"Heh... heh... heh..."
After finishing the last lap around the house, the little boy braced his hands on his knees and panted heavily. He looked up at Chiba, who was standing beside him with his arms folded, and forced out, "F-Finished, Teacher Chiba."
"Mm, good. Rest for a while. It'll be time to eat soon."
Hearing that, Chiba showed little emotion. He merely told Itachi to rest and prepare for lunch, declaring the morning's training over.
"Oh, and don't sit down until you've caught your breath."
Then, as if recalling something, he added that last sentence.
"Yes, Teacher Chiba!"
Having recovered his breathing somewhat, the little boy forced himself upright and tried to straighten his back as much as possible.
"Mm. Sit down once you feel you're mostly recovered. This morning's training is over. There's a new task this afternoon. After lunch, you can take a short nap. I'll wake you later."
Watching Itachi's movements and hearing his response, Chiba looked up at the sky. After silently nodding, he spoke and then headed toward the Japanese-style wooden house.
"Yes, Teacher Chiba."
At that, Itachi watched Chiba leave. After Chiba had gone, he quietly began walking around.
It made Chiba pause slightly as he entered, his hand on the door using the opening angle to secretly glance back at him.
"Click!"
The Japanese-style door slowly closed behind him with a soft sound.
"Whew!"
Standing before the door, Chiba let out a long breath, his face showing both surprise and helplessness.
At three years old, he managed to do this much training in one morning. His stamina... is more than twice mine!
When I was three, forget one morning—doing all this in one day was already barely manageable.
My physical condition really had been terrible back then.
No wonder my Chakra