Early the next morning, Hayato was enjoying a warm, peaceful breakfast with his family.
But that peace didn't last long. A sudden flurry of hurried footsteps broke the silence.
"Hayato, someone's at the door looking for you again." Yuki rushed into the dining room, still clutching a broom, panting. His voice carried a hint of confusion and curiosity.
Someone else was looking for him? Who was it this time?
Hayato wondered to himself. I don't think I've offended that many people during the Chunin Ninja Exams. Could it be that kunoichi from the Aburame Clan?
But he hadn't taken anything from her.
Full of questions, Hayato slowly rose from his seat, ready to find out what was going on.
"Hayato, I'll go with you," Shota said, starting to stand.
Hayato shook his head gently, a calm smile tugging at his lips. "No need, Dad. It's just one person. I'll go see what they want. It'll be fine."
Shota heard him and sat back down. "All right. Just call me if anything happens."
Hayato nodded, then headed for the front door.
A moment later, he reached the entrance. There, he saw a person and a dog.
He couldn't recognize the person at first, but he knew her Ninja Dog at a glance.
Most of its fur was black, and an eyepatch covered its right eye.
Wasn't that Kuromaru? So was the kunoichi in front of him Inuzuka Tsume?
"Hello. I heard you wanted to see me?" Hayato greeted her coolly.
Tsume gave a slight nod, her gaze lingering on Hayato for a moment as she thought, He really is just a child.
Then she looked around, but didn't see the two puppies anywhere.
Unlike the Inuzuka Clan, whose dogs went wherever their people did.
Noticing this, Hayato smiled. "Are you looking