Is Changing Things Really Enough?

"Four thousand five hundred and twelve, four thousand five hundred and thirteen..."

The setting sun cast a golden glow over the cabin and the boy behind it, diligently doing push-ups. Crystal-clear beads of sweat glimmered gold as they continuously dripped from Chiba's chin, splashing into droplets on the ground.

Just over four hundred more, and he would finish today's usual taijutsu training. After dinner and his sword-swinging practice, he would continue researching medicinal formulas. Yet at this moment, aside from instinctively counting his repetitions, another thought kept circling in his mind.

I still feel like I should apologize to Yukina. I should apologize over this and make her feel better.

Yes, he was still hung up on what had happened that morning. As for his conversation with Nao, he had not thought too deeply about it. Tomorrow was Yukina's first day in office. No matter what Nao had noticed, that fact would not change. His plan to kill two birds with one stone was still intact, and Nao had no reason to oppose it.

As for Nao, she had already gone out with Yukina. Before leaving, she had given him a fierce scolding.

She had also said they would be back late, which meant he was definitely the one making dinner.

Chiba had no objections to that. First, Yukina absolutely could not be allowed near a spatula. Second, neither could Nao, considering she was blind. Third, according to the duty roster, Hirohiko was not on duty today.

All things considered, he really was the one cooking tonight.

Then, after Nao and Yukina left, he began training. Aside from the hour in the middle when he cooked and ate, Chiba had not stopped. Of course, this was basically how he had spent the past month or so. Today was actually just