In a private room at a barbecue restaurant, Chouji kept rubbing his hands, smiling with delight, while drool started trickling from the corners of his mouth.
"Barbecue… Barbecue… Barbecue…"
Seeming to eagerly anticipate the upcoming barbecue feast, Chouji's face showed excitement.
Sitting beside him, Shikamaru helplessly rested his head in his hand and sighed.
Though they were close friends, he couldn't change Chouji's gluttonous habit, especially his obsession with meat.
In class, he was always called out by the teacher for sneaking food.
"Come on, don't always think about eating meat, Chouji."
Sitting across from them was their peer, Yamanaka Ino.
With a cute appearance, she was somewhat harsh in her attitude toward Chouji, seemingly annoyed by his gluttonous behavior, finding it lacking in gentlemanly grace in front of a lady.
Chouji didn't get upset at Ino's complaints; his mind was still focused on the barbecue.
"Ino, it's not like you just met Chouji for the first time, so stop complaining."
Shikamaru said.
"That's exactly why I don't want to hang out with you two; one always sleeps in class, and the other always sneaks snacks."
Ino displayed the demeanor of a model student.
You're not above daydreaming about Sasuke during class. Shikamaru thought to himself but didn't dare say it out loud.
In the history seen in the Nara Clan, women are synonymous with trouble.
And reasoning with women is pointless because reasoning doesn't work.
This was a lesson taught with his father's blood and tears.
Even the brilliant Jonin Squad Leader couldn't cope with the family tigress at home.
Women, terrifying creatures.
If he argued back against Ino now, he'd surely face a long lecture, with no choice but to endure it.
"Alright, you two stop arguing; we're finally getting a barbecue, it should be a joyous occasion. Besides, Ino means no harm, for a person from the Akimichi Clan, not eating meat for a day would be fatal."
Chouji laughed and mediated.
"Hey, where did this family motto come from? I've never heard of it."
Not eating meat for a day would be fatal—Shikamaru never knew this was a family motto of the Akimichi Clan.
It's just that everyone in this family eats a lot.
"Speaking of which, why isn't Naruto here? Didn't you say you'd invite him, Shikamaru?"
Chouji asked in confusion.
Having skipped classes together, sneaked snacks in class, and been singled out by the teacher for punishment outside, Chouji and Naruto shared a good relationship.
You could say they were like brothers in adversity.
"Ah, I went to find Naruto, but Teacher Iruka invited him out for ramen first, so he couldn't make it this time."
Shikamaru explained.
"I feel like Teacher Iruka really looks after Naruto."
Chouji remarked.
"Maybe it's because Naruto's parents passed away, so he helps with life's necessities where he can."
Shikamaru speculated.
In his heart, he wondered if this might also be due to orders or instructions from the Hokage.
Regardless, Naruto was treated in ways not typical for ordinary children.
Could it be due to his identity with the Uzumaki Clan? Shikamaru deeply suspected.
Perhaps Naruto harbors some shocking hidden secret.
Just then, the room's door was opened.
A girl their age walked in, wearing a small-sized waitress outfit from the barbecue restaurant, carrying a platter filled with fresh ingredients.
"Sakura? What are you doing here?"
Noticing this girl was their classmate Haruno Sakura, both Chouji and Shikamaru were somewhat surprised.
Only Ino looked calm, evidently already aware of this.
"What do you mean what am I doing here? My family owns this barbecue restaurant. Didn't Ino tell you?"
Sakura put down the platter and asked with a puzzled expression.
Before Chouji and Shikamaru could respond, Ino flicked her hair, looking somewhat disdainful.
"It's not something to make a big deal of, is it, broad forehead Sakura?"
"Ino-pig, you still speak so humorously. As expected of my past best friend."
Sakura retorted with a forced smile.
Ino took a deep breath, directly glaring at Sakura, her eyes filled with anger.
Sitting on the side, Chouji and Shikamaru felt restless, worryingly watching the two fiery adversaries. Would they start fighting here?
"Alright, I have to go help, so I won't disturb your meal."
"Okay, goodbye."
Seeing Sakura off, Chouji and Shikamaru breathed a sigh of relief; the atmosphere had been too tense.
The battle between women is truly frightening.
"I never expected Sakura's family to own a barbecue restaurant; I wonder if next time we come, we can get a discount on part of the meal?"
Chouji started imagining blissfully, knowing he couldn't afford to eat barbecue every day—his allowance wouldn't permit it.
Only indulging a few times a month.
"Hey, don't rely on classmates to mooch off them."
Shikamaru looked at Chouji, speechless.
"Haha, I was just joking; don't mind it, Shikamaru."
Chouji patted Shikamaru's shoulder.
"Shikamaru's right; I wouldn't want to benefit from that broad forehead person, anyway."
Ino added her response.
Listening to Ino's confident declaration, Shikamaru couldn't help but sigh; love can alter friendship.