Yakushi Nonō excels at intelligence theft and medical ninjutsu; in combat she's merely an ordinary chūnin.
Someone like Iruka who can teach academy classes already counts as an elite chūnin, while Kamizuki Izumo and Hagane Kotetsu are top-tier chūnin.
Yakushi Nonō being suddenly transferred into the Anbu—into the very Third Squad he leads—made it hard not to suspect some scheme aimed at him…
But whatever. Soldiers block the charge, water drowns the fire; nothing to fear. He'd just find a chance to figure it out.
Kageyama Kogetsu's thoughts turned, his face calm. "No need for formality. Give me your file."
"Yes." Nonō handed her dossier over with both hands.
Kogetsu took it, flipped through quickly, and said in a low voice, "Since you specialize in intel analysis and medical work, you'll stay at HQ in a support post."
"Washi, take her down to finish the paperwork."
"Yes, Captain."
The two bowed, turned, and closed the door.
Over the next few days, Kogetsu noticed Yakushi Nonō hovering around him on and off. The excuses were airtight, but he still took note.
He wanted to see what medicine she—and Danzō—had in their gourds…
Playing along, the two grew familiar quickly, even trading the occasional joke.
Ten days later at dusk.
Kogetsu clocked out on time, and as he opened his office door, Yakushi Nonō was standing there.
"Something up?" Kogetsu asked casually.
"Since joining Anbu, I've relied on your guidance to get used to the environment and work, so I'd like to treat you to dinner to thank you," Nonō said, bowing and then looking up, sincere.
"So women really are more attentive. Those rough guys never invited me to eat when they joined."
"Alright, I'll accept."
"Go change and clock out with me," Kogetsu said with a grin.
"Okay." Nonō flashed a bright smile and jogged off.
Interesting. So she feels the rapport is there and is moving to the main act?
Watching her back, Kogetsu was intrigued.
A few minutes later, the two left Konoha's rear mountain and headed down into the village.
The last smear of sunset hung at the horizon, the sea of clouds dyed like golden-red brocade. Night settled in, and Konoha's lamps—orange and white—were already aglow.
"Change clothes" just meant switching to the most common Konoha shinobi getup.
Kogetsu could pull clothes out of Daikokuten to change; if Nonō wanted to change, she had to return to the orphanage.
"Captain, what do you want to eat?" Nonō asked with a warm smile, glancing sideways.
"In private, just call me by name."
"As for food… barbecue, of course. Among Konoha restaurants, only Yakiniku Q barely has something to it."
Ichiraku Ramen?
For his taste, it was just passable—too salty and oily.
Nonō's expression didn't change, but her heart twinged. Barbecue was pricey; tonight might bleed her dry.
No—funds at the orphanage were tight. She'd have to try getting reimbursement from Danzō!
For the mission's sake, they should reimburse… right?
"Alright. I haven't had barbecue in a while either."
"I hear you're the head of Konoha's orphanage. You really are as kind as you are beautiful."
A blush rose in Nonō's cheeks. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just doing what I can."
"Compared to your achievements, Kogetsu-kun, it's not worth mentioning."
"You might not know—lots of shinobi in the village idolize you. I… I'm one of them."
Heh… getting more interesting.
He wasn't one of those battle-obsessed innocents of this world, clueless about men and women.
Whether it was true or an act, with Nonō's background and this behavior, her goal was clear enough through the tube of a gourd.
"This is the first time a girl's told me she idolizes me. It feels special—what an honor."
"Eh? I'm the first?"
"Then I'm the one who's honored." Nonō tucked hair behind her ear and lowered her head shyly.
They chatted as they walked. The mood not only grew better, it turned a touch suggestive—until the lively crush at Yakiniku Q's door snapped them back to normal.
Still, that pleasant flutter seemed to root in both their hearts, and both looked reluctant to let it go.
Even early, there weren't many open seats. They chose a spot by the wall.
"Ladies first." Kogetsu handed over the menu.
"Thank you."
Nonō smiled lightly, ordered a few dishes—only one meat, the cheapest pork offal—the rest vegetables.
Kogetsu's ordering was different. Aside from lettuce for wrapping, he ordered every meat on offer, heavy on beef and lamb.
Nonō kept her mild smile, but her heart gave a little twist. Tonight really was going to bleed her dry.
If Danzō was stingy and refused reimbursement, she'd be down to one rice ball and pickles a day for the rest of the month.
"What will you drink?" Kogetsu asked after ordering.
"Just plain water."
"Alright, I'll have sake."
"Eh? You're still a year shy of adulthood, aren't you?"
"Yes. But as a shinobi who might die any day, why be strict with myself?"
"The three shinobi taboos are just words. Obey if you want; if not, forget it."
"I've killed hundreds, thousands. Compared to killing, what's a little drink?" Kogetsu said, unconcerned.
Nonō came away with a deeper sense of his character.
This was a man who would break rules when necessary—slightly different from the profiled personality in her intel.
"You have a point. I'll join you for a bit then." Nonō smiled brightly in approval.
"Great. Drinking alone does get dull."
When the food arrived, they grilled, ate, and talked.
With Nonō's deliberate, casual praise—and Kogetsu's cooperation—the mood rose again.
When you're sad, it's easy to drink too much; when you're happy, isn't it the same?
With emotions up, the sake went down fast.
When they were full and went to the counter, Kogetsu was quicker, pulling out a wad of notes.
"Kogetsu-kun, we agreed it was my treat—why did you…" Flushed, tipsy and sober by turns, Nonō reached to stop him.
Kogetsu, cheeks warm, smiled. "Who says the one who invites has to pay?"
"You've got a sizeable orphanage to support and tight finances. Let me."
"I'm a one-mouth-to-feed guy."
Nonō's heart trembled; warmth flowed through her…
A man so exceptional in every way, yet this considerate—maybe giving herself to him would be a bargain for her.
The proprietress took the money, made change, and beamed. "Lord Kogetsu, here you go."
"By the way, your girlfriend is gorgeous—her presence stands out even more than her looks."
Kogetsu was a regular. His way of making money didn't walk the usual roads—he didn't treat money like money.
"Haha, you misunderstand, she—"
Nonō took Kogetsu's hand and smiled. "Thanks for the compliment. We'll be going."
Outside, Kogetsu turned. "You…"
"Kogetsu-kun, I'm a little thirsty after all that sake."
"If it's convenient, could we go to your place for a glass of water?"
Nonō lowered her gaze and mustered her courage. Her face reddened further; even her ears were scarlet.
Kogetsu blinked, then smiled. "Of course. Welcome, welcome."
"Straight there, or later?"
Nonō brushed back her hair and smiled lightly. "Let's go later. It's still early—let's stroll through Konoha."
"I've been too busy in the past. It's been ages since I had a proper walk."
"Alright, let's go."
"Mm."
Hand in hand, they walked on…
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