"Then we'll deploy all the manpower here. Today's construction plans will be put on hold for now. We have to rush and finish all the necessary facilities, and we're taking Hirohiko with us."
Standing atop the camp's wall, Kakashi watched the students below head out in an orderly, cheerful procession. He glanced at Chiba beside him and spoke.
"Mm, that's fine. Leave this place to me. It's just that I have something to do tonight, so we'll need to arrange for a few people to come back in the evening. Of course, it's fine if no one comes back, as long as someone keeps watch."
Chiba nodded, indicating that he would follow Kakashi's arrangements, then explained his own schedule.
"I understand."
Kakashi nodded at that.
He had actually been a little surprised today. He had assumed Chiba would not stay here for the entire day. After all, even during the busiest and most critical times, this guy always did whatever he pleased. After handling a limited amount of proper work, he would disappear to who knew where.
Kakashi had gotten used to Chiba doing nothing.
Yet when he and Yukina had discussed the manpower issue yesterday, this guy had actually volunteered to remain in camp and watch over the supplies. At the time, Kakashi had nearly dropped his jaw. There had been no reluctance whatsoever—he had even volunteered. For a moment, Kakashi had almost suspected that the Chiba before him was a spy in disguise or transformed into his likeness. He had nearly attacked first and subdued him before asking questions.
If he had not remembered that this guy had been with Yukina the entire time, that Yukina was fine, that he had answered Kakashi's questions without issue, and that with this guy's strength, even carefully selected spies probably could