"You're so confident because you think I can't prove you poisoned him, right?"
Facing Ren Sanlang's mocking gaze, Chiba spoke unhurriedly.
If it was just a guess before, he was now one hundred percent certain: the man before him was the Rock's mole. With a reaction time and composure this sharp, who would believe he wasn't a professionally trained agent?
"Hah. These baseless accusations are just fabrications of your imagination!" Ren Sanlang scoffed, adamantly denying everything.
"Oh? Is that so?" Chiba smiled.
"I have some knowledge of toxins. The poison you used is called 'Nenchishi,' a Sand Village specialty. It's a pale yellow, odorless liquid. Mere contact with skin is enough to kill."
Chiba stared straight into Ren Sanlang's eyes as he spoke. He was using the truth to make his coming lie believable.
Sure enough, Ren Sanlang's expression shifted slightly. Chiba had named the exact poison.
"It evaporates easily in the air," Chiba continued, giving him no time to think. He pulled a bottle of alcohol from his medical kit, slowly unscrewing the cap. "And it turns blue when exposed to alcohol. Whether you're the culprit, whether there's residue on your hands… we'll know with one simple test."
Boom.
Ren Sanlang's brain froze. He didn't know if Chiba's claim was true or false. He needed time to analyze it.
…Crap!
Everyone present was a battle-hardened shinobi. That split-second of hesitation was all the proof they needed.
By the time Ren Sanlang realized his mistake, the surrounding Leaf ninja had already drawn their weapons and were lunging at him.
"Damn it!"
Swarmed by the other ninja, Ren Sanlang had no chance to resist. He was instantly slammed face-first into the ground and pinned securely.
"How… did you… know?!"
Veins bulged on Ren Sanlang's forehead as he strained to lift his head, his words choppy.
Their intelligence indicated Chiba had virtually no exposure to Sand Village poisons. How was he so intimately familiar with their toxicology? This was the miscalculation that had led to his capture, and he had to know why.
"He's all yours," Chiba said, completely ignoring the pinned man. He addressed the Leaf ninja blocking the tent entrance. "I'd like to leave now. Mind clearing a path?"
"Chiba! CHIBA! Answer me!"
On the floor, Ren Sanlang struggled furiously. Sometimes, being ignored inflicts greater psychological damage than any insult. Chiba's total dismissal ground Ren Sanlang's dignity into the dirt, much like his face was being ground into the floor at that very moment.
"Sorry, kid… we were just…"
"Yeah, yeah! We were confused for a moment, fooled by him! Don't take it to heart!"
One ninja spoke up awkwardly as others quickly chimed in.
"Understandable." Chiba smiled at their apologies. "So, can you move now?"
Understanding was one thing. But feeling any goodwill toward the group who had just mindlessly accused him? That was another matter entirely.
"Ah…"
The Leaf ninja exchanged glances, then finally shuffled aside to create a path. They watched the boy's solitary figure depart.
"Goddamn it, this is all your fault!"
Watching Chiba's retreating back, one ninja, overwhelmed with shame, gave Ren Sanlang another hard kick.
I'm a real piece of work, suspecting such an earnest kid. He felt like he'd wake up in the middle of the night and have to slap himself twice.
…
Back in their own tent, Chiba's expression was grim as he briefed Nawaki and Elder Kousuke on what had happened.
"Who knows how many Rock spies there are. This place isn't safe anymore. We need to relocate, fast," Chiba said with a frown.
Elder Kousuke mulled it over for a moment before nodding slowly. "I agree, Chiba. But with just the three of us… if we run into Rock pursuers on the way…"
"I've considered that, Elder Kousuke. I plan to ask Fugaku to lead a team to cover our retreat," Chiba replied.
However powerful Iwagakure was, they couldn't possibly have infiltrated the Uchiha clan, right? It was almost a joke. The Uchiha, known for their humility and approachability, easily integrating with anyone, even those outside the clan.
This just means I'll owe Fugaku a favor. Wonder if he'll try to pressure me about Mikoto again… Ugh. So annoying. No, I mean, I look forward to… no, it's definitely annoying.
After discussing the plan with Kousuke, Chiba suddenly felt something was off, as if someone was missing from the tent.
"Hey, Nawaki. Did you leave your voice box at home?" Chiba asked, glancing at the unusually silent boy.
"It was my rash decision that put everyone in danger. From now on, I'm not making any more calls!"
For once, Nawaki didn't argue back. He just looked utterly dejected.
"You idiot…" Chiba rubbed his temple. He knew Nawaki was still reeling from the earlier betrayal.
"Chiba! Nawaki!"
Just as Chiba was wondering how to console him, a familiar, graceful figure burst into their tent.
"Lady Tsunade?"
"Big Sis?"
It was indeed Tsunade, who had raced all the way here. Orochimaru followed silently behind her, letting out a nearly imperceptible sigh of relief.
"You're both okay! Thank goodness!"
Seeing Chiba and Nawaki unharmed, Tsunade's eyes welled up. Without another word, she strode forward and pulled Chiba into a tight embrace.
La—Lady Tsunade?!
The "facial wash" came without warning. Tsunade committed a flagrant foul, crashing into him and completely scrambling his thoughts.
It wasn't just Chiba who was stunned. Nawaki was, too.
Huh? What's with Big Sis? Her own brother is standing right here, and she hugs Chiba first?
Could it be…?
A look of profound understanding dawned in Nawaki's eyes.
"Eep!"
A long moment passed before Tsunade's emotions settled. Realizing the impropriety of her actions, she hastily released Chiba, her fair face flushing a deep crimson.
(Nearby, Orochimaru watched with an amused smirk. The nearly invisible Kousuke wore a knowing, gentle smile.)
On the frantic journey here, Tsunade's mind had raced.
What if she never saw Chiba again? What if he was gravely injured, paralyzed? Well… then she'd just have to do all the moving herself…
Bah! So embarrassing!
The point was, she'd realized some things couldn't wait. If you liked someone, you should say it boldly and live with no regrets.
At least, that's what she had thought on the way.
But now, actually seeing Chiba, especially with her little brother standing right there… Tsunade's courage instantly vanished.
What if Chiba thought she was too… mature? What if Nawaki didn't understand? What if…
Tsunade's eyes darted away, unable to meet Chiba's gaze. The usually bold and straightforward woman was suddenly plagued by doubt. Love could make anyone awkward; even the great Tsunade was no exception.
Lady Tsunade… she… couldn't be… right?
Seeing the uncharacteristically timid woman before him, Chiba's heart hammered against his ribs. A wild, bold guess bloomed in his mind.
"Lady Tsunade, are you…?"
"Big Sis, so you…!"
Chiba spoke at the exact same moment Nawaki's face lit up with dawning comprehension, and he blurted out his realization.
Nawaki figured it out?!
Tsunade jolted. A wave of sheer embarrassment shot to the crown of her head, making her whole body feel tingly and numb, completely out of her control.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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