Bang!
The final straight punch of his three-thousand-rep set slammed heavily into the wooden post, declaring the end of today's taijutsu training.
The bright yet not particularly warm sun had also climbed overhead. It was already noon.
Growl...
Then came the sound of a rumbling stomach from behind the Japanese-style wooden house.
Uh...
Skipping breakfast really was unbearable!
Chiba slowly withdrew his fist. Hearing his stomach growl, he could not help but smile wryly.
By now, he was starving.
Worried about Kushina's condition, he had rushed out without even having breakfast. After returning, he had immediately begun his taijutsu training without pause. With all that physical exertion, his stomach had long since become completely empty.
Sigh...
Time to cook! Feeling the hunger in his belly, Chiba could no longer be bothered to think about anything else. He headed straight into the house, intending to make himself something to eat.
Knock, knock, knock!
However, just as he stepped through the kitchen door, knocking sounded at the front entrance.
"Chiba, are you there?"
Then came a very familiar voice.
Asuma? Chiba paused slightly when he heard the voice, then answered with some surprise, "I'm here. Come in."
Creak...
The Japanese-style door opened.
"You haven't eaten yet?"
Asuma entered the wooden house and spotted Chiba in the kitchen. Blinking, he asked in mild surprise.
"Yeah."
Chiba answered casually.
He and Asuma were already quite familiar with each other, so they were both rather relaxed in one another's company.
Moreover, Asuma was the only friend Chiba had ever invited to his home. Their relationship had grown considerably closer.
At this moment, Chiba felt no restraint at all.
Naturally, neither did Asuma.
"Oh, then I got here at just the right time."
Watching Chiba begin to prepare food, Asuma suddenly smiled. He bit down on