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Chapter 76: The Picnic Goes Astray
🕑 Added 2024-06-28 18:55:07 +0000 UTCHalf an hour later, Shishou and his friends had finished selecting their favorite foods and items on the shopping list. Kiba had grabbed some soft bones and beef, likely to feed Akamaru. Sasuke picked up a few meatballs but not too many. Shino only took what was on the shopping list, mindful of not letting Shishou spend too much despite his wealth from his uncle's inheritance.
Chouji, on the other hand, selected several pieces of pork belly, beef tenderloin, lean meat, and sausages.
"Hey, Chouji, that's too much," Shikamaru said quickly. "Ino and I can help you eat some of it, but next time, you treat."
Seeing Chouji grab so much, Shikamaru intervened to prevent Shishou from feeling taken advantage of. To deflect any potential resentment from Shishou, Shikamaru implied that the food was for the entire Ino-Shika-Cho trio and set up the next gathering for Chouji to host.
"Ah, this is for everyone," Chouji replied, missing the subtext. "Sure, I'll treat next time."
Relieved, Shikamaru sighed. Balancing a team with a carefree eater like Chouji and a bold personality like Ino was always challenging.
Shishou simply smiled, unconcerned about the expense. He knew Chouji wasn't the type to take advantage. Naruto, however, was another story. Who brings instant ramen to a barbecue? Naruto did, of course, and he brought plenty.
Shishou could only shake his head. "Classic Naruto," he thought.
Not long after, Ino, Hinata, and Sakura finished buying vegetables and joined the group. With tasks distributed among them, they headed towards the Konoha forest.
Trailing behind them were a few ANBU and members of the Hyuga clan, secretly ensuring Naruto and Hinata's safety. Despite Hiashi Hyuga's strict demeanor, he never slacked on protecting Hinata, especially after the Cloud Village incident.
Shishou had already sensed the followers but chose to ignore them.
"Let's set up here," Shishou suggested, pointing to a shady spot at the forest edge.
"Shishou, let's go by the river," Naruto called out, eager to catch some fish to impress Sakura.
"Yeah, the river sounds better," Ino agreed.
With no objections, Shishou nodded. "Alright, let's go there."
At the riverbank, Chouji immediately began preparing the meat. Ino, Hinata, and Sakura washed vegetables, while Shikamaru and Shino collected firewood. Shishou led Naruto, Sasuke, and Kiba to catch fish.
Sasuke, initially reluctant, joined in after seeing Shishou catch a large fish. His competitive spirit ignited, he stripped off his shirt and waded into the water.
"Look, Sakura! I caught a frog!" Naruto shouted, holding up the amphibian proudly.
Sakura ignored him, focused on the vegetables and stealing glances at Sasuke. "Sasuke-kun is so cool," she thought.
"Naruto, take your frog somewhere else," Ino snapped, hands on her hips.
"It's a frog, not a toad," Hinata gently corrected.
"Same difference!" Ino retorted, flipping her hair.
"Fine, I'll catch a big fish instead," Naruto declared, tossing the frog aside and joining Sasuke and Kiba.
"Naruto, you scared my fish away!" Kiba growled, Akamaru barking in agreement.
Sasuke, meanwhile, speared a fish with a sharpened stick, eliciting applause from Sakura.
"What's the big deal?" Naruto muttered, also grabbing a stick.
"Naruto, catch!" Shishou called, tossing a large fish his way.
Naruto fumbled but managed to catch it. "Wow, thanks, Shishou!"
"Shishou, you can walk on water?" Ino exclaimed, eyes wide.
Everyone turned to look, even the hidden ANBU and Hyuga members were surprised. Walking on water wasn't a skill expected of academy students.
"It's not that hard," Shishou replied casually, continuing his fishing.
Sasuke gritted his teeth, determined to catch up to Shishou's skills.
"Shishou, teach me how to walk on water!" Naruto pleaded.
"Sure," Shishou agreed, wading over.
"I want to learn too!" Ino raised her hand.
"Me too," Hinata added softly.
Soon, even Sakura, Kiba, and the others were clamoring to learn. Sasuke, though silent, edged closer, clearly interested.
"They're doing what?" Shikamaru asked, returning with Shino and firewood.
"They're learning to walk on water from Shishou," Chouji explained, not looking up from his preparations.
"Figures," Shikamaru muttered, setting up the fire. He had no interest in water walking. Shino, having already learned under Shishou's guidance, joined Chouji in preparing the food.
As Shikamaru lit the fire, he couldn't help but glance at the group training by the river. "Weren't we supposed to be having a barbecue?" he sighed.
In Amegakure
Inside the tallest tower, Pain stared at the masked man, Uchiha Madara.
"I need an explanation," Pain demanded, his Rinnegan eyes boring into Madara.
