Yasuke and Nonoe waited quietly in the principal's office, feeling a sense of unease. The principal looked at both children with a somber expression before speaking.
-Yasuke, Nonoe, I have some very serious news to share with you," the principal began, his voice heavy with gravity. He paused, making sure he had both of their attention. The orphanage matron is in critical condition.
The simple statement hit like a blow. Yasuke felt his stomach twist, as a flood of emotions washed over him. The brevity and seriousness of the director's words only served to intensify the gravity of the situation.
-Critical condition? What... what happened to him? -Yasuke managed to ask, his voice trembling with shock.
-I'm sorry, but I can't give any more details at this time," the principal replied, looking stern. It's important that you remain here at the academy. We will keep you informed of any new developments.
Yasuke felt a surge of frustration. He wanted to go to the hospital, to be there, to do something, anything. But the principal's decision was clear and left no room for negotiation.
-But we have to see her, she's... she's all we have," Yasuke insisted, his voice thick with despair.
-I understand how you feel, but right now, the best thing you can do is to stay here," said the director, trying to be as compassionate as possible in his role.
Nonoe, equally affected, put his hand on Yasuke's shoulder in a gesture of silent support. Yasuke, though grateful for Nonoe's gesture, felt helpless and overwhelmed by the situation.
Minato found Yasuke and Nonoe in the halls of the academy, noticing immediately that something was wrong. Yasuke was walking as if in a trance-like state, his eyes fixed on the void, while Nonoe accompanied him with an expression of deep concern.
-What happened? -Minato asked, approaching them with a growing sense of unease.
Nonoe looked at Minato and, with a sigh, explained the situation.
-The orphanage matron... is in critical condition. We just heard," she said in a low voice.
The news struck Minato with surprise and concern. He looked at Yasuke, whose reaction seemed to be the most profound.
-Yasuke, are you all right? -he asked, though he already knew the answer.
Yasuke did not answer. His mind was overwhelmed by memories of his past life, the loss he had suffered and the fear of facing that same loss again. He felt trapped in a cycle of grief and despair, unable to react or express his emotions.
Minato and Nonoe exchanged glances, understanding that they had to be there for Yasuke, even if they didn't know exactly how to help him.
-Let's sit down for a while," Minato suggested, leading Yasuke to a nearby bench.
They sat in silence, Minato and Nonoe on either side of Yasuke, offering him their presence as a silent comfort. Minato, sensing the heaviness of the atmosphere, tried to find the right words.
-Yasuke, you are not alone in this. We are here with you," he said softly, hoping his words would reach his friend in his distant state.
Nonoe nodded, adding:
-She's like a mother to us. We are all worried, but we have to be strong, for her and for us.
Despite his efforts, Yasuke remained in his state of shock, processing the news and struggling internally with his emotions and memories. Minato and Nonoe remained by his side, providing support and companionship.
Sitting in silence, Yasuke struggled internally with his anguish and despair. He knew he had to see the matron, he had to be there, he couldn't just sit there. Then, feigning a calmness he was far from feeling, he stood up abruptly.
-I'm going to the bathroom," he said, his voice slightly shaky.
Minato and Nonoe nodded, unsuspecting his true intentions. Once out of their sight, Yasuke quickened his pace, moving with a clear purpose. His mind was completely focused on one thing: getting to the hospital and seeing the matron.
Meanwhile, Minato, who had been watching Yasuke, sensed something strange. His sensory ability alerted him that something was wrong; Yasuke was not simply going to the bathroom. Quickly understanding his friend's intentions, Minato discreetly got up and began to follow him.
Despite his generally upbeat and playful nature, Minato knew when it was time to be serious. Yasuke and he were like brothers, always together in difficult times. He wasn't about to let Yasuke face this alone.
Following at a safe distance, Minato moved with calm determination. His normally cheerful expression now reflected a seriousness uncommon for him. This was a moment that required his strength and support, qualities that were often hidden behind his easy smile and carefree attitude.
Yasuke, completely unaware that Minato was following him, continued on his way, each step bringing him closer to the hospital. Minato, for his part, remained steadfast in his decision to accompany Yasuke, proving that, even in the most difficult of times, he would be there for his friend.
Upon arriving at the hospital, Yasuke encountered an unexpected obstacle. The room where Grandmother Nora was hospitalized was guarded by several chunin, making it impossible to enter undetected. He looked around, searching for some way to sneak in unseen.
While assessing his options, Yasuke discreetly approached the guarded area. However, just as he was about to make his move, one of the chunin seemed to notice something unusual. Yasuke froze, his heart pounding, aware that he was about to be discovered.
At that precise moment, Minato appeared out of nowhere, grabbing Yasuke by the arm and quickly dragging him towards a side corridor.
-"Quickly, this way! -Minato whispered, pulling Yasuke to safety.
Once in the hallway Yasuke shook off Minato's grip, clearly annoyed at being stopped in his attempt to get to Grandma Nora. His frustration was mixed with an irrationality driven by desperation and fear.
-Minato, you were following me! I could have seen her if it weren't for you! -Yasuke exclaimed, his voice tinged with anger and reproach.
-Let me go, Minato! I need to see her now! -he exclaimed, his voice cracking with emotion.
Without a word, Minato walked over to Yasuke and hugged him, giving him silent, firm support. At first, Yasuke tried to resist, his body tense with anger and stress. But gradually, under Minato's understanding embrace, he began to calm down. Anger gave way to sadness and helplessness.
Minato, maintaining his embrace, spoke calmly and firmly.
-Yasuke, I understand that you are scared and worried. I know, but barging in there won't help. We need to think this through clearly," the blond said softly.
-You don't understand! She's all I have. I can't lose her, not again," Yasuke replied, his voice low, reflecting his deep fear of loss.
Minato tightened his embrace, conveying through his gesture a silent strength.
-Yasuke, I understand her more than you know. But we cannot let fear control us. We are in this together, like brothers. I will help you see her, but we must do it the right way," Minato said, his voice filled with an uncharacteristic seriousness.
-All right, we'll try it your way. But I can't just stand here and do nothing," said Yasuke, finally calming down.
-I know, and we won't. We'll find a way to see you and Grandma Nora, together," Minato replied, letting go of Yasuke and looking him straight in the eyes with determination.
They both stood in silence for a moment, collecting their thoughts. Then, with a new resolve, they began to devise a plan to overcome the chunin's surveillance and gain access to the room where Grandma Nora was confined.
To be continued...
Pd: If we reach 20 votes the next chapter will be released.
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