Early the next morning, Tsunade, having slept well, was fully revived, her usual liveliness returning.
Chishima Chiba, however, was forcing a smile unlike his usual self, and even Uzumaki Mito failed to notice anything amiss.
But Tsunade was attentive to Chishima Chiba's feelings. After glancing at him once or twice, she sensed that something was wrong.
After breakfast, while the two were on their way to train at their secret base, Tsunade finally could not hold it in any longer.
"Chiba, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing." Chishima Chiba shook his head in denial, putting on a sunny, warm smile. "Come on, Tsunade. Our secret base has two new companions now. It wouldn't be good to keep them waiting."
"Is that so..."
Tsunade eyed Chishima Chiba suspiciously a few times, but he offered no answer. He took her little hand and pulled her away at a run.
Their secret base.
However, with Hatake Sakumo, Orochimaru, and Jiraiya added to the mix, the secret base was already packed. The small training ground felt rather crowded.
When Chishima Chiba and Tsunade arrived, the first thing they saw was Orochimaru and Jiraiya standing at the edge of the training ground, looking somewhat at a loss.
Chishima Chiba was not surprised. Orochimaru and Jiraiya had enrolled late, and their family backgrounds were nothing special. Their starting point was far behind Hatake Sakumo's, so it was perfectly normal that they could not keep up with his training intensity.
"Sakumo, you're as diligent as ever!"
Chishima Chiba sighed in admiration, but just as he was about to step forward, Tsunade beside him charged at Jiraiya like a little lioness.
Bang.
With one punch, Jiraiya was knocked flat onto his back.
"You little pervert, why are you here?!" Tsunade's face was frosty as she looked down at the