The Konoha Orphanage was especially quiet under the night sky, forming a sharp contrast with the ongoing celebrations throughout the village.
It was as though this place had been forgotten by the scars of war, or perhaps it deliberately preserved a peaceful atmosphere to comfort the wounded hearts of young children.
Instead of using the front gate, Chiya silently leaped over the courtyard wall like a falling leaf and landed lightly inside.
He already knew the layout of the orphanage by heart. Avoiding the areas where children might still be awake, he headed straight toward the small house belonging to the orphanage director, Yakushi Nono.
A warm orange light shone through the window, looking especially comforting against the cool night.
Just as Chiya raised his hand to knock, before his fingers could touch the door, it was gently opened from the inside.
A graceful woman appeared at the doorway.
It was Yakushi Nono.
She seemed to be about to go outside. She was wearing a simple apron, her hands were lightly covered with flour, and although there was a trace of exhaustion on her face, it only made her look gentler.
The moment she saw Chiya standing outside, her eyes widened in disbelief and joy.
"Chiya-kun?"
She instinctively lowered her voice, as if afraid of disturbing the quiet surroundings, but the happiness in her tone could not be hidden.
"You... why did you suddenly come here? I heard that the village today..."
Her words became slightly disorganized. His sudden appearance had clearly made her both happy and flustered.
Looking at the flour on her hands and apron, Chiya's expression softened.
He naturally reached out and gently wiped away a small streak of flour from her cheek with his fingertips.
"Mm. I just got back. After taking care of a few things, I came to see you."
His voice was gentler and lower than usual, carrying a trace of hidden fatigue and relaxation.
"What are you busy with?"
Feeling the warmth of his fingertips, Nono's cheeks flushed slightly, and she shyly lowered her head.
"I wanted the children to have something sweet tomorrow morning, so I was trying to make some cookies... I ended up making quite a mess."
She stepped aside to let him enter.
"Please come in. It's cold outside."
Chiya walked into the small house.
A warm and inviting aroma of flour, butter, and powdered sugar immediately greeted him.
The room was simply furnished but neat and full of life. On the table were several cookie dough shapes that had just been prepared and had not yet been baked.
"I haven't congratulated you yet."
Nono closed the door and turned toward Chiya, her eyes filled with sincere admiration.
"You won the war and returned safely. The whole village has been talking about your achievements."
She knew exactly how decisive this man's role had been in the war.
Chiya shook his head and walked over to the table, casually picking up a small bear shaped piece of cookie dough.
"That isn't what's important. What's important is that the war is over. The children should finally be able to enjoy a few peaceful years."
His gaze returned to Nono as he carefully looked her over.
"You've gotten a little thinner. Have you been working too hard lately?"
It was a simple question, yet it carried genuine concern.
Nono felt warmth spread through her heart and gently shook her head.
"It hasn't been too hard. We've recently taken in several children from the border. Both their bodies and hearts needed extra care, so I've stayed up for several nights.
But seeing them gradually recover makes it all worthwhile."
She walked over to Chiya, raised her head, and carefully examined his face, her eyes filled with concern.
"Chiya-kun is the one I'm worried about... Even though you don't look tired, you must be exhausted, right?"
She could imagine how brutal that great war had been and how much effort it had demanded.
Chiya did not answer.
Instead, he gently reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
Nono's body stiffened slightly before completely relaxing.
She obediently leaned against his broad chest, resting her cheek against his clothes while listening to his calm and steady heartbeat.
She carefully wrapped her arms around his waist, making sure not to get the flour on him.
The two quietly embraced each other without saying a word.
The sweet scent of freshly prepared desserts and silent warmth filled the air.
No words were needed.
The longing they had felt during their separation, the exhaustion after victory, and the peace of finally meeting again quietly flowed through that embrace.
Nono could feel that Chiya had finally put away the sharpness he always carried, revealing a hint of relaxation.
Only in a private place like this, where no one would disturb him, could he finally set down some of the burdens on his shoulders.
And she greedily treasured this rare warmth and sense of security.
After quite some time, Chiya finally loosened his embrace slightly and gently kissed her smooth forehead.
"Come take a walk with me."
He spoke softly.
"Let's also go see that kid Kabuto. He hasn't been causing you any trouble lately, has he?"
At the mention of Kabuto, a gentle smile appeared on Nono's face.
"Kabuto is very well behaved. Not only does he learn quickly, but he often takes the initiative to help me look after the younger children. He's very patient.
He's a wonderful child. It's just... sometimes he's a little too mature, and that makes my heart ache."
She removed her apron and simply wiped her hands clean.
"At this hour, he should still be reading in the library. I'll take you there."
The two walked out of the small house hand in hand and strolled side by side through the quiet courtyard of the orphanage.
Moonlight stretched their shadows across the ground until they blended together.
The cool night breeze brushed past them, but it could not disturb the warm understanding between them.
Nono softly told him about everything that had happened recently at the orphanage.
She talked about which children had been adopted by kind families and which children had made new progress. Her voice was filled with kindness and responsibility.
Chiya quietly listened, nodding from time to time.
Only when he was with her and these innocent children could he experience a kind of peace that was completely different from fighting wars or wielding power.
The library was still lit.
Although it was called a library, it was really just a separate reading room.
Through the window, they could see a silver haired boy wearing round glasses sitting beneath the lamp.
He was completely focused on a thick medical book, his expression serious and attentive.
It was Yakushi Kabuto.
Just as Nono was about to call out to him, Chiya gently stopped her.
The two quietly watched from outside the window for a while.
A trace of satisfaction appeared in Chiya's eyes.
Even at this age, Yakushi Kabuto had already displayed a level of calmness and talent far beyond others his age. Chiya remembered that in the original story, Kabuto had been nothing less than a genius in both medical ninjutsu and intelligence analysis.
As if sensing someone watching him, Kabuto suddenly looked up.
When he saw Chiya and Nono standing outside, he was visibly startled.
He immediately put down his book, stood up, and quickly walked outside.
"Teacher Chiya! Director!"
He respectfully bowed to both of them, his voice filled with surprise and a hint of nervousness.
After adjusting his glasses, he looked at Chiya with shining eyes.
"You're back."
Chiya looked him over before nodding.
"It seems you haven't become lazy."
Hearing those simple words of praise, Kabuto revealed a shy but genuine smile.
"I wouldn't dare. Director has given me so many opportunities to learn. I also hope to help the orphanage even more as soon as possible."
Nono gently patted his shoulder.
"You've already helped a great deal. You're still reading this late. Be careful with your eyes."
"Yes, Director."
Kabuto nodded obediently.
Looking at the young boy before him, the approval in Chiya's eyes became even stronger.
"Well done."
Chiya nodded.
"Yes! Teacher Chiya!"
Receiving Chiya's encouragement made Kabuto even more motivated.
"Alright, it's getting late. Remember to get some rest."
Chiya spoke gently.
"Training and studying are important, but your health comes first."
"Yes. I understand."
Kabuto respectfully replied before bowing once more to both Nono and Chiya.
"Director and Teacher, please get some rest as well."
Watching Kabuto return to the reading room to put away his things, Chiya and Nono smiled at each other.
"He's such a child who gives people peace of mind, yet also makes their hearts ache."
Nono spoke softly.
"Unpolished jade cannot become a fine gem."
Chiya replied calmly, his gaze distant.
"He'll still need the right amount of pressure and guidance in the future. That will be good for him."
After watching Yakushi Kabuto return to the orphanage dormitory, Chiya's gaze fell upon Nono with deeper meaning.
"It's about time."
Nono froze.
A moment later, she realized what he meant, and the shyness in her eyes grew stronger and stronger.
"Chiya-kun... aren't you returning to the clan tonight?"
Chiya smiled.
Before Yakushi Nono could say anything else.
The world suddenly spun as Chiya lifted her into a bridal carry.
"I'll go back later."
Feeling his warm breath against her ear, Nono's body trembled.
The next instant, the two disappeared together, followed by the faint sound of a distant door closing.
Clouds drifted across the sky, perfectly covering the moonlight.
It was like a shy young girl who had just seen the one she loved, her delicate cheeks hidden beneath a soft red veil.
Everything was wrapped in bashful beauty.
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