Creak!
The Japanese-style door slowly opened.
"You're here!"
A beautiful woman with striking red hair poked her head out from behind the door. Seeing the three youths carrying bags of all sizes, she suddenly broke into a wide smile and spoke with unconcealed delight.
"Good morning, Teacher Kushina."
Her broad, warm smile was met with the three youths' unanimous greeting.
Teacher Kushina seemed to be in a very good mood!
At the same time, all three of them had the exact same thought.
"Come in, quickly."
Kushina spoke again, throwing the Japanese-style door wide open and gesturing for the three to enter.
"Yes."
The three immediately responded and entered through the door, passing Kushina as she stood to one side.
Strange. Why was Kushina spending New Year's here?
After entering, Chiba, walking behind Hirohiko, frowned slightly. His pace had slowed the moment he entered, and as he gradually drew level with Yukina, whose hand he was lightly holding, his eyes began to survey the surroundings.
Only after arriving did he learn that Kushina would not be spending this New Year in her current apartment. Instead, she had returned to her old residence—the home Konoha had permanently provided for the Uzumaki Clan members who had come to Konoha with Mito Uzumaki, the First Hokage's wife. It was the very residence before them, a manor no less impressive than the Hyuga Clan's main residence.
Back when Chiba had been the Hokage Assistant, he had happened to see records concerning this house. At the time, there had still been quite a few Uzumaki Clan members in Konoha, and this main residence had been just the right size. Later, the Uzumaki Clan fought and bled for Konoha, and even with only their remnants remaining, they still rendered tremendous service to the village. Yet perhaps