Then, Let's Begin the Research!

"Mm... I think I ate too much..."

"Who told you to eat so much?"

"Chiba ate even more than I did. Why is he fine...?"

"Heh... Do you think your stomach can compare to Chiba's, that bottomless pit?"

"What did you say, Kakashi?! You picking a fight with me?"

"All right, all right, Obito, Kakashi! No fighting!"

"Well then, it's getting late. Goodbye, Chiba!"

"See you, Chiba!"

Amid Obito's green-faced bickering and Kakashi's side-eyed barbs, everyone turned around with bags of trash in hand, waved to him, and said their goodbyes.

Chiba, Hirohiko, and Nao stood at the cabin entrance, waving back and bidding them farewell.

Then, they watched the group head into the woods amid the usual squabbling between Obito and Kakashi and Rin's attempts to stop them, all wearing expressions as though they were used to it.

"Whew!"

Watching them disappear into the forest, Chiba let out a long breath. He looked at Hirohiko and Nao, then said, "Well then, let me examine Nao first. Did Tsunade leave behind any diagnostic reports or anything like that? They would be very useful references. If there are any, I'd like to see them."

Clearly, Chiba was about to begin treating Nao.

"Shouldn't you rest for a while?"

Hirohiko asked with some surprise at Chiba's words.

Nao also tilted her head slightly, apparently surprised by Chiba's decision.

They had just finished eating, so it was natural to rest for a while. Besides, the grilled meat had been quite filling. Hirohiko and Nao both felt rather stuffed and a little sleepy.

Rest for a while? Hearing Hirohiko's words, Chiba rubbed his stomach. He had competed with Obito over who was the bigger eater earlier, and he seemed to have eaten a little too much himself. Maybe he really should rest for a