Chinya held the key in his hand and examined his new home-to-be. It looked worn out—it was an apartment-style unit, and only this room belonged to him.
He hadn't expected Hiruzen Sarutobi to be so efficient. They had just talked about it last night, yet today everything was already arranged.
However, this apartment seemed to have no other tenants. It might have been specially arranged for Chinya by Hiruzen.
After all, the villagers of Konoha deeply disliked him.
At the same time, Chinya felt like chuckling slightly.
They said last night that ninja training wasn't urgent, yet now someone had already reminded him to visit Hokage Tower once his injuries healed.
This isn't urgent? Their faces practically screamed, "I'm in a hurry."
Chinya unlocked the door and stepped inside.
The interior layout was great, fully equipped with everything he could need.
Chinya plopped down on the sofa—it was surprisingly comfortable.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. It was already 9:00 AM.
Today, Chinya had no plans to go to Hokage Tower. He'd wait a few more days.
Since they emphasized going to Hokage after full recovery from injuries, why rush over early for no reason?
Right now, Chinya's mind was filled with what Kushina Uzumaki had said to him last night.
He couldn't wait to meet Kushina Uzumaki again.
However, after not showering for days, Chinya smelled pretty bad. He returned to his old shabby hut to organize his belongings, including the Standard Katana he'd obtained earlier.
You had to admit, that Standard Katana really was quite impressive. Even after being used so roughly before, it only had a few nicks.
Chinya packed everything back to his new place, took a shower, and then set off toward the Ninja Academy.
The academy was just starting its lunch break.
When Chinya arrived at the classroom, he happened to see Kushina Uzumaki clenching her fists and punching someone.
As Kushina noticed Chinya, her expression instantly changed to one of surprise and joy.
"Chinya! You're discharged from the hospital?!"
At the mention of Chinya's name, everyone else turned their heads simultaneously.
Nobody knew Chinya had been hospitalized—they hadn't expected him disappearing for so many days was actually due to staying at the Ninja Hospital.
But nobody really cared—most were actually gleeful about it.
Kushina immediately let go of the guy she was punching and rushed over to Chinya.
"When did you wake up?" She asked eagerly.
Chinya smiled warmly as he replied, "Right after you visited me last night and left."
Kushina's eyes widened. Her face suddenly flushed bright red as she stammered nervously, "You—you weren't unconscious anymore?! Then how did you know I came to visit you at the hospital yesterday?"
Chinya glanced sideways at the curious crowd around them. He didn't want his conversation with Kushina becoming a spectacle.
He reached out and gently took Kushina's small hand. "This isn't the right place to talk. Let's step outside."
Kushina's already crimson face deepened further into a shade resembling dripping blood. Her head spun dizzily, almost mechanically allowing herself to be led away by Chinya, hand-in-hand, out of the classroom.
Chinya pulled Kushina Uzumaki toward the small forest behind the Ninja Academy. After letting go of her hand, he finally noticed that her face had turned completely red. Her eyes looked dazed and distant, as if she'd lost track of the world around her.
Chinya waved his hand in front of Kushina's face. "Kushina, Kushina, snap out of it!"
Startled, Kushina took a step back when she saw Chinya's face. "Y-y-you..."
Kushina could barely manage to say a complete sentence.
Chinya chuckled slightly before explaining, "Last night, I was indeed unconscious, but my awareness was clear—I could hear everything."
Kushina lowered her head slightly, speaking so softly that Chinya could barely catch her words unless he listened carefully: "I see..."
Inside her mind, Kushina was in turmoil.
She had already resolved to become friends with Chinya, yet now she couldn't utter a single word.
Nervous sweat dripped from her forehead like it was about to start steaming.
Seeing how adorable Kushina looked at that moment, Chinya exhaled deeply and said seriously, "Kushina, I've also made up my mind!"
Kushina lifted her head slightly, looking at him with confusion, unsure what he meant by "made up my mind."
With firm determination in his gaze, Chinya continued, "I want to become your friend too—your friend for life! So... Kushina, will you be my friend?"
He extended his hand toward Kushina, waiting patiently for her response.
At this moment, Kushina's brain completely froze, buzzing with white noise.
Kushina didn't move—and neither did Chinya rush her. He simply remained in place with his hand extended, silently awaiting her reply.
After several minutes, Kushina's frozen brain finally rebooted. She slowly reached out her tiny hand, clasping it into Chinya's, and softly whispered, "Mm, promise me—we'll be friends forever."
Chinya's smile grew bright and radiant, and Kushina's expression bloomed into an equally beautiful smile.
Both felt incredibly happy because they had finally made their very first friend.
In his heart, Chinya swore that he would absolutely protect this smile.
Initially, Kushina remained reserved, but soon she relaxed and started chatting endlessly with Chinya about everything she had experienced lately.
Those little brats who had picked on Kushina recently were all beaten into tomato pulp by her.
And so, at the Ninja Academy, Kushina earned a new nickname: The Red-Hot Habanero.
Chinya couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Pouting her lips, Kushina grumbled, "Chinya, are you saying you think this nickname really suits me?"
Shaking his head with a grin, Chinya replied, "Of course not! I just think it's amazing how someone your size could knock them all down like bowling pins."
Arrogantly placing her hands on her hips, Kushina declared, "That's right! I've never lost a fight before!"
However, moments later, she lowered her head in a visibly disheartened manner.
Noticing, Chinya asked curiously, "What's wrong, Kushina?"
Kushina grabbed a strand of her hair and pouted as she asked, "Chinya, do you think my hair looks bad?"
Chinya placed both hands firmly on Kushina Uzumaki's shoulders and gazed into her eyes. He spoke seriously, "Kushina, your hair is beautiful, and you're incredibly cute too. You'll become even more beautiful in the future, so don't ever doubt yourself because of what others say. You're excellent—no, you're the best!"
The color in Kushina's cheeks, which had just begun to return, flared up again at Chinya's words. She turned away shyly, covering her blushing cheeks with both hands, and murmured, "I'm not nearly as great as you say."
Chinya's face stiffened slightly as he rubbed his chest.
Honestly speaking, Kushina was actually quite strong.
That earlier punch nearly left him gasping for breath.
Just then the bell rang, signaling the start of afternoon classes.
This time, Kushina took the initiative, taking Chinya's hand and flashing him a playful smile over her shoulder.
"C'mon, let's get going!"
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Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** on the weekend!