina was overjoyed with just one "sister-in-law".

"Can't I come here to see my sister-in-law?" Taiichi winked deliberately.

"Haha, you little rascal." Kushina covered her mouth and chuckled. "Don't call me sister-in-law anymore, just call me older sister, it sounds closer."

"Yes!" Taiichi readily agreed, "Kushina."

The two walked into the house chatting and laughing. After they sat down, Kushina spoke first.

"Taiichi, you've come at a really bad time. Minato's gone on a mission, and he probably won't be back for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Taiichi was slightly taken aback, a hint of disappointment flashing across his face. He hadn't expected it to be such bad luck. However, it was only for a moment before Taiichi regained his composure.

"If I can't see Senior Disciple Brother Minato, I can always chat with Kushina- neechan."

"Come on!" Kushina noticed the fleeting disappointment in Taiichi and couldn't help but ask, "Judging from your expression, is there something important you need to see Minato?"

When Kushina asked the question, Taiichi was conflicted, wondering whether he should explain things to her.

Kushina has a nickname, "Bloody Habanero," which, as the saying goes, is a misnomer, even if it's just a wrong name. This shows just how fiery Kushina's temper was.

What if I tell her and she rips the roof off the Hokage's Office?

"What's wrong? Why are you being so indecisive? You're not acting like a man at all." Kushina said, annoyed, seeing Taiichi's conflicted expression.

Spurred on by Kushina, Taiichi decided to go all out. This was a desperate attempt, and of course, the more help he received, the better. In fact, he might really need Kushina's kind of daring to do something so outrageous!

With a thought racing through his mind, Taiichi no longer hesitated and explained the situation of Nonō to Kushina in detail, as well as his desire to ask Tsunade and Jiraiya for help.

Really!

After hearing Taiichi's story, Kushina immediately exploded. Her fiery red hair moved without wind, and she dragged Taiichi to find the Hokage.

"Come on, I'll take you to find the Third Kazekage Lord and get some answers!"

She knew Danzo of Konoha Root, and she already disliked him, but she never expected him to do such a despicable thing.

Taiichi spent a great deal of effort to calm Kushina down, and carefully analyzed the pros and cons with her.

If the two of them were to go to the Hokage, their words would carry little weight, and they would not only fail to accomplish anything but also alert Danzo more vigilant and putting Nonō at a greater disadvantage.

At this point, we must gather all our strength and strike decisively; we absolutely cannot afford to drag things out.

Kushina realized she had acted impulsively. After listening to Taiichi's analysis, she agreed with Taiichi plan and promised to inform Taiichi as soon as Minato and Jiraiya returned.

It was at this moment that Taiichi realized that Jiraiya and Minato had gone out on a mission together, and a mission that could get them both to go out at the same time must be an important one.

With the business settled, Taiichi didn't waste any more time and changed the subject. "Kushina- neechan, since you're here, I have some questions about Sealing Jutsu that I'd like to ask you."

Kushina initially found it amusing to see Taiichi earnestly inquiring about Sealing Jutsu. After Taiichi had only been learning Sealing Jutsu for a short time—less than three months. With such a short time and the need to carry out missions, he probably hadn't even mastered all the Sealing Jutsu runes yet.

Kushina didn't expose him, but patiently answered Taiichi. But slowly she realized something was wrong. Her smile gradually froze, and her eyes changed from indifference to astonishment.

Isn't this progress a bit too fast?!