"Chiya-nii!"
At that moment, Mikoto walked in carrying a cup of tea.
"Mikoto, why are you still here?"
Chiya glanced outside and saw it had already grown dark.
Had he not told Mikoto earlier that she could head home once it was time?
"I... I am Chiya-nii's secretary. How could I leave when Chiya-nii has not left the police force yet?"
Mikoto's eyes shifted away as she spoke, and her words came out stumbling and hesitant.
Chiya looked at her and immediately understood what she was thinking.
"Leave the tea. Let us go."
Chiya stood up and gently ruffled her hair.
Mikoto set the warm tea to one side.
She followed Chiya out of the police force obediently.
A cool breeze drifted past like a gentle touch, lightly lifting Mikoto's long hair.
A faint scent from her hair drifted around Chiya.
It was completely different from the scents of Tsunade and Yakushi Nono. This one was fresher and lighter.
Very pleasant.
Walking along the street, the two of them cast long shadows side by side under the lantern light.
Mikoto's face looked a little tired, but her eyes were bright and alert, glancing over at Uchiha Chiya from time to time.
Because Chiya was by her side.
That alone was enough for her.
The two walked quietly without a word between them, and without noticing, they had already arrived at the Uchiha clan grounds.
When they reached the front of Mikoto's home, Chiya stopped.
He reached into his robe and pulled out a delicate necklace, one that Chiya had chosen carefully for Mikoto.
"Mikoto, this necklace is for you."
"A necklace for me?"
Mikoto stood frozen in place.
Chiya put the necklace on Mikoto with his own hands.
Her eyes misted over with emotion.
"Chiya-nii, this necklace is so beautiful..."
Mikoto touched the necklace with one hand and looked up, her eyes full of warmth.
"As long as you like it, Mikoto. You have worked so hard. This is your reward."
Chiya looked at her with a warm smile.
Mikoto's expression shifted, and she suddenly threw herself into Chiya's arms.
She held him tightly.
She buried her head against his chest for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Chiya-nii, as long as you are by my side, I am very happy."
Chiya held the soft Mikoto in his arms and gently patted her shoulder.
He was just about to say something casual.
Right then, a light cough came from inside the house.
Chiya and Mikoto both froze at the same time, then quickly realized someone was inside.
The two parted reluctantly. Mikoto's face turned completely red in an instant. Chiya felt a little awkward too.
'That old man.'
"Chiya-nii, it is getting late. I... I will head inside first."
Mikoto said with an embarrassed flush.
"Yes, rest early."
"You too, Chiya-nii!"
Chiya nodded and watched Mikoto walk toward the door.
Mikoto looked back three times with every step, until her figure disappeared behind the door.
Chiya then heard another cold snort come from inside the house, and he could not help smiling to himself.
That old man, still not forgetting to warn him even now.
Chiya did not linger and turned to leave.
He had a plan with Tsunade in the evening and had not forgotten it.
But it was still early, so there was no rush.
There was one more person he had not gone to see since returning.
She would certainly have already heard that he was back.
Yakushi Nono's home was not far. Chiya arrived quickly.
He knocked gently on the door.
A moment later, the door opened. Nono looked at Chiya and her eyes went wide.
"Chiya-kun? What brings you here?"
There was a hint of surprised delight in Nono's voice.
Chiya smiled slightly and took a necklace from inside his robe and held it out to her.
The three necklaces he had bought were now all given out.
"This is a gift for you."
Nono took the necklace, and a trace of touched feeling flashed in her eyes.
"Chiya-kun, this is too precious..."
"As long as you like it."
Chiya reached out and gently took her hand. The atmosphere between them became something delicate.
Chiya's expression sharpened slightly.
He had just felt a tickle on his palm where he was holding Yakushi Nono's hand.
Since when had the usually passive and quiet Nono become this bold?
Looking at the flush on Yakushi Nono's face, it made her all the more captivating.
Chiya's breathing quickened slightly.
He glanced up at the clock hanging in the living room.
It was only six o'clock.
Well...
There was still time.
"Click."
The front door swung shut and then the lock turned.
Chiya raised his hand and placed it on her soft shoulder. A body flicker activated in an instant.
The two figures vanished from the living room.
Right after, the bedroom door slammed shut with a bang.
...
Time passed minute by minute.
It was not until eight o'clock that Chiya finally and reluctantly left the bedroom.
"Nono, once I finish being busy in a few days I will come see you again. I have something on tonight, so I need to go first."
"All right, be careful on the way."
Nono leaned against the sofa, light fabric draped over her smooth skin.
She looked as gentle as a little cat at that moment.
Her face was flushed and full of contented happiness.
Chiya kissed Nono's smooth forehead, stepped out the door, and headed in the direction of the izakaya.
What a handful. He had stayed that long without realizing it.
He knew Tsunade would be waiting for him tonight.
And she was wearing that stunning kimono tonight. He could not afford to keep her waiting too long.
Inside the izakaya, the light was dim and the air was thick with the scent of sake.
Tsunade sat alone in a private booth. Two cups of sake were on the table. She had clearly been waiting for a while.
The door to the booth slid open.
Chiya finally appeared.
Tsunade raised her hand and pointed at the lock. Chiya understood and shut the booth door properly.
Before he could even sit down, Tsunade pulled him to her side.
Tsunade's gaze carried a certain forcefulness as it fell directly on Chiya's lips. Then her whole upper body leaned toward him.
Tsunade's refined face drew closer and closer. Her eyelashes trembled like butterfly wings.
They were just about to meet.
Tsunade's delicate nose twitched slightly. Her brow furrowed just a little.
'That scent...'
Tsunade abruptly released Chiya and shoved him to the other end of the booth at the same time.
"?"
Chiya was a little dazed. He had already closed his eyes just now, fully expecting a clash of lips.
So why had she suddenly pushed him away?
Chiya then looked over at Tsunade sitting across from him.
Tsunade had turned her head away, her proud expression looking exactly like a little swan.
Had she gotten angry?
Chiya glanced down at the food and drinks on the table and reached out to pick up Tsunade's cup.
"Tsunade, what is wrong?"
Chiya held the cup out to Tsunade. She took it but paid no attention to him.
What was going on. Why was she throwing a tantrum?
No, that was not right. Had he done something to offend her?
"Cheers."
Chiya raised his own cup and tapped it lightly against the cup in Tsunade's hand.
Chiya kept his eyes on Tsunade and finally saw her expression shift slightly.
She turned her head and looked at Chiya with a mildly fierce expression, but said nothing.
She picked up her cup and took a small sip.
She gave a low hum and looked at Chiya.
"Chiya, did the old man call you in today?"
The old man. She meant the Third Hokage.
"Yes."
Chiya smiled and picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks, holding it out to Tsunade's mouth.
Tsunade shot Chiya a look but still opened her mouth obediently and took it in.
Her cheeks puffed slightly as she chewed, all while looking at Chiya with a mildly fierce expression.
After swallowing, her face took on a more serious look.
"Do you know why he called you in?"
Chiya felt a small stir inside and shook his head.
"My grandmother is getting older. The seal has been loosening recently. Chakra leaks out from time to time..."
Tsunade's gaze dimmed as she said this.
"My grandmother's strength is not quite keeping up anymore. It probably will not be long before the Tailed Beast Transfer Plan is carried out."