"Father." Choji didn't expect to see his father—Akimichi Choza—at the barbecue restaurant.
Choza was about to reply when he saw a large group of people coming in behind him — all of them participants in this year's Chunin Selection Exam. He asked curiously,
"Hey, didn't you all take the Chunin Selection Exam? How do you have time to eat here? Don't tell me you were all eliminated?"
"How could that be, Uncle Choza? My brother and I, Sasuke, Shikamaru, Ino, and…" Naruto looked around, then pointed at Shino. "Shino too! We all advanced!"
The remaining four who hadn't advanced lowered their heads in disappointment.
Menma noticed and said, "Don't be discouraged, you four. Failure is the mother of success. If you fail this time, just win next time."
"Brother, you're right! I'll definitely beat Naruto next time!" Kiba declared confidently.
"Woof, woof!" Akamaru barked in agreement.
Naruto immediately retorted, "Impossible, Kiba! Give it up!"
How could I lose to him? Even if I lose to anyone, it won't be Kiba! No… Sasuke won't beat me either! Impossible!
"That's right," Sasuke added calmly. "I'm the only one who can defeat Naruto."
"What did you say, Sasuke?"
"I said I'm better than you."
"I'm stronger than you."
"I'm stronger than you!"
And just like that, they started again.
Shikamaru sighed and decided to use his ultimate technique.
"Naruto, Sasuke — look at Brother Menma."
The two froze.
Instantly, they clasped hands and smiled stiffly.
"We weren't arguing! We're very friendly!"
Their eyes darted toward Menma. Seeing that he wasn't angry, they finally relaxed.
Soon, the delicious barbecue arrived, and everyone began eating enthusiastically.
"Wow, delicious!"
"I love this Ψ(￣￣)Ψ!"
"So good!"
Seeing this, Menma said, "Another forty orders."
"Alright, no problem!" The staff smiled brightly and hurried off to prepare more.
Just as everyone was enjoying the meal, two unexpected guests arrived — Temari and Kankuro.
As soon as they entered, everyone stood up.
Naruto was the first to react. "What are you doing here? You wanna fight? We're ready!" He immediately stepped forward, brimming with energy.
Sasuke quickly followed, activating his Sharingan as he glared at the two siblings, prepared for any sudden attack.
Idiot, Sasuke thought silently.
Temari and Kankuro ignored the others. Their eyes were fixed on Menma, who continued eating calmly as if nothing had happened.
Menma already had a good idea why they'd come.
"Red-haired brat," Temari said impatiently, "what you told Gaara earlier — was it true?"
If it was, then perhaps Gaara's inner hatred could finally be resolved.
"You're only five years older than me. Don't call me a brat. Call me Big Brother Menma, and I'll tell you." Menma spoke without looking up.
At that, he gave Shikamaru a thumbs-up from across the table. Being able to win over an older woman like Temari — impressive.
Shikamaru blinked in confusion. Why is Brother Menma giving me a thumbs-up? What is he planning now? Even with an IQ over 200, Shikamaru couldn't begin to guess Menma's train of thought.
Temari: (◇)? Is he serious? Call this kid "Big Brother"?
Kankuro stepped forward angrily. "You're going too far, brat! How dare you ask my sister to call you that!?"
"Too far?" Menma raised an eyebrow. "How? In this world, strength is everything. I'm stronger than you. Since you're asking me for information, it's only fair that you show respect. That's not too much to ask."
Before Kankuro could reply, Menma continued casually, "Of course, there's another option. If Gaara defeats me in a month, I'll tell him everything myself."
Temari frowned. "Then can you at least tell me where you learned all this?" She was genuinely curious — neither she nor Kankuro had ever heard anything like what Menma told Gaara. Only their late father, the Fourth Kazekage, might have known the truth. But Orochimaru had killed him and taken his place, so there was no one left to ask.
Menma smirked. "Do you think I'll just tell you? Not unless you marry my younger brother, Shikamaru." He clasped his hands dramatically and bowed.
Shikamaru: w(Д)w I knew this was going to happen!
"Brother Menma, don't joke like that! I can't handle a woman like her — she's terrifying!" Shikamaru blurted out.
"What did you just say, brat!?" Temari shouted, her face red with anger.
She couldn't get any answers out of Menma — and now she was furious.
Kankuro stepped forward again, ready to fight, but Temari stopped him with a hand. She shook her head.
This was Konoha. They couldn't start trouble here.
If this were anywhere else, she wouldn't need Kankuro's help — she'd handle Menma herself.
"You two brats better watch yourselves," Temari snapped. "You'd better hope we don't meet in the third exam. Let's go, Kankuro!"
They turned and left angrily.
"Take care!" Menma called cheerfully after them.
Temari: (╬へ)
Kankuro: (╬へ)
Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his forehead. Big brother, you've doomed me again. And that woman — I just said one thing! Why does she hate me now?
Women are truly impossible to understand…
After the brief commotion, everyone returned to their feast.
Shikamaru soon forgot about Temari, the "troublesome woman," though fate had already intertwined their paths — and their story had quietly begun.
Meanwhile, back at their lodging, Temari and Kankuro found Gaara sitting silently.
Temari said apologetically, "I'm sorry, Gaara. I couldn't get any answers."
"It's fine," Gaara replied softly. He'd already guessed as much.
"Your big sis will find another chance to ask him," Temari promised.
"No need," Gaara said. "I'll defeat him myself… and then he'll tell me everything."
His eyes no longer held the same cold emptiness. For the first time, there was a flicker of determination — and maybe, hope.
Temari hesitated before asking, "Gaara… if what he said is true, will you let go of the hatred in your heart?"
Gaara didn't answer right away. He stared at the ceiling in silence.
Temari sighed quietly. It's no use after all…
But then, softly, Gaara said a single word that made her eyes widen in joy.
"Yes."
Temari froze for a moment, then smiled.
"Gaara…"
(End of Chapter)
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