No, You're the Best!

Chiyu held the key as he looked over his future new home. It looked rather old, an apartment unit, and only this room belonged to him.

He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to be so efficient. He had only mentioned it last night, yet everything had already been arranged for him.

However, this apartment building seemingly had no other residents. Hiruzen Sarutobi had probably arranged it specifically for him.

After all, Konoha's villagers despised him.

At the same time, Chiyu found it a little amusing.

He had clearly said last night that there was no rush regarding the ninjutsu, yet now he had sent a ninja to remind him to visit the Hokage Office once he recovered.

And that wasn't urgent? It was practically written across his face: I'm in a hurry.

Chiyu opened the door and went inside.

The interior was nicely arranged, and everything seemed to be provided.

Chiyu dropped onto the sofa, finding it quite comfortable.

Chiyu looked at the clock on the wall. It was already nine in the morning.

Chiyu had no plans to visit the Hokage Office today. He intended to go in a few days.

Since he had been told to go only after recovering from his injuries, what was the point of going so early?

Chiyu's mind was filled with the things Kushina Uzumaki had said to him last night.

He was already somewhat impatient to meet Kushina Uzumaki again.

However, after several days without a bath, Chiyu reeked of sweat. He returned to his rundown little shack and sorted through his belongings, including the Standard Tachi he had exchanged for.

He had to admit, this Standard Tachi was truly good. After all the abuse Chiyu had put it through last time, it only had a few chips.

Chiyu packed everything up and brought it to his new home. After taking a bath, he headed for the Ninja Academy.

It was lunchtime at the Ninja Academy.

When Chiyu arrived at the classroom, he happened to see Kushina Uzumaki with her fists clenched, beating someone up.

The moment Kushina Uzumaki saw Chiyu, her expression turned to delighted surprise.

"Chiyu! You're out of the hospital?!"

Hearing Chiyu's name, everyone turned to look at him in unison.

No one knew Chiyu had been hospitalized. They hadn't expected that he had disappeared for so many days because he was at the Ninja Hospital.

But no one cared. If anything, they took pleasure in his misfortune.

Kushina Uzumaki released the guy she had pinned beneath her and jogged over to Chiyu. "When did you wake up?"

Chiyu smiled gently. "Last night, after you left from visiting me."

Kushina Uzumaki's eyes widened, and her face flushed scarlet in an instant. Even her words came out stammering. "Y-you were unconscious, weren't you? How did you know I went to visit you at the Ninja Hospital yesterday?"

Chiyu glanced sidelong around them. He did not want people staring at him and Kushina Uzumaki as if they were monkeys in a cage.

Chiyu reached out and took Kushina Uzumaki's little hand. "This isn't a place to talk. Let's talk outside."

Kushina Uzumaki's already-red face now looked as though it might drip blood. Her head spun as she let Chiyu pull her out of the classroom as if on autopilot.

Chiyu led Kushina Uzumaki to the small woods behind the Ninja Academy. Only after releasing her hand did he notice that her face was excessively red, her gaze blank, and that she looked completely dazed.

Chiyu waved a hand in front of Kushina Uzumaki's face. "Kushina, Kushina, wake up!"

When Kushina Uzumaki came back to herself and saw Chiyu before her, she startled back a step. "Y-you, you, you..."

Kushina Uzumaki could barely manage a complete sentence right now.

Chiyu chuckled and explained, "I was indeed unconscious last night, but my mind was clear. I could hear sounds."

Kushina Uzumaki lowered her head slightly, her voice so soft that Chiyu would not have heard it without listening carefully. "I see..."

Kushina Uzumaki was in the middle of an intense inner struggle.

She had clearly made up her mind to become friends with Chiyu, but at this moment, she could not say a single word.

Kushina Uzumaki was so nervous that sweat appeared on her forehead, and wisps of steam rose from her head.

Seeing Kushina Uzumaki look so adorable, Chiyu let out a breath and said seriously, "Kushina, I've made up my mind too!"

Kushina Uzumaki raised her head and looked at Chiyu with confusion in her eyes, not understanding what resolve he meant.

Chiyu looked at her with determination. "I want to be your friend too—to be your friend for life! So... Kushina, would you be my friend?"

Chiyu held out his hand to Kushina Uzumaki and waited for her answer.

Kushina Uzumaki's brain completely shut down, and her ears buzzed.

Kushina Uzumaki did not move, but Chiyu was not in a hurry. He kept his hand outstretched and silently waited for her answer.

A few minutes later, Kushina Uzumaki's shut-down brain finally rebooted. She reached out her little hand and clasped Chiyu's, saying softly, "Mm, it's a promise. We'll be friends for life."

Chiyu beamed, and Kushina Uzumaki's smile bloomed just as brightly.

They were both incredibly happy, because they had finally made their first friend.

Chiyu swore in his heart that he would protect that smile no matter what.

Kushina Uzumaki was initially still reserved, but as she gradually relaxed, she began chattering away about everything that had happened these past few days.

All those little brats who had tried to cause trouble for Kushina Uzumaki had been beaten into rotten tomatoes by her.

And Kushina Uzumaki had gained another new nickname at the Ninja Academy: Bloody Habanero.

Chiyu snorted with laughter.

Kushina Uzumaki puffed out her cheeks and asked unhappily, "Chiyu, do you think that nickname suits me too?"

Chiyu smiled and shook his head. "Of course not. I just think you're amazing, Kushina. You beat all of them so badly all by yourself."

Kushina Uzumaki put her hands on her hips proudly. "Of course! I've never lost a fight!"

Then Kushina Uzumaki lowered her head dejectedly.

Chiyu asked in confusion, "Kushina, what's wrong?"

Kushina Uzumaki pinched a lock of hair between her fingers and asked with pursed lips, "Chiyu, do you think my hair is ugly?"

Chiyu placed both hands on Kushina Uzumaki's shoulders, looked into her eyes, and said seriously, "Kushina, your hair is beautiful, and you're very cute too. You'll definitely become even prettier in the future. So don't doubt yourself because of what others say. You're wonderful—no, you're the best!"

Kushina Uzumaki's cheeks, which had only just returned to normal, turned bright red again at Chiyu's words. She punched him lightly in the chest, then shyly turned away and held her cheeks. "I'm not as good as you say."

Chiyu's expression stiffened, and he rubbed his chest.

He had to admit, Kushina Uzumaki was really strong.

That punch had nearly knocked the breath out of him.

Just then, the bell rang. Afternoon classes were about to begin.

This time, Kushina Uzumaki took the initiative to grab Chiyu's hand. She turned back and gave him a playful smile.

"Come on, class is starting!"