Things had gone smoothly ever since he returned. It really was...
Great! Forcing down the corners of his mouth that wanted to rise, Chiba felt positive emotions for the first time toward this everything-going-smoothly situation that had become like a psychological shadow after his return. Hirohiko's tone had not been pleasant, but the meaning behind his words nearly sent Chiba into ecstasy.
Hirohiko asking for help now meant that he had found a direction. Moreover, he clearly understood that he needed assistance in this matter. Combined with his current tone, it was apparent that despite his intense emotions, Hirohiko had retained his most basic rationality.
In other words, Hirohiko had not gone mad over it. After finding his target, he was no longer blindly immersed in grief.
With that one sentence, at least half of his plan had succeeded.
"Is it related to that person?"
Thinking this, Chiba did not immediately agree. Instead, he asked a question. After all, agreeing too readily now would easily make it seem as though he had been plotting this all along. He had just asked about Hirohiko's brother, and under the circumstances, if Chiba had not been calculating things in secret, immediately agreeing would obviously seem suspicious.
Hirohiko might not notice it now, but Chiba could not take that risk.
The crucial words had already been spoken. Hirohiko already had an answer in his heart, and it was basically certain that things were proceeding according to Chiba's plan. But this was not the time to relax. This matter had to be handled flawlessly, without letting Hirohiko detect the slightest flaw.
That would prevent any unforeseeable problems—or even the opposite result—if he noticed.
"Yes. That person is my brother, Uchiha Nobuhiko. When I was still young, he killed his best friend, the brother of Nao...