Fugaku ventured out of the camp under the veil of night, making his way toward a towering tree in the distance. As he sighed, his thoughts lingered about Suna camp, realizing that his attempts at maintaining a deterrent effect had proven short-lived.
It was a daunting task to single-handedly manage the entire camp, but he hoped to bring about temporary peace. A notion crossed his mind: could he not, at the very least, create a tranquil environment for a while?
Just as he contemplated this, a sudden voice interrupted his thoughts. "Feeling down?"
Startled, Fugaku turned to find Nono standing behind him. She appeared somewhat flustered, struggling to express herself. "I just had a feeling... That one... Clan head, I... I..."
Although he had sensed someone's presence, the unexpected visitor turned out to be Nono.
Fugaku, ever composed, smiled gently and reassured her, "Just call me Fugaku, okay? Whatever you have to say, there is no need to be embarrassed."
He observed Nono's, a twinge of guilt lingering within him for that night. Fugaku didn't intend to exploit her; he had merely sought some enjoyment, but he now recognized the error in his actions.
Reflecting on their conversation from the previous day, he wondered how Nono perceived him.
Her face flushed even redder as she hesitated, finally breaking the silence. "That... I heard you're already married, right?"
"Oh" Fugaku, taken aback by her question, nodded in confirmation. "That's right, it's been more than a year."
Nono bowed her head, walking away with a disappointed expression after receiving a definitive response from Fugaku. "That's it... That bothered."
Uncertain about her own emotions, Nono found herself searching for him in the bustling camp. However, he had been nowhere to be seen since morning, leaving her feeling anxious.
Despite being an adult and approximately the same age as Fugaku, she couldn't shake the feeling that had developed since their initial encounter.
As she yearned for his presence, Nono couldn't deny missing the sensation of sleeping in his arms the previous night. His embrace had provided a sense of safety and comfort that she wasn't accustomed to in a spy's life and found herself drawn to.
It felt like a dreamy fantasy, yet she couldn't ignore the reality that Fugaku was married, breaking her heart.
Confronted with the truth, she pondered his intentions. What did he want from her? Putting that question aside momentarily, she wondered why the emotional connection had been made.
She could sense the intensity of her feelings, but why was Fugaku, as a man, seemingly oblivious to the complexity of the situation?
"Nono, let me take responsibility and protect you!" Fugaku declared it earnestly.
The impression he held of Nono was that she was a good-hearted girl running an orphanage single-handedly. The tears he felt on his skin moments ago had struck a chord in him, evoking a deep desire to shield her from harm. Fugaku didn't require a reason; it was an instinctive urge.
Nono, who had been walking away, suddenly stopped. She took off her glasses and wiped her tears, then turned to face the man, who stood with his hands in his pockets and a solemn expression on his face. She looked at him incredulously.
Nono, walking away, abruptly halted. She removed her glasses, wiped away her tears, and turned to face Fugaku. Hands in his pockets, a solemn expression adorned his face. Her gaze met his, incredulous and questioning.
Seeing her pause, Fugaku sighed and added, "Of course, if you don't mind!"
Stunned, Nono stammered, "But... But... Clan leader... you are..." Her words trailed off, and the realization hit that he was married.
Fugaku took a step forward, reassuring, "This doesn't change how I feel about you. You have a kind heart, and I believe Mikoto would understand."
"Mikoto? Is that your wife? You mean, your wife would agree?" Nono struggled to comprehend. The idea of any woman accepting her husband being with another was unfathomable.
Fugaku offered a soft smile. "Alright, let's talk more when I come back from the Land of Wind, okay?"
Despite being already late, he expressed his intention to return for dinner, emphasizing the importance of their conversation.
"The Land of Wind? You're going to the Land of Wind?" Nono couldn't believe her ears; it sounded like a misunderstanding.
Fugaku nodded with a sense of purpose, explaining, "I have to meet with the Fourth Kazekage. It's no purpose to keep fighting back and forth."
"Are you going to negotiate? By yourself?" Nono asked, shock evident in her tone. The two countries were in the midst of war, yet Fugaku spoke as if he were simply taking a stroll.
"Of course, it's more convenient to go alone in this situation. Don't tell anyone else for now. That's it; I have to go!"
"How... Even if you're strong, it's too dangerous!" Nono voiced her concerns, causing Fugaku to halt in his tracks.
He turned to face her, offering a smile before swiftly moving closer and cupping her face in his hands.
Before she could react, he kissed her. Nono was left stunned, the unexpectedness of the kiss leaving her wide-eyed behind her glasses. The seconds turned into minutes before they finally parted.
Fugaku's smile lingered as he spoke, "If you don't mind, make me some supper and wait for me here!"
He said that and then turned around and left. She only saw his back as he walked away.
With those words, he turned around and walked away, leaving only his retreating back visible to Nono. Still in shock, she struggled to snap out of it. Why hadn't she resisted the kiss? Did she truly desire to be with him?
Lost in thoughts of the kiss and his confident smile, a faint smile tugged at Nono's lips. Remembering his last words, she slowly made her way back to the camp, contemplating whether she would indeed prepare supper for his return.
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