"Then, Lord Fourth Hokage, I'll be heading back first."
Chiba quietly walked to Minato Namikaze's desk and placed two small scrolls and one large scroll in the most conspicuous spot amid the piles of scrolls. Then he spoke softly.
His working hours as an assistant were over. Although the village's affairs were complicated at the moment, there was nothing urgent—just routine matters that did not require him to work overtime. He only needed to carry out his duties methodically each day, and he had already finished handling today's work.
There was not much point in staying.
"Ah, go ahead."
Minato Namikaze did not even raise his head. He remained buried in his stack of documents, swiftly handling official business.
"Yes..."
Seeing Minato Namikaze like this, Chiba felt a faint trace of embarrassment. However, he quickly cast it aside. Though he wanted to help Minato Namikaze shoulder some of the burden, he was more concerned about Kushina's progress with the Curse Mark Jutsu, so he could not stay.
After all, if Kushina had not settled it, he could still head to the Sarutobi Clan compound at this time and receive instruction from the Third Hokage. If it got too late and the Third Hokage had gone to rest, he would lose the opportunity.
After saying this, Chiba turned and left.
Although he had already known somewhat, he had not expected the Hokage's work to be this demanding. From morning until now, Minato Namikaze had barely moved from his seat and had not even had time to eat. The workload really was enormous.
No wonder even someone with a Sage's Body could end up overworked.
Forget it. I'll just tell Kushina I didn't get enough to eat.
Gently closing the door, Chiba glanced once more at Minato Namikaze before turning and leaving