Alex_Fabianoki
patreon
TSSITWON Chapter 74: Shizune's Homemade Lunch
🕑 Added 2024-10-27 13:42:19 +0000 UTCAoki smiled faintly and turned around, then waved his right hand without looking back, leaving Shizune still frozen in place.
Once Aoki was far enough away, Shizune snapped out of her surprise. Her face turned even redder, a mix of embarrassment and warmth that Aoki couldn't hide. Unable to hold back, Shizune immediately ran towards the village of Konoha, trying to conceal a smile that she couldn't control.
...
...
...
Right now, I am walking through a quiet forest, still within the Land of Fire. The grand plan to become a bounty hunter is always on my mind, but only now do I realize: being a bounty hunter without adequate information is much harder than I imagined.
It has been several hours since I left Konoha. During that time, there have been no signs of other life, I haven't encountered anyone, not even an Anbu. At first, this was a bit surprising, but then I remembered just how vast the Land of Fire is. If I haven't met anyone, it might be because they are better at hiding, or perhaps I am not interesting enough to attract their attention.
Now, after nearly eight hours of walking, hunger is starting to hit me. I fumbled in my bag to take out the Ichiraku ramen I brought, but then I remembered—I still have the lunch from Shizune.
I opened the cloth wrapping five food boxes, checking the contents one by one. Instantly, I felt touched. Shizune had prepared all this food with perfect balance. There was a box containing fresh vegetables paired with tender meat, and others that combined various types of vegetables and side dishes.
Even though the ingredients were simple—just a few types of meat, vegetables, and small additions like crackers and noodles—I could feel Shizune's care in every arrangement. In the midst of it all, there was warm rice that blended with the side dishes, as if it were the centerpiece of a meal made with love.
I sat by a small river flowing nearby, feeling the gentle breeze brushing against my face. As I opened one box and began to eat, gratitude flowed through my mind. Perhaps this journey won't be easy, but Shizune's lunch reminded me that even though I am alone, there is someone in Konoha who cares about me. With this meal, I felt a renewed strength to continue my journey.
...
...
...
"Uh, even though the meat and vegetables are varied—some are spicy, some are in soup—still, it's just meat and vegetables," Aoki mumbled with a sour smile while inspecting his food boxes one by one. "Is this what Shizune means by 'balanced meal'? Huh..."
However, after taking a deep breath, Aoki decided to eat everything. "But since this is Shizune's cooking, I have to finish it," Aoki said while looking at the boxes with warm feelings. In no time, the five food boxes were empty, leaving only the warm aroma of Shizune's cooking. Aoki cleaned up the leftovers, putting the empty boxes back into his storage seal.
After finishing, Aoki leaned against a large tree, gazing at the sky that was beginning to change colors at dusk. Aoki contemplated his goals and the next steps.
"The food was delicious," Aoki mumbled with a small smile. But Aoki's thoughts turned serious again. "Now, it's time to think about a plan for gathering information." Aoki murmured while watching the clouds slowly moving in the sky. The calm atmosphere gave Aoki a chance to think more deeply.
"Ah! Now that I think about it, maybe I can create a new Breathing Technique that has many functions," Aoki suddenly said, his eyes shining. "Like clones, disguises, or even detecting the presence of enemies..." However, Aoki's enthusiastic smile slowly faded, and his expression became a bit complicated. "Unfortunately, that would take a very long time..."
With renewed determination, Aoki said, "Well, I think I'll refine that technique while carrying out my mission as a bounty hunter. But for now, gathering information about rogue ninjas will be my top priority."
