"Come in..."
Kushina pushed open the door to the Japanese-style wooden house. After calling out to Chiba and Yukina, who had caught up from behind, she walked straight inside.
"Perfect. There's still some food left at home. Chiba, you haven't eaten yet, have you?"
Soon, her voice came from the kitchen, accompanied by the clatter of pots and dishes.
Clearly, Kushina was planning to heat up the food.
"Yeah."
Hearing Kushina's words and the sounds from the kitchen, Chiba gently released Yukina's hand and answered. However, his gaze could not help but drift over the Japanese-style wooden house and its surroundings.
Everything still looked the same as when they had set off for the Kannabi Bridge mission.
Only, quite a few potted plants had been placed along the walkway outside the door, while all kinds of flowers and greenery bloomed around the house. It looked as though the little wooden home were embraced by lush grass and orchids.
Had Kushina arranged all this?
Or...
Yukina?
Looking at everything before him, a faintly relieved smile curled at the corners of Chiba's lips.
From the looks of things, the Hyuga Clan had not caused trouble here. Or perhaps, after Kushina moved in, she had managed to suppress some people. During this period, as long as Yukina stayed in this Japanese-style wooden house, she probably would not have been disturbed or bullied.
After all, Yukina had lost her sight and could not go out often.
That eased Chiba's mind somewhat, and lightened the guilt in his heart just a little.
"Chi... Chiba..."
Just as Chiba was lost in thought, Yukina's hesitant voice rang out.
"What is it, Yukina?"
At her call, Chiba instinctively turned around.
He saw Yukina lowering her head, her face hidden beneath the bangs over her forehead. Her right hand