Step. Step. Step...
A soft echo of footsteps crept through the dark corridor, slow and deliberate—until it stopped.
"No, Nonō… what are you doing here?"
Danzō Shimura's voice emerged from the shadows, cold and hoarse like a death sentence. It rasped with the venomous chill of a night owl, his tone laced with unmistakable killing intent.
"Lord Danzō," Yakushi Nonō stepped forward, finally revealed beneath the dim overhead light. Her figure looked frail—emaciated even—her cloak hanging loosely as though it weighed more than her body.
She knelt, pressing one knee to the floor. But the trembling at her fingertips betrayed her unease.
"Your next mission is simple," Danzō said in a low growl. "Assassinate the Uchiha clan's genius."
Nonō's breath caught.
"Uchiha Fenghuo," Danzō continued, a cruel smile twisting his lips. "The child may appear innocent, but he's a threat—planted by the Uchiha to stay close to the Third Hokage. As Konoha's elder advisor, it is my duty to eliminate all threats to the village... even if it stains my hands with infamy."
Nonō trembled and, for the first time, objected:
"Lord Danzō... I refuse."
Danzō's eyes narrowed. A flash of rage burst from his pupils like a storm waiting to strike.
Root was his life's foundation. He would not tolerate disobedience from anyone—even from someone as valuable as Nonō.
But she still had her uses. And Danzō knew how to restrain his fury when necessary.
He stepped closer, voice dark and silky like a devil's temptation.
"I know you taught him medical ninjutsu. I trust you, Nonō. If you strike, the chance of success is certain. One hundred percent. Complete this mission, and I will set you free. Isn't that what you've always wanted?"
Still kneeling, Nonō shook her head. Her eyes were tired, but resolute.
"Lord Danzō... I refuse."
Danzō's expression froze. His voice dropped to a deadly whisper.
"You have no right to refuse."
His voice suddenly rose into a sharp bark.
"As a member of Root, you have no name, no feelings, no past, no future. You exist only for the mission! Yakushi Nonō—if you can't kill Uchiha Fenghuo, then your only remaining value is your death! You have three days."
He turned, cloak sweeping behind him, and disappeared into the darkness.
Nonō collapsed to the floor, hands clenched against the cold tile.
"How... did it come to this?"
Fenghuo desperately wanted to accept missions outside the village—but he knew this wasn't the time. Danzō's recent plot had failed, and his attempt to gain favor with the Uchiha had also collapsed. If Fenghuo stepped outside the village gates alone now, he was certain he wouldn't return.
He always assumed the worst from enemies like Danzō. But even he hadn't expected this—that Danzō would send Yakushi Nonō, the woman who once raised him, to assassinate him.
He stared at her from across the table, expression calm, but his blood boiled.
"Sister Nonō… come with me to Hokage-sama. Your medical skills are incredible—he'll definitely protect you!" Fenghuo's voice wavered slightly. He was too weak. He couldn't protect her alone.
Nonō gave him a tired smile.
"It's useless. I'm a Root operative. I belong to Lord Danzō. Even Hokage-sama can't intervene."
Fenghuo clenched his fists. He had already guessed this. Hiruzen Sarutobi had just intervened to shield him from Danzō's schemes—he wouldn't take another risk for a disposable Root asset.
Nonō exhaled softly. "Honestly… I've long grown tired of this life. But you can't escape Root. Maybe this is a kind of... relief."
"No!" Fenghuo stood abruptly. "Don't give up! I'll find someone who can help!"
The first name that came to mind was Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha, leader of the ANBU Black Ops, and a living legend. Even Danzō would think twice before provoking him.
But—Fenghuo hesitated. Sakumo was Hiruzen's most trusted blade. If the Third didn't move, neither would he.
Wait... there was one person left—someone with status even Danzō couldn't easily challenge.
Tsunade Senju.
The granddaughter of the First Hokage. Princess of the Senju clan. One of the Legendary Sannin. Hiruzen's student.
Even the Uchiha and Hyūga families hesitated to cross her. And Danzō? He'd tread carefully.
If she intervened... maybe Nonō could live.
Even a temporary reprieve is enough. Just buy me time, Danzō. Time to grow... then we'll see who else you dare to send to die!
"Sister Nonō, wait for me! I'll bring help!"
He turned and dashed out the door.
Nonō watched him go, a small, wistful smile forming on her lips.
"Tsunade, Tsunade… where does she live?!"
Fenghuo raced through the village streets. The Senju clan had long since faded from Konoha's stage, and their residences had moved far from the village center. He'd never cared before. Now, he was running in circles like a headless chicken.
In frustration, he sprinted toward the Hokage Tower.
"Hokage-sama!" he burst in. "Do you know where I can find Tsunade-sama?"
Sarutobi exhaled smoke from his pipe and chuckled.
"Tsunade? Try the casino."
Fenghuo blinked.
Right. She's a compulsive gambler. How could I forget?!
"Thank you!"
He ran out at full speed.
Konoha was vast, and gambling houses were everywhere. But knowing Tsunade's habits, she'd definitely choose the largest one. A legendary sucker needed a legendary den.
Half an hour later, Fenghuo arrived outside a massive building. The sign read:
Monopoly Casino
He pushed open the door—
And was immediately blocked.
"Oi, kid. What're you doing here? This ain't a playground." A muscled thug cracked his knuckles.
Three more surrounded him—beefy arms, tight shirts, and enough oil on their hair to deep-fry ramen.
"Step aside," Fenghuo said, eyes cold. "I'm not here to play."
"Big mouth for a brat—"
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
Fenghuo's foot slammed into the lead thug's gut. The others barely had time to react before they were on the floor groaning for their mothers.
He stepped over them and walked into the smoky, buzzing chaos.
"Betting open! Big or small, place your bets!"
"Ha! I won again! I'm unstoppable!"
"Nooo, my two years of savings?!"
"Hey kid, need a loan? High interest, but you'll win it all back—guaranteed!"
The casino was a storm of desperation and noise. Fenghuo's ears filtered through the din.
"Hey, did you hear? That big sucker is back again!"
"Keep it down! Don't let too many people know. Let's go watch."
"She loses every time. Just bet opposite her and it's free money!"
Fenghuo's eyes lit up.
Found you, Big Sheep.
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