"Th-then... I-I'm heading out!"
The slurred farewell came from Asuma, whose face was flushed deep red as he hung his head slightly ahead of them.
"Ugh... ugh..."
Then came the indistinct mumbling of Kakashi, whom Asuma was carrying beside him, his entire head lowered so that his expression could not be seen.
"Then be careful on the way."
Watching this scene, Chiba's slightly flushed face showed a warm smile as he reminded them.
"Yeah!"
At that, Asuma turned around with a dashing wave, then unsteadily supported the completely drunk Kakashi as they headed toward Kakashi's home.
"Will those two really be all right...?"
As he watched the pair stagger away, the smile at the corner of Chiba's lips stiffened slightly, and he spoke somewhat awkwardly.
Perhaps because their goal of making Chiba their makeup tutor had already been achieved, they had drunk much more cheerfully during the second half. Once the serious business had been discussed, Kakashi and Asuma had drunk far more freely and happily.
Then, after several more rounds, Kakashi had gone down, and Asuma was not far from doing the same.
Still, this was Konoha, and they were on a bustling main street. Asuma had also chosen a road with plenty of people, and with hidden sentries everywhere, even if they collapsed halfway there, they would probably wake up in Kakashi's house.
There was no need to worry too much.
"So, our second round?"
Just then, a voice suddenly sounded beside Chiba.
"Let's go to my place."
Hearing that, Chiba turned his head toward the thick-browed, bowl-cut man beside him, whose cheeks were flushed red, let out a soft breath, and spoke.
"Let's have some tea."
Afterward, he added with a smile.
"I'll follow your lead."
Might Guy nodded, showing no objection.
However, though his cheeks were