Konoha Orphanage.
With nothing else to do, Shinichi had come here again with Naruto, Karin, and Haku. Watching the children play without a care in the world, he felt his heart grow calmer for no particular reason.
Ever since the orphanage's funding problems had been resolved, the children no longer had to worry about going hungry, and their smiles naturally grew brighter.
According to one of the children, they rarely saw a troubled expression on their director Yakushi Nonō's face anymore, either.
"I think I'm starting to understand why you chose to stay here."
Watching Nonō smile with genuine happiness, Shinichi couldn't help remarking, "Being able to see these children's innocent smiles whenever you want really is a blessing."
"I wasn't thinking that far ahead back then."
Nonō shook her head with a smile. "I just wanted to give these poor children a home where they could feel safe. I was an orphan myself, so I know exactly how lonely it feels to have no one to turn to."
"You're truly admirable."
Shinichi's praise was heartfelt.
Had anyone who knew him heard those words, they probably would have wondered whether the sun had risen in the west that morning.
After all, Shinichi rarely praised anyone sincerely. In fact, not being subjected to his mockery and sarcastic jabs was already quite an achievement.
"You're exaggerating."
Nonō blushed slightly. "I'm only doing what I can. Compared to you protecting the village, Mr. Shinichi, it hardly amounts to anything. I can tell you like children too. In that case, why not consider having one of your own?"
"If it were your child, Mr. Shinichi, I'm sure they would be happy."
Even Nonō herself hadn't expected to bring up such a sensitive topic on impulse.
"I'd love to. The problem is, I've got no