"Itachi?"
Chiba set down the basin of washed rice and opened the door in confusion. Looking down, he paused in slight surprise before speaking.
"Good afternoon, Teacher Chiba."
Seeing his teacher, Itachi, who stood at the door, gave him a very solemn bow and spoke in an equally serious tone.
This child...
Chiba felt a little embarrassed by such a ceremonious greeting.
"Did you run into some problem?"
Embarrassed though he was, Chiba quickly asked.
He had only given Itachi all the knowledge regarding Chakra Nature Transformation and Shape Transformation yesterday. For him to come over today, he had clearly encountered difficulties in training and come to ask questions.
"Yes..."
Itachi's answer confirmed his guess.
"Come in."
Chiba stepped aside and let Itachi enter.
He was Itachi's teacher, after all. How could he turn away a disciple who had come seeking answers? Besides, his time was relatively free now, not as tight as before. He had no reason to refuse to answer his disciple's questions.
"Yes!"
Seeing his teacher's gesture, Itachi did not hesitate. He walked straight into the Japanese-style wooden house and sat on the cushion where he had sat yesterday.
"Have you eaten?"
Watching Itachi take his seat, Chiba closed the door and instinctively asked as he walked into the living room.
It was just about mealtime. Itachi might not have eaten yet.
"Thank you, Teacher Chiba. I've already eaten."
Itachi's answer to Chiba's question was as polite as ever, with the same ceremoniousness that made Chiba feel awkward.
"Oh... is that so?"
Chiba nodded without saying anything else. After glancing toward the kitchen, he sat down opposite Itachi.
Does this child have something on his mind?
As he sat down and looked at Itachi before him, Chiba's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. Itachi still wore the same seemingly