Inside the courtyard of Konoha Orphanage.
The cheerful laughter of children echoed through the air.
Chiya stood outside the gate, listening to their innocent laughter as a gentle smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
He gently pushed open the gate, revealing a lively and vibrant scene.
Groups of children were chasing each other and playing.
Some were reading beneath the trees, while others were building sandcastles.
In the distance, Yakushi Nono was squatting in front of a little girl, carefully braiding her hair.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, giving her gentle face a special kind of charm.
Chiya did not say a word.
He simply stood there quietly, watching the scene before him.
After a while.
Nono seemed to sense something and looked toward the entrance.
The moment her eyes met Chiya's, they immediately lit up with joy.
"Chiya!"
She called out softly, unable to hide the happiness in her voice.
The little girl's braid was not even finished.
Nono hurriedly tied it off before quickly walking toward Chiya.
Her steps were light.
Her white robe fluttered gently in the morning breeze, like a blooming white lotus.
Chiya walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her.
Nono rested her cheek against his chest and could clearly hear his steady heartbeat.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, as if she wanted to engrave his scent deep into her heart.
"What brought you here so suddenly?"
Nono looked up at him, her eyes filled with tenderness.
Chiya lowered his head and gently brushed her hair aside with his fingers.
"I missed you, so I came."
A faint blush appeared on Nono's cheeks as she gave him a playful glare.
"Smooth talker."
However, the smile in her eyes betrayed the sweetness in her heart.
After quietly enjoying each other's company for a while, Chiya held her hand and sat down with her on a bench in the courtyard.
Resting against his shoulder, Nono asked softly,
"How is the situation on the front lines? I heard that the Four Great Nations' allied army has surrounded Konoha. The situation must be very serious."
Chiya fell silent for a moment before slowly explaining the recent events on the battlefield.
When he mentioned that the Third Hokage had personally led the troops as bait, Nono's body visibly stiffened.
She looked up at him, her eyes filled with worry.
"Even Lord Hokage has gone to the battlefield himself... Chiya, our Konoha..."
Chiya held her hand and felt how cold her fingertips were.
He gently squeezed them, trying to pass some warmth to her.
"Don't worry. As long as I'm here, Konoha will never fall."
His voice was deep and unwavering, like a solemn promise.
Looking at his determined profile, Nono gradually calmed down.
She knew how strong Chiya was.
She also understood the responsibility he carried.
But as someone who deeply loved him, she could not help worrying.
She took a deep breath and forced a small smile.
"I believe in you, and I believe Konoha won't fall so easily."
"But you must be careful. Promise me you'll come back safely."
Chiya nodded and gently caressed her cheek.
"I promise."
The two smiled at each other before silently changing the subject.
Chiya suggested,
"Take me to see the children. I heard you've taken in many more orphans recently."
The light returned to Nono's eyes.
She pulled Chiya to his feet and led him around to visit each child.
She introduced every child's name and personality with great pride and affection.
Walking beside her, Chiya occasionally crouched down to interact with the children.
Sometimes he patted their heads.
Sometimes he handed them a piece of candy.
The children were both curious about and fond of Uchiha Chiya.
Before long, they had surrounded him, chattering nonstop.
When they reached a corner of the courtyard, Chiya noticed a silver-haired little boy sitting alone beneath a tree, quietly reading a book.
His eyes were focused and calm, standing in sharp contrast to the noisy children nearby.
"That's Kabuto."
Nono explained softly.
"He's very smart and learns incredibly fast, but..."
Her voice gradually became quieter.
A trace of heartache flashed across her face.
Chiya nodded knowingly.
He knew Kabuto Yakushi's past better than anyone.
He had lost his family during the war.
The trauma had caused him to lose his memories.
But now, the confusion and emptiness Chiya had seen during their last meeting were gone.
In their place were calmness and determination.
Chiya walked over and crouched down until they were at eye level.
Sensing someone approaching, Kabuto looked up.
When he recognized Chiya, surprise flashed across his face.
He immediately closed his book and respectfully stood up.
"Lord Chiya."
Chiya smiled faintly.
"What are you reading?"
Kabuto handed him the book.
It was an introductory guide to basic medical ninjutsu.
"Lady Nono said that if I learn medical ninjutsu, I'll be able to help more people."
His voice was quiet, but it carried a trace of longing.
Chiya flipped through the book before nodding in approval.
"That's a good goal."
"I happen to know a little about medical ninjutsu."
He closed the book and looked directly into Kabuto's eyes.
"Kabuto, would you like to become my disciple?"
Those words exploded in Kabuto's mind like thunder.
His eyes widened.
His lips trembled slightly, but no words came out.
Chiya's name was known throughout Konoha.
He was not only the head of the Uchiha Clan but also one of Konoha's pillars.
Yet someone like him...
Actually wanted to accept an orphan with no parents as his disciple?
Seeing Kabuto frozen in place, Nono thought he had been frightened.
She quickly crouched beside him and gently asked,
"Kabuto, what's wrong? Don't you want to?"
Only then did Kabuto regain his senses.
The shock in his eyes was gradually replaced by overwhelming joy.
His eyes became slightly red.
His voice choked with emotion, yet remained firm.
"I do! Lord Chiya, I do!"
Chiya smiled and gently rubbed his silver hair.
"Good."
"From today onward, you're my disciple."
"You can call me Sensei from now on."
Kabuto nodded vigorously.
Tears welled up in his eyes, yet he stubbornly refused to let them fall.
He had never imagined that his life would change so completely.
Watching the scene before her, tears also filled Nono's eyes.
She gently wrapped an arm around Kabuto's shoulders and said softly,
"Kabuto, treasure this opportunity."
"Lord Chiya is an incredible person."
Kabuto nodded heavily.
"Mm!"
His little hands tightly gripped the edge of his clothes as he tried his best to suppress the excitement inside him.
Chiya stood up and looked at Nono.
"Once the war is over, I'll teach him personally."
"Until then, I'll have to trouble you to continue looking after him."
Nono nodded.
"Don't worry."
"I will."
Kabuto looked up at Chiya's tall figure and suddenly spoke.
"Sensei, I'll definitely become stronger and help carry your responsibilities in the future!"
Chiya was momentarily stunned before laughing.
He crouched down again until they were eye to eye.
"Good."
"I'll be waiting for that day."
Sunlight shone upon the three of them, creating a warm and peaceful scene.
At the other end of the courtyard, the children's laughter still echoed joyfully, as though witnessing this beautiful moment.
As Chiya left the orphanage, he turned back for one last look.
Nono stood at the entrance, waving goodbye.
Kabuto stood beside her, his eyes filled with hope and determination.
Chiya nodded toward them before turning around and disappearing into the crowd.
'It's about time!~'
'It's time for me to set off!'
'System, give me my mission reward.'
Chiya spoke silently in his heart.
[Congratulations, Host, for completing the mission: Accept Kabuto Yakushi as your disciple.]
[Reward: Mangekyō Sharingan Dojutsu - Amaterasu.]
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