C'mon guys *0*)/ we're close too reaching 600 POWA STONES~ └|∵|┐♪ drop em stones pls
Chapter 58: Butterfly and Deers
Naruto carried his lunch box with a genuine smile as he made his way to the back of the classroom, stopping in front of Shikamaru and Choji.
"You're Shikamaru and Choji, right? I'm Uzumaki Naruto. Want to eat lunch together?"
Shikamaru lifted his eyelids, lazily sizing up Naruto with a glance. "Mm, I know you. The guy who was impressive in yesterday's taijutsu class."
His gaze drifted over Naruto's shoulder to where Satsuki sat alone at her desk. "Aren't you going to eat with Satsuki?"
The classroom atmosphere shifted subtly. Many of the boys couldn't help but glance at the empty seat beside Satsuki, but none dared approach. The strength she'd displayed in yesterday's taijutsu class had left these children feeling both awe and intimidation.
Naruto turned to glance at Satsuki. "It's fine," he said, turning back with a smile. "I'll spend time with her later. How should I put this..."
He scratched his cheek sheepishly. "I get the feeling you two are really good people, and I wanted to get to know you."
Choji's hands suddenly froze while unwrapping his lunch box. An expression of disbelief crossed his face. Because of his build, he'd been teased by other children since he was small—only Shikamaru had never looked down on him. Having someone actively say "you seem like a good person" was an unprecedented experience for him.
Choji's voice carried a cautious, tentative hope. "Really? You don't think my body is... a bit too round?"
Naruto flashed him a brilliant smile. "Round? That build is perfect for you, isn't it?"
"I know—you're from the Akimichi clan, right?" Naruto said while opening his own lunch box. "For you, that body is stored power. Without those reserves, you wouldn't be able to send enemies flying."
Listening to this exchange, Shikamaru felt somewhat relieved. Choji had finally made a friend—he must be incredibly happy. Sure enough, Choji was looking at Naruto with a moved expression.
"And... I'm actually pretty envious of that. Getting stronger just by eating more? That's got to be the most amazing constitution in the world."
Moisture began to gather in Choji's eyes, his voice becoming slightly choked. "Really... Thank you, Naruto. I'm so happy!"
Having his weight—something he'd been mocked for his entire life—positively acknowledged for the first time made his heart pound with joy.
"Yeah!" Naruto nodded enthusiastically, pushing his lunch box toward the center of their circle. "By the way, I made lunch myself. Want to try some? I'd be really happy if my new friends gave my cooking their approval."
"Is that okay? Awesome! Then I won't hold back."
Choji pressed his palms together and gave Naruto a formal bow, his face radiating gratitude.
Naruto picked up a piece of golden fried food with his chopsticks, gently placing it in Choji's lunch box. "Give it a try?"
"This is... some kind of fried food?" Choji carefully picked up the piece and took a small bite—crunch.
A crisp crackling sound echoed in his mouth, followed by juicy chicken bursting between his teeth. Even more surprising was the unique crunchy texture of the outer layer—carrying the distinctive aroma of potatoes.
"The outside layer is... potato chips?!" Choji's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at the half-remaining piece of fried chicken in his hand. Those crushed potato chips perfectly wrapped around the tender, juicy chicken.
Naruto nodded. This dish was perfectly targeted medicine—chicken coated in crushed potato chip batter. This American-style dish was high in calories and a bit heavy for Naruto's taste, but it was exactly right for the Akimichi clan.
"This is incredible! Who would have thought to wrap fried chicken in potato chips! Naruto, are you some kind of genius?"
"You think so? If you like it, you can have all of these." Naruto smiled as he transferred the remaining pieces of chip-crusted chicken to Choji's side. "I accidentally made too much when I was experimenting yesterday, and I was worried about not being able to finish it all."
Choji was so moved he almost started crying, carefully accepting this gesture of kindness with his chopsticks.
As the sun gradually slanted westward, the laughter in the classroom began to fade. The lunch period shared by Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji came to an end amid pleasant conversation. Naruto packed up his lunch box, still wearing a satisfied smile.
"Oh right," Naruto suddenly suggested, "want to go eat ramen together tomorrow at lunch? My treat! Ichiraku Ramen has the best taste in all of Konoha!"
Choji's eyes immediately lit up with excitement, his face full of emotion. He enthusiastically patted his solid chest. "Since Naruto's treating us to ramen tomorrow, then tonight I'll treat everyone to barbecue!"
Shikamaru looked lazily at his two enthusiastic friends and sighed helplessly. "Ah~ what a drag... but since you both put it that way..."
After saying goodbye to the two, Naruto walked down the corridor back to his seat, feeling exceptionally cheerful. Just then, the long-awaited notification sound echoed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host: Bond Level 2 established with original character "Akimichi Choji"!]
[Points earned: 200!]
[Congratulations, Host: Initial bond established with original character "Nara Shikamaru"!]
[Points earned: 100!]
Naruto's lips unconsciously curved upward, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Success!
He cheered inwardly. These two who had formed the "skip class squad" with him and Kiba in the original story were now also successfully befriended.
Although their bond levels were still low, given time, this friendship would definitely grow deeper and stronger.
He turned back to look at Shikamaru and Choji still chatting at the back of the classroom. Moving forward, he just needed to let this friendship develop naturally...
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