Ultimately, if he were to control the world only to find he had not a single trustworthy soul by his side, that would be a true failure.
"No, no... this is all thanks to your efforts, Lord Hiruko," Nonō replied quickly.
She had a petite frame, standing only about 155cm tall. Even with Hiruko sitting in his chair, they were nearly eye-to-eye.
"You look beautiful today."
That simple sentence made Nonō's heart skip a beat. Hiruko reached toward her washstand and pulled out a towel, intending to wipe the mist of the fine rain from his hair. Nonō instinctively reached out to take it.
"Let me help you."
Hiruko didn't let go immediately. Their fingertips brushed briefly against the edge of the fabric. Nonō could feel the warmth of his hand, a stark contrast to the chilly autumn rain outside. Eventually, he released his grip, allowing her to take the towel.
"Please, lower your head a little," she whispered.
Hiruko complied. Nonō stood on her tiptoes, gently patting the damp strands of his hair. At this distance, she could smell the scent of rain mixed with the faint, sharp aroma of disinfectant from his lab. Her movements were tender, as if she were afraid of breaking a fragile spell.
"Your hair has grown long," she murmured, her finger accidentally grazing the curve of his ear.
"The lab has been too busy. I haven't had time to maintain it."
"The children miss you." Nonō continued her work. "Last week, Little Aoi asked me when the 'magician uncle' would visit again."
"Is it only the children who miss me?" Hiruko suddenly looked up, his gaze piercing through his glasses to lock onto her eyes.
Nonō's hand froze in mid-air, a corner of the towel draped over his shoulder. The air in the office seemed to solidify, leaving only the rhythmic drumming of the rain against the glass. Her cheeks burned, yet she refused to look away.
"I..." Just as she began to speak, footsteps echoed in the hallway. The two moved apart instantly. Nonō turned to pretend she was organizing files, her heart hammering like a drum. Hiruko regained his cool, detached composure.
As the footsteps faded, Nonō breathed a sigh of relief, only to find Hiruko standing right behind her again, his arm brushing hers. She could see the tiny droplets of water still clinging to his hair.
"What were you going to say?" his voice was low.
Nonō took a deep breath. "I was just... worried you were overworking yourself. I heard you haven't left the lab for three days."
A ghost of a smile touched Hiruko's lips. "Is someone monitoring my movements?"
"It's called caring," she corrected, twisting a strand of her hair nervously.
He took a step closer, their shadows merging into one on the wall. "Did you know? My lab's newly bred kitten can do a backflip now."
"Really?" Nonō's eyes lit up. "The disobedient one you mentioned last time?"
She summoned her courage and reached out to straighten his crooked collar. "Next time... let me see?"
Hiruko caught her wrist, his grip gentle but firm. "Why don't you come to the lab yourself?"
Nonō held her breath. The world felt silent, reduced to the warmth of his fingers and the sound of their intertwined breathing.
"Sister Nonō!" a child's voice shouted from outside, followed by hurried footsteps.
They broke apart again. Hiruko retreated to the window, pretending to watch the rain. Nonō straightened her habit and hurried to the door.
"What's wrong, Aoi?" She knelt down to the little girl's level.
"I had a nightmare..." The girl rubbed her eyes, then spotted the figure by the window. "Handsome Uncle!"
Hiruko turned, his expression softening. "Still awake at this hour?"
The girl ran over and hugged his leg. "Uncle hasn't visited in forever!"
Watching this, a warm current surged through Nonō's chest. Hiruko knelt down and produced a candy from his pocket—he always carried these little surprises.
"Eat this and go back to sleep, okay?" he said softly.
The girl nodded, her voice muffled by the candy. "Uncle and Sister should rest early too."
After Nonō returned from tucking the girl in, she found Hiruko looking at a framed photo of her and the children.
"She's grown a lot," he said, pointing to a child in the photo.
"Yes, she's being adopted next month," Nonō said, walking to his side. "It's a good family."
Hiruko put the frame down. "I heard the orphanage might have to relocate?"
Nonō sighed. "The village planning involves expanding the commercial district. We're in the zone."
"When?"
"In about six months. But it's fine; the Hokage promised a better location."
"Lord Hiruko... are you in a good mood lately?"
Hiruko smiled—a genuine, relaxed smile. "You always remember the details."
"I remember everything about you." The words were out before she could stop them, but Hiruko's reaction surprised her. He reached out and cupped her cheek.
"I remember you, too."
The rain grew heavier, drumming a beat for the moment. Hiruko leaned in slowly, and Nonō closed her eyes...
"I should go. I have an early meeting tomorrow."
"I'll walk you to the door." Nonō grabbed an umbrella.
In the hallway, they walked side-by-side, arms occasionally brushing. At the entrance, Hiruko took the umbrella but lingered.
"Tomorrow," he said suddenly. "Are you free tomorrow? The backflipping kitten needs an audience."
"I'll have the tea ready."
His eyes lingered on her face, then her lips. "Goodnight, Nonō."
"Goodnight, Lord Hiruko."
He stepped into the rain, his silhouette fading. Nonō stood at the door, touching her cheek where he had just kissed her. The rain drowned out the sound of her racing heart. As a woman of the shadows, she had never imagined someone would want to love her.
Hiruko hadn't chosen Tsunade; he chose Nonō, who lived in the dark. Perhaps when he looked at her, he saw himself—two creatures crawling in the gloom, huddling together for warmth. Tsunade lived in the sunlight; sometimes, that light was too bright, stinging those who belonged to the shadows.
The following night.
Nonō stood before a modern, sleek mansion. The porch lights activated automatically, and a smart lock chimed: "Welcome, Miss Nonō."
In the open kitchen, Hiruko was using chakra to precisely control three floating kitchen knives. Sashimi was being arranged into the shape of a dancing crane amidst a blue glow, while miso soup bubbled on the stove.
"Sit," he said without turning around. "Last thirty seconds of heat."
"Do you like it?"
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