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Chapter 98 Saving Nonou
Chapter 98 Saving Nonou
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 door lock turning seemed particularly abrupt in the night.
Taiyi couldn't help but turn his gaze to 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, Taiyi's tense body relaxed and a smile appeared on his face.
"Nonou-neechan, you're back."
Under the moonlight, Nono 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 across her eyes.
"Taiichi, you're here."
Taiichi, who had originally intended to leave, was no longer in a hurry. He pulled Nonou into the courtyard and they talked about their daily lives.
Under the moonlight, the two sat facing each other at the stone table. The night breeze brushed against Nono'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 kind of urgent mission is this trip that requires the involvement of our orphanage director?"
Taiyi 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, Nono was still a 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 failed to recruit him, and I had already offended him. That time, the Hokage acted as a shield, and I was also very weak at the time, so I managed to escape a disaster by sheer luck.
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 him in the Hokage's office the two times before.
All of this forced Taiyi to make the worst-case scenario plan.
"I was just going to a neighboring country to buy some medicinal herbs. I encountered bandits on the way and was delayed," Nono said calmly, her voice soft, as if nothing had happened.
Taiyi remained unmoved, the fallen leaves twirling faster between his fingers: "I've recently heard some rumors—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, clearly—he had been severely tortured."
Nonou's breathing paused almost imperceptibly.
"Everyone at the orphanage is very worried about you." Taiichi suddenly stared at Nono, the moonlight 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?"
"Guh—"
'
The cry of an owl outside the courtyard wall broke the silence in the courtyard. Nono'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 in front of me—the explosion of the detonation tag engulfed him, and I didn't even have a chance to save him." Taiyi'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."
Taichi raised his head and stared at Nonou, his eyes filled with unseen pain.
"What will happen to the children at the orphanage if something happens to you?" Taiichi gripped Nonou'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, Nono felt a warmth in her heart, but also a deep sense of helplessness. It wasn't so easy to withdraw from the root, 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 be placed on a memorial tablet after they died in battle."
"Where did you hear all this from!" Nono 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 Nonou 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 sound of rustling clothes being put on came from inside the house.
"No, Aunt Huizi, I've already eaten. You should go to sleep!"
The dressing sounds stopped. "Alright then, keep it down, the children are about to wake up!" With those words, the lights went out again.
The courtyard fell silent again, as if sensing the oppressive atmosphere, not even the chirping of insects could be heard again.
"You knew all along?" After a long silence, it was Nono who broke the silence first.
"I've had contact with them." Taiichi's voice returned to calm 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," Nono clenched her hands tightly, her already pale skin losing all color.
"Ordinary ninjas, even the Anbu, wouldn't send the orphanage director on a mission. It's not that Konoha really has no one left to use."
Taiichi analyzed it bit by bit, his eyes fixed on Nonou.
"Moreover, the orphanage is not short of funds now, so there is no need for the director to go on missions for money."
Taiichi helped the fallen stone bench up and pulled Nonou's hands to sit down again.
"Grandma Huizi is getting old and can no longer take care of so many children. The children need you, and no one loves them more than you."
Nonou'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 already." Nono's voice suddenly lost all its 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," Nono said, her 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 Taiyi's heart sank to the bottom at that moment. He suddenly got 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, Nonou will "accidentally" die in some corner!
Thankfully, they came to the orphanage today.
Thankfully, I ran into Nono 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.
Taiya made up his mind, walked towards Nono, grabbed her hands, and held them tightly in his hands.
"Nonou-neechan, listen to me, you can no longer carry out Root missions. Danzo won't let you complete three missions alive."
"I'll ask Tsunade-sensei and Jiraiya-sama to go find the Hokage. You're a medical ninja and the director of an 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—Nonou, though not understanding why Taiichi was in such a hurry, could sense his concern. After much thought, she nodded in agreement.
The taut string suddenly loosened, and Taiyi let out a long sigh, collapsing onto the stone bench as if all his strength had been drained away.
Seeing Taiichi like this, Nono felt a pang of sadness. Only someone who truly cares about you would act this way.
After saying goodbye to Nono, Taichi went straight home, rushed to his desk, picked up paper and pen, and began writing a letter to Tsunade.
In the letter, he described Nonou's predicament in detail, wrote down all his guesses and worries, and emphasized Nonou'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 to transfer Nonou away from Root. He argued that Nonou'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, Taiyi repeatedly revised and polished the text to ensure that it was sincere and moving, even to himself. Only then did he form a hand seal to communicate with the spirits and summon the slug.
"Slug, this letter is extremely urgent." Taiichi said solemnly, gently placing the letter on the slug's back. "If Tsunade-sensei replies, please be sure to notify me immediately."
"Yes, Tai-ichi, I will remember that."
Looking at the spot where the slug had disappeared, Taichi felt a little relieved. He wasn't sure if 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 a Kage or even just a Kage, Taiichi would dare to rush into the Hokage's office and argue with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Alas————
Thinking of this, Taiyi dared not delay any longer. He got up and, taking advantage of the remaining time, began to practice physical techniques and meditation.
The following morning, after finishing his morning lessons, Taiichi set out onto the streets of Konoha. His goal was 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, Taichi could only go to Minato's house to see if he could find out Jiraiya's whereabouts from Minato.
"Knock knock knock"
Kushina opened the door again.
When Kushina saw that it was Taichi 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 her heart to and communicate with.
Especially since it was Taiyi who came. Not only is he a good cook, but he also speaks very nicely. More importantly, he is a kind and grateful child.
"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 more intimate."
"Yes!" Taichi readily agreed, "Kushina-neechan."
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 has gone on a mission and probably won't be back for a long time."
Upon hearing this, Taiyi 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 Taiyi regained his composure.
"If I can't see Minato-senpai, I can still chat with Kushina-neechan."
"Come on!" Kushina noticed the fleeting disappointment in Taichi's eyes and couldn't help but ask, "Judging from your expression, is there something important you need to see Minato about?"
When Kushina asked the question, Taichi was conflicted, wondering whether he should explain things to her.
Kushina has a nickname, "Red Hot Chili Pepper," which, as the saying goes, is a misnomer, not a misused nickname. This shows just how fiery Kushina's temper is.
What if I tell her and she tears 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 unhappily, seeing Taiichi's conflicted look.
Provoked by Kushina, Taichi 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 courage to do something so extreme!
With a thought racing through his mind, Taichi no longer hesitated and explained the situation of Nono 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 Generation Lord and get some answers!"
She knew Danzo of Konoha Root, and she already disliked him. She never expected him to do such a despicable thing.
Taiichi spent a great deal of effort to calm Kushina down, and then 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, making him more vigilant and putting Nono at a greater disadvantage.
At this point, we must gather all our strength and strike decisively; we absolutely cannot afford to drag things out.
Once she calmed down, Kushina realized she had acted impulsively. After listening to Taichi's analysis, she agreed with his plan and promised to inform Taichi as soon as Minato and Jiraiya returned.
It was at this moment that Taichi realized that Jiraiya and Minato had gone out on a mission together, and the 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 techniques that I'd like to ask you."
Kushina initially found it amusing to see Taiichi earnestly asking her about sealing techniques. After all, Taiichi had only been learning sealing techniques for a short time, less than three months. In such a short time, with missions to perform, he probably hadn't even learned all the sealing runes yet.
Kushina didn't expose him, but patiently answered Taiichi's questions one by one. 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?