Tsunade went upstairs, pushed open the door, and turned on the light. A spacious and clean bedroom appeared before her eyes.
The furnishings in the bedroom were simple, with only a bed, a wardrobe, a desk, and a small bookshelf.
There were some books and scrolls of various colors on the bookshelf. Outside the bedroom window, there was a small terrace for drying clothes.
She threw herself onto the clean and tidy small bed. The clean bedding carried the scent of sunshine. Tsunade unconsciously let out a sigh of satisfaction.
Too many things happened today. She had just left Konoha during the day, and Minato and the others encountered an assassination at night, which made her mentally exhausted as well.
Damn Danzo!
I finally made up my mind to leave for a while, but now I can't bear to leave again, can I?
Although Danzo was the only rotten person among the higher-ups, after such an incident, she dared not leave easily again.
Forget it...
It seems it's God's will!
In this case, no matter how things develop in the future, at least it's not entirely my fault, right?
Tsunade thought silently, her mind in turmoil, and unknowingly fell into a deep sleep.
Perhaps because of the comfort of the bed, she slept very deeply...
The next day, school.
"Nonō, can we talk alone?"
At noon, Minato waited at the corner of the school corridor, quietly watching Nonō who had just walked out of the classroom.
The gentle voice made Nonō pause. A trace of surprise flashed in her eyes. She didn't expect Minato to approach her suddenly.
She didn't know the news that Danzo had been killed yet.
After all, that was the Hokage's assistant. For such a big shot, it was difficult for ordinary people to even meet him once, so how could he die easily?
So facing Minato's sudden approach, her heart beat faster for a moment.
There was shyness and expectation, but mostly nervousness and alertness.
Speculating on Minato's intention, Nonō nodded gently.
The two came to the roof of the teaching building, which was empty.
According to those romance books bought by Danzo, many confession scenes happened on the roof of the teaching building!
Nonō secretly looked at Minato's profile, trying to see something from those azure eyes.
Is Minato going to confess?
Thinking of this, she felt her cheeks getting slightly hot.
No, no, no, calm down, Nonō, don't mess up...
"You... were sent by Danzo, right?"
Just as Nonō was letting her imagination run wild, Minato finally asked softly.
As soon as he spoke, he shattered all her fantasies and pulled her back to reality.
Discovered...
Nonō froze imperceptibly, her brain instantly regaining rationality. The love-struck brain was instantly suppressed, and her poker face looked incredibly calm.
What to do?
Should I show my cards?
Yes!
In less than a split second, she made a decision.
When Minato looked at her earlier, there was scrutiny in his eyes.
Now that the other party chose to clarify, it was very likely that he had found clear evidence.
The other party wasn't asking a question, but approaching her with the answer.
Continuing to be stubborn would only make the other party distrust her even more.
Now that her identity was exposed, regardless of what would happen to her later, this was probably her only chance to free the orphanage from Danzo's threat!
"Sorry..."
Nonō lowered her head slightly. "I had no choice, but please believe me, I had no intention of harming you."
"Don't be so nervous, I'm not blaming you."
Seeing Nonō admit frankly, a smile appeared on Minato's calm face. "Can you tell me the reason?"
"I... I'm from the orphanage."
Minato's peaceful attitude made Nonō quietly breathe a sigh of relief.
Great, he's not angry!
Minato really is a very considerate person...
"Half a year ago, Danzo visited the orphanage and said he wanted to select talented children for special training. In the end, he chose me. Because he didn't look like a good person, I originally didn't want to agree."
Nonō said, her small face darkening. "But he is the Hokage's assistant. One word from him can cut off the orphanage's funding. Everyone was already not having enough to eat. If the funding was cut off again..."
"I see..."
Minato nodded. This was similar to what he guessed. Danzo only had these tricks.
"What was the mission he gave you?" Minato asked again.
Nonō glanced at Minato cautiously. "Can I use this information to exchange something with you?"
"What do you want to exchange?"
Minato chuckled inwardly. He could probably guess the other party's request.
Nonō said without hesitation, "I hope to exchange for Lady Tsunade's protection for the orphanage! Don't let Danzo make a move on the orphanage!"
"Is that all?" Minato confirmed.
This time Nonō hesitated.
She actually hoped Tsunade could help the orphanage, at least letting everyone eat enough and dress warmly.
But on second thought, with so many mouths in the orphanage, it probably couldn't be supported by one person alone.
"If... I add another piece of information, can everyone in the orphanage have enough to eat?"
After struggling for a long time, she asked awkwardly.
"Yes."
Minato agreed without any hesitation. "Can you tell me now?"
Nonō raised her head in surprise. Minato agreed too readily, making her suspect the authenticity of his words.
But now she had no choice but to accept her fate and pray that Minato would keep his word.
"The mission Danzo gave me was... to gain Minato Namikaze's favor."
Saying that, she lowered her head in embarrassment, her ear tips slightly hot.
"He only gave me this one mission, but I kept finding reasons to delay. Don't misunderstand, I don't dislike... no, I mean... I think this is not good. Feelings should be something purer."
"I understand."
Minato nodded. "What about the other piece of information?"
"I suspect that Danzo is very likely to be detrimental to Kushina, or even to you. Although I'm not very sure, I think it's necessary to take precautions."
"From my previous contact, Danzo seems to have a very strong obsession with becoming Hokage and indiscriminately hates everyone who might hinder him."
Nonō looked at Minato uneasily. This information was originally her last trump card in case the other party didn't care about the orphanage.
"Is that so..."
Minato paused, suddenly cleared his throat, and said seriously, "Then... student Nonō, thanks to the intelligence you obtained by lurking, the rogue ninja Danzo Shimura was executed last night!"
Nonō was stunned instantly. "Eh?"
"It means that bastard has been killed, along with the Root."
Minato chuckled lightly. "Speaking of which, this is thanks to the intelligence you provided."
"How, how is that possible?"
Nonō stammered, "That was the Hokage's assistant! Could it be the Hokage... Besides, I didn't provide you with intelligence before..."
"Who said so? Didn't you tell me with your eyes, and I tacitly understood your meaning?"
Minato blinked and said briskly, "It's inconvenient to tell you the details, but Danzo is indeed dead."
"Then... does the exchange for eating enough and dressing warmly just now still count?"
Nonō asked hesitantly. After speaking, she felt that she was too shameless and lowered her head in shame.
"Well... it can't be helped. Who made it a promise?"
Minato laughed briskly. His sunny smile seemed to warm the surrounding cold air by a few degrees.
Nonō stared blankly at the boy in front of her, thousands of thoughts surging in her heart for a moment.
In a trance, a wave of heat suddenly welled up in the corners of her eyes, her vision gradually blurred, and tears slid down her cheeks uncontrollably.
After all, she was just a five-year-old child. When the grievances and pressure she had suffered recently were suddenly released, Nonō could no longer control her emotions and cried loudly.
Fortunately, although she couldn't control her emotions, she could still control her body.
Before the tears hit the ground, she threw herself into Minato's arms.