"Yukina, it's time for bed."
Chiba had just entered when Kushina's voice came from inside, urging Yukina to go get some rest.
Over this period, Chiba had noticed that because Yukina had gone blind for unknown reasons, Kushina paid close attention to her nutrition and sleeping schedule, keeping them under strict control every day.
"I understand, Teacher Kushina."
At Kushina's urging, Yukina obediently rose to her feet and headed for the stairs.
Seriously, of the three members of Kushina Squad, who wasn't both fond of and afraid of Kushina? Even though Yukina and Hirohiko had not taken many punches themselves, every time they saw Chiba getting beaten up, the intimidation was even stronger than being hit themselves.
"Then I'll go rest too, Teacher Kushina."
At that moment, Chiba happened to step inside. Seeing Kushina seated beside the low table with no apparent intention of getting up, he casually said so and prepared to head upstairs with Yukina as they passed each other.
"Come here."
Unexpectedly, Kushina's expression turned serious at those words.
Huh? Chiba's expression changed at once when he saw that look, and even Yukina stopped walking, her face tensing up.
"Y-yes!"
The next second, Chiba answered in an extremely guilty tone, then obediently walked over.
This...
What does Kushina want with me? Is it about my meals?
That can't be it. She's been preparing food for me lately and hasn't seemed dissatisfied. She should be supportive of what I'm doing.
It can't be about food!
Then, is it because she never sees me in the mornings or evenings? Th-that doesn't seem likely either! Whether I was absorbed in my research or busy with my work as Hokage Assistant, it was normal not to be around in the mornings and evenings.
It wasn't about me being absent, either.
Then...