Holding the key in his hand, Chiba stood before his new home — a weathered, solitary apartment on the edge of Konoha.
It was clearly an old building, and from the looks of it, he was its only tenant.
He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to be this efficient. Chiba had merely brought up the issue the night before, yet the Third Hokage had already arranged everything.
It didn't take much guessing — the Hokage had chosen this isolated apartment on purpose. After all, most villagers still despised Chiba.
He couldn't help but chuckle.
Just last night, he'd said that learning ninjutsu wasn't urgent — yet Hiruzen had immediately sent a ninja to remind him to report to the Hokage's office as soon as his injuries healed.
"Not urgent," huh? That man's poker face couldn't be more obvious if he tattooed "I'm anxious" on his forehead.
Chiba unlocked the door and stepped inside.
To his surprise, the apartment was well-furnished and neatly arranged. Whoever set it up did so with care.
He dropped onto the sofa — soft, sturdy, comfortable. It was the kind of seat that whispered, "You deserve rest."
He glanced at the clock. 9 a.m.
He decided he wouldn't go to the Hokage's office just yet. They had said "after your injuries heal," so there was no need to rush.
Instead, his thoughts turned to Kushina Uzumaki, and what she'd said during her late-night visit to the hospital.
A small part of him couldn't wait to see her again.
But first… he needed a shower.
He returned to his old house one last time to gather his belongings. Among them was the standard-issue katana he had exchanged for — still in great shape despite being put through hell. A few scratches, but nothing major.
He packed up everything and moved it into the new apartment.
Then, freshly showered and carrying a calmer heart, he made his way toward the Ninja Academy.
---
It was lunch break when Chiba arrived. Through the open window of his classroom, he saw Kushina Uzumaki — fists flying — laying into a loudmouthed classmate.
Classic Kushina.
The moment she spotted him, her expression lit up in shock.
"Chiba! You're out of the hospital?!"
At the sound of his name, everyone turned to look. Most hadn't even known he'd been hospitalized. His absence had gone unnoticed — or worse, unbothered. Some even looked amused, as if enjoying his misfortune.
Kushina, however, immediately let go of the poor soul beneath her and jogged up to him.
"When did you wake up?"
Chiba offered a gentle smile.
"Last night. Right after you left."
Kushina froze. Her cheeks flushed scarlet.
"W-What? You were unconscious! How'd you know I visited the hospital?"
Chiba glanced around. Too many eyes. He didn't want their conversation to become a public performance.
He reached out and gently took her hand.
"This isn't the place for that. Come on — let's talk outside."
Kushina's face turned crimson. Steam practically poured from her head as she let herself be led away in a daze.
---
He brought her to the quiet forest behind the academy.
When he finally let go of her hand, Kushina still looked stunned — face flushed, eyes distant.
Chiba waved his hand in front of her face.
"Kushina. Hey. Wake up."
She snapped back to reality and took a step back, stammering.
"You… you… you—"
Chiba chuckled.
"I really was unconscious, but my mind was aware. I could hear sounds — and I heard your voice."
Kushina looked down, murmuring softly.
He could barely hear her.
"I see…"
She was clearly nervous — sweating, flustered, smoke metaphorically rising from her head.
Chiba took a breath, then spoke with a quiet intensity.
"Kushina, I've made up my mind."
She looked up at him, puzzled.
"I want to be your friend. For real. For life. So… will you be mine too?"
He extended his hand.
Kushina stared, stunned into silence. Her brain was buffering, ears ringing.
Seconds passed. Then minutes.
Finally, her eyes cleared. She raised her hand and placed it in his, her voice no louder than a whisper:
"Okay. It's a promise. Friends for life."
Chiba smiled — bright, genuine.
And Kushina's returned smile was like spring sunlight breaking through a storm.
In that moment, they both felt it.
Their very first true friend.
---
As the tension lifted, Kushina opened up like a dam bursting.
She recounted everything — how she'd been constantly harassed since arriving in Konoha from Uzushiogakure, how she'd fought back hard, and how she'd earned her nickname:
"The Red-Hot Habanero."
Chiba laughed aloud at the name.
Kushina frowned, hands on hips.
"You think it suits me, huh?"
Chiba shook his head, smiling warmly.
"Not at all. I just think it's amazing. You're strong enough to beat up all those brats on your own."
She grinned, proud.
"Of course! I haven't lost a single fight!"
But then… her expression dimmed.
Chiba tilted his head.
"What's wrong?"
She tugged at a lock of her red hair, muttering.
"Do you… think my hair looks weird?"
Chiba stepped closer, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. He met her eyes with unwavering honesty.
"Kushina, your hair is beautiful. You're cute, and someday you'll be even more beautiful. Don't let anyone make you doubt that. You're not just good — you're the best."
Her cheeks flushed once more.
She smacked him in the chest, flustered.
"You're exaggerating!"
Chiba winced slightly.
Damn. She really doesn't know her own strength.
The school bell rang in the distance. Afternoon classes were about to start.
This time, it was Kushina who reached for his hand — smiling playfully as she tugged him along.
"Come on! Time for class!"