Chiba held the key, examining his future new home. It looked old and was an apartment type, with only this room belonging to him.

He didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi to be so efficient; he had only mentioned it last night, and now it was already arranged for him.

However, this apartment building didn't seem to have any other residents, so Hiruzen Sarutobi must have specially arranged it for him.

After all, the villagers of Konoha disliked him very much.

At the same time, Chiba also felt like laughing.

He had said last night that the Ninjutsu matter wasn't urgent, but now he had a Ninja remind him to go to the Hokage Building as soon as his injuries healed.

Was this not urgent? It was practically screaming 'I'm in a hurry' on his face.

Chiba opened the door and entered.

The interior was well-arranged, and everything seemed to be complete.

Chiba plopped down on the sofa, which was quite comfortable.

Chiba looked at the clock on the wall; it was already 9 AM.

Chiba didn't plan to go to the Hokage Building today; he intended to go in a few days.

Since he was told to go to the Hokage Building after his injuries healed, there was no need to go so early.

Chiba's mind was now filled with everything Uzumaki Kushina had told him last night.

Chiba was already a little impatient to meet Uzumaki Kushina.

However, Chiba, who hadn't bathed for several days, had a rather strong body odor. Chiba returned to his dilapidated small house, tidied up the things inside, including the standard katana he had exchanged for.

It must be said that this standard katana was indeed good; after all the abuse Chiba put it through last time, it only had a few nicks.

Chiba packed all his belongings and took them back to his new home, then took a shower before heading to the Ninja Academy.

At this time, the Ninja Academy was having its lunch break.

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

When Uzumaki Kushina saw Chiba, her expression became very surprised.

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

Hearing 'Chiba,' everyone else looked at Chiba in unison.

No one knew Chiba was hospitalized; they didn't expect Chiba to have been at the Ninja Hospital after disappearing for so many days.

However, no one cared; instead, they were gloating.

Uzumaki Kushina released the guy she had pinned down, then jogged over to Chiba and asked, "When did you wake up?"

Chiba smiled gently and said, "Last night, after you left from visiting me."

Uzumaki Kushina's eyes widened, and her face instantly turned red. She stammered, "You, weren't you unconscious? How did you know I went to the Ninja Hospital to visit you yesterday?"

Chiba glanced around with a sidelong look. He didn't want him and Uzumaki Kushina to be watched like monkeys.

Chiba reached out and grabbed Uzumaki Kushina's small hand: "This isn't the place to talk. Let's go outside."

Uzumaki Kushina's already flushed face was now as red as if it were bleeding. Her head was spinning, and she was mechanically led out of the classroom by Chiba's hand.

Chiba led Uzumaki Kushina to the small woods behind the Ninja Academy. After letting go of Uzumaki Kushina's hand, he then noticed that Uzumaki Kushina's face was excessively red, and her gaze was blank, looking like she had gone silly.

Chiba reached out and waved his hand in front of Uzumaki Kushina: "Kushina, Kushina, wake up!"

Uzumaki Kushina, snapping back to reality, saw Chiba in front of her and took a step back in fright: "You, you, you..."

Uzumaki Kushina could barely speak a complete sentence now.

Chiba chuckled and explained, "Last night, I was indeed still unconscious, but my consciousness was very clear, and I could hear sounds."

Uzumaki Kushina lowered her head slightly, her voice so soft that Chiba could barely hear it without listening carefully: "Oh, I see..."

Uzumaki Kushina was now in a fierce internal struggle.

She had clearly made up her mind to be friends with Chiba, but at this moment, she couldn't say a single word.

Uzumaki Kushina was so nervous that sweat beaded on her forehead, and wisps of white smoke seemed to rise from her head.

Looking at Uzumaki Kushina's adorable appearance, Chiba exhaled and earnestly told Uzumaki Kushina, "Kushina, I've also made up my mind!"

Uzumaki Kushina looked up, her eyes somewhat bewildered as she stared at Chiba, not understanding what 'made up my mind' Chiba was referring to.

Chiba said with firm eyes, "I also want to be your friend, to be your friend for life! So... Kushina, will you be my friend?"

Chiba extended his hand to Uzumaki Kushina, awaiting her answer.

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

Uzumaki Kushina made no movement, and Chiba was not in a hurry. He maintained his outstretched hand, silently waiting for Uzumaki Kushina's reply.

After a few minutes, Uzumaki Kushina's crashed brain finally rebooted. She extended her small hand and clasped Chiba's, softly saying, "Mm, it's a promise, okay? We'll be friends for life."

Chiba's smile was radiant, and Uzumaki Kushina also smiled beautifully.

Both of them were very happy because they had finally made their first friend.

Chiba vowed in his heart that he would absolutely protect this smile.

Uzumaki Kushina was initially reserved, but gradually opened up and started chattering, recounting her experiences over the past few days.

All the brats who bothered Uzumaki Kushina were beaten into pulp by her.

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

Chiba chuckled.

Uzumaki Kushina pouted, annoyed: "Chiba, do you also think this nickname suits me?"

Chiba shook his head with a smile: "Of course not. I just think you're amazing, Kushina, you can beat them all by yourself."

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

Then Uzumaki Kushina lowered her head, looking a little dejected.

Chiba asked curiously, "Kushina, what's wrong?"

Uzumaki Kushina picked up a lock of her hair and pouted, asking, "Chiba, do you think my hair is ugly?"

Chiba placed both hands on Uzumaki Kushina's shoulders, looked into her eyes, and said earnestly, "Kushina, your hair is beautiful, and you're very cute. You'll definitely be even more beautiful in the future, so don't doubt yourself because of what others say. You are excellent, no, you are the most excellent!"

Uzumaki Kushina's cheeks, which had just barely returned to normal, turned crimson again after Chiba's words. She punched Chiba's chest, then shyly turned away, cupping her cheeks as she said, "I'm not as good as you say."

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

It must be said, Uzumaki Kushina's strength was indeed great.

That punch just now almost made Chiba lose his breath.

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

This time, it was Uzumaki Kushina who actively grabbed Chiba's hand and turned to give Chiba a playful smile.

"Let's go, time for class!"