After Gojo and Tsunade returned home from the Hokage Office, they prepared to visit the orphanage with a sense of purpose. Tsunade had gathered some necessary funds from the village to support the orphanage, and Gojo was eager to see the children again.
The drive to help them was strong within him; he wanted to ensure they had everything they needed to thrive.
As they arrived at the orphanage, Gojo observed the lively atmosphere that surrounded it. Children were playing in the yard, their laughter ringing in the air like music.
The sight filled him with nostalgia, reminding him of his own childhood.
"Look over there!" Gojo pointed excitedly; Shizune was already at the entrance, carrying a large bag filled with bright, colorful gifts.
"Gifts!" the children shouted as soon as they spotted Shizune, their faces lighting up with joy.
They swarmed around her, each child eager to catch a glimpse of what she had brought.
Shizune grinned, kneeling down to greet the kids. "Alright, everyone! Settle down! I have plenty of gifts for all of you!"
Gojo chuckled at the scene, feeling a warm surge of happiness wash over him.
The sight of the children's excitement reminded him of his own days as an orphan—how much small gestures of kindness meant to him.
It reinforced why he was committed to making this orphanage a beacon of hope in a world filled with challenges.
While the children surrounded Shizune, trying to catch a peek at the gifts, Gojo noticed a few girls glancing his way, their cheeks flushing with crimson.
"He's so cute!" one whispered, a shy smile spreading across her face.
Gojo couldn't help but feel a bit bashful at the attention, casting a quick glance at Tsunade, who stood nearby.
However, Tsunade wasn't just a focus of the girls' admiration; the boys were equally fascinated by her presence.
They couldn't help but steal glances, clearly in awe of her strength and beauty.
Gojo observed this with a mix of amusement and admiration.
Tsunade could easily rival many of the heroines I admired in my previous life, he thought, a small grin playing on his lips.
The atmosphere in the orphanage was filled with laughter and excitement as Shizune handed out gifts.
Gojo's heart swelled with happiness, feeling as if every child was receiving a piece of joy.
The gifts varied from small toys to clothes they desperately needed, and he knew how much each item would mean to them.
As the gifts were handed out, Gojo spotted someone entering the orphanage.
To his surprise, it was Yakushi Nono, the Holy Maiden.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder; she was revered for her selflessness and kindness.
Here was someone willing to sacrifice everything to support the orphans.
"Nono!" Gojo exclaimed, rushing over to greet her.
"Gojo! I'm so glad to see you!" Nono replied, her face lighting up when she spotted him.
"I heard Tsunade adopted the orphanage. It's wonderful to see you taking such initiative."
"Thank you," he said, feeling the warmth of her kindness wrap around him.
"We're trying to make this place special for everyone."
Nono turned to Tsunade, her expression filled with gratitude.
"Thank you for adopting this place, Tsunade. It means so much to all of us."
Tsunade waved her hand, dismissing the praise.
"It was Gojo's idea. He deserves all the credit."
Nono's gaze shifted back to Gojo, her eyes softening.
"You really are doing an amazing job, Gojo. Keep it up!"
As she squatted down to ruffle his hair tenderly, Gojo felt a rush of warmth spread through him.
Unconsciously, his gaze slipped to her figure; she radiated gentleness and kindness, exuding a warm aura that further added to her appeal.
However, Tsunade watched this interaction with an annoyed expression, realizing that Gojo's gaze had lingered just a bit too long.
What the heck is this little guy doing? Tsunade thought, concern mixing with irritation. I need to keep an eye on him—can't have him turning into a little pervert!
Nono stood up, oblivious to Gojo's wandering thoughts.
She placed a soft kiss on his cheek, a gesture of affection that left Gojo feeling all warm inside.
"Thank you for everything, Nono," he muttered, a mixture of surprise and gratitude coloring his cheeks.
The day continued with laughter and enthusiasm as the children enjoyed their gifts, running around and playing excitedly with Tsunade and Shizune.
Gojo took a moment to step back and observe, his heart full as he watched them embrace their happiness.
After a fruitful visit, it was time for Gojo, Tsunade, and Shizune to head home.
As they walked back, Gojo felt a mix of contentment and excitement about the future of the orphanage.
He was determined to do everything in his power to ensure the children felt loved and supported.
When they arrived home, Tsunade's demeanor shifted again, her expression serious as she turned to Gojo.
"Gojo," she began, her tone unwavering. "We need to talk."
"What is it, Tsunade?" Gojo asked, puzzled at the sudden heaviness in her voice.
"I saw how you were looking at Nono earlier," she said, her eyes fixed on him intently.
"You need to understand some boundaries. She's a wonderful person, but you can't let your interest cloud your judgment."
"Wait, I wasn't—" Gojo stammered, feeling a flush creep onto his cheeks.
Tsunade pinched his cheeks lightly, her face showing a combination of amusement and frustration.
"You need to be careful, alright? There's a time for admiration, and then there's a line you can't cross," she lectured lightly, unable to suppress her playful nature in the moment.
Gojo tried to squirm away from her grip, but Tsunade's hold was firm.
"Okay, okay! I get it!" he protested, his voice muffled by her fingers.
Once she finally released him, Gojo rubbed his cheeks, feeling slightly embarrassed but grateful for her care.
"I promise to be more aware of how I act around people," he said earnestly, an understanding dawning on him.
"Good. Just focus on what really matters," she replied, her tone lightening.
"You want to make this place great for the kids. That should be your main focus."
Shizune watched the interaction with a smile, amused at the dynamic between them.
"You two are quite the pair," she remarked playfully, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
"I think you're both going to do amazing things at the orphanage."
After the playful reprimand, the three of them ended up lounging in the living room for a while, discussing plans for the upcoming week.
Tsunade and Shizune shared ideas on which activities could be beneficial for the children, while Gojo offered his input enthusiastically.
"What about a sports day?" Gojo suggested.
"We could have races and games to help everyone bond and have fun!"
"Not a bad idea, Gojo," Tsunade replied, leaning back into the couch.
"We could have different teams to encourage a sense of camaraderie."
"And we can give prizes for the winners!" Shizune chimed in.
"It might help motivate the kids."
The conversation flowed naturally, filled with excitement as they laid the groundwork for their future activities.
Ideas bounced around energetically between them, weaving a tapestry of hope for the once-dim orphanage, now brimming with life and enthusiasm.
As night fell, Gojo eventually excused himself to head to bed.
Before he drifted off, he reflected on the day—seeing the joy on the children's faces, the warmth of Nono's affection, and Tsunade's protectiveness.
He felt a deep sense of fulfillment wash over him, knowing he was making a difference in their lives.
With thoughts of tomorrow's adventures racing through his mind, he soon closed his eyes, allowing himself to dream about all the new possibilities ahead.
The next day would bring more opportunities, and Gojo was ready to face whatever challenges came his way, determined to create a nurturing environment for the children he cared for deeply.
As sleep enveloped him, Gojo held onto the hope that together, they would transform not just the orphanage but the world around them.
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Chapter 36 Ends.