"Well then, Teacher Chiba, I'm heading back."
At the camp beneath the night sky, at the candlelit doorway, the young Itachi gave Chiba a deep bow and spoke with considerable reluctance.
"All right. Remember, make sure you practice it. Don't let yourself become rusty. A little consumption doesn't matter."
Chiba nodded, reaching out to gently pat the raised little head as he spoke.
"Yes!"
Hearing that and feeling the warmth of the hand atop his head, Itachi nodded firmly again. A faint, almost imperceptible smile seemed to slowly appear on his delicate, expressionless face.
"Then, Lord Chiba, we'll be leaving."
Watching this scene, the steady-looking middle-aged Uchiha Clan ninja behind Itachi bowed slightly and spoke with great respect.
"Yes, I'm counting on you. Sorry for the trouble."
Chiba likewise gave the middle-aged Uchiha Clan ninja a slight bow and replied very politely.
"No, it is my duty. You are too courteous."
The middle-aged Uchiha Clan ninja froze slightly at Chiba's manner, then responded politely with a hint of surprise.
After that, the three said no more. The middle-aged Uchiha Clan ninja led Itachi out of the camp, while Chiba returned to the house after watching the two leave.
"Back?"
Having just returned to the house and taken only a few steps, Chiba heard Kakashi, who was writing something at the desk, turn and look at him.
"Yeah."
Chiba nodded.
So that was Uchiha Itachi, the son of Uchiha Fugaku, the Uchiha Clan head?
What a young prodigy!
At that moment, Doctor Watanabe set down the medical book in his hands slightly and glanced outside, unable to help sighing inwardly.
"Here's today's report. Take a look."
At the same time, Kakashi handed Chiba a scroll, without asking about Itachi.
Although Chiba had not said anything about taking Itachi as his disciple,