No Wonder

Creak...

Chiba slowly pushed open the front door, his face full of confusion.

Did we know that many people? Two guests had actually come by this late today. Tomorrow...

Was it going to rain?

He muttered to himself.

Today was indeed a little unusual. Over the past month or so, although his friends often came over to play, they had never come by this late unless they were holding some sort of celebration and staying for dinner.

Normally, no one came at this hour. Chiba had never received guests this late. Usually, Yukina and Nao were nearly asleep by now, and three hours later, Hirohiko and he would be going to bed as well.

Today really was unusual.

"Sorry to disturb you so late, Chiba."

At that moment, as the door swung open and the candlelight from inside gradually illuminated the person outside, a somewhat familiar voice spoke before he could.

"Hiashi... no, Mr. Hizashi?"

Chiba's eyes widened slightly. The moment he heard that voice, he clearly saw the visitor's face in the light.

It was the face of either Hyuga Hiashi or Hizashi Hyuga. However, the man before him wore a headband that concealed his forehead, so he was most likely Hizashi Hyuga. The headband also served to hide the Caged Bird Seal on his forehead.

If it had been Hyuga Hiashi, he would not have worn a Ninja Headband.

Besides, Chiba had sparred with Hizashi for quite some time. Back when he trained with Hyuga Shinsuke, Shinsuke would sometimes have business to attend to, and Chiba would be tossed over to Hizashi instead. Chiba was quite familiar with his voice.

"It has been a long time."

Hearing Chiba's words, Hizashi Hyuga smiled for the first time in a while, nodded, and offered his greeting.

"It has. Please, come