Sure enough, because of the Kazekage's arrival, the entire village was under strict security.
With people also being sent out on assignments, manpower was likely in short supply again.
Sure enough, the plan still had many shortcomings.
As he made his way toward the Japanese-style wooden house and entered the small grove by his doorstep, this thought involuntarily surfaced in his mind.
All along the way, from the Hokage Building to his secluded home, there were hidden sentries everywhere. Though it was not as exaggerated as the previous lockdown, practically all of Konoha was covered by a network of covert guards.
It was clear just how seriously the village regarded this visit from the Kazekage and the future peace alliance.
However, once the Land of Earth delegation arrived, this degree of attention would become a disadvantageous arrangement.
Yet they could not withdraw that attention, either.
Chiba was deeply worried now as well.
"Hmm? What's going on?"
Just then, as Chiba stepped out of the small grove, he abruptly halted at its edge.
Someone was here?
In his eyes, the Japanese-style wooden house in the distance was brightly lit downstairs.
Was it Kushina?
That thought immediately crossed his mind.
Hirohiko and Yukina were at the construction team camp, while Kushina had already moved out to live with Minato Namikaze. This house had returned to being his alone. There should not have been anyone here at this hour.
Still, it would not have been strange for Kushina to return from a mission and take the opportunity to tidy up the place for him.
With that thought, Chiba no longer lingered and headed straight for the Japanese-style wooden house.
"Creak..."
Soon, amid the scrape of wood against wood, Chiba pushed open the door to the Japanese-style wooden house.
"Teacher Kushina, is that you?"