"Is that so? Part of the reason was his own condition, and part of it was because of the Caged Bird Seal?"
After listening to Chiba's account, the Third Hokage slowly set down his pipe, closed his eyes, and hummed thoughtfully.
Had this child already investigated the Caged Bird Seal thoroughly?
He had only been back for a single day, yet he had managed to look into all of this. Had his abilities improved even further?
A slightly surprised thought flashed through his mind.
"Yes."
Chiba nodded as he looked at the Third Hokage.
I didn't expect this matter to be resolved so easily. Has today been going a little too smoothly?
Nothing unexpected had happened on the Fourth Hokage's side either. Everything had remained under control.
The blood test had gone smoothly as well. Tanaka and the others had agreed to keep it confidential and erase all the test data.
And now, the Third Hokage had readily agreed to teach him Curse Mark Jutsu.
Isn't this... going too smoothly? At that moment, he found it hard to believe and could not help feeling suspicious. It had gone far too smoothly, just as it had with Yu Ze and the others. Deep down, that smoothness cast a psychological shadow over Chiba.
"Minato has already told you about the Hyuga Clan, hasn't he?"
Just as those thoughts crossed his mind, the Third Hokage picked up his pipe again. After taking a puff, he asked casually.
"Yes."
Almost instinctively, Chiba, lost in thought, answered.
Hm? This is bad!
The instant the words left his mouth, his heart jolted, and he immediately realized his mistake.
"Then you should also understand the village's current situation. You must be especially careful when dealing with matters concerning the Hyuga Clan. Do not stir up unnecessary trouble.