That night, the enticing aroma of barbecue wafted from the restaurant. Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji sat around the grill, the sizzling meat dancing on the hot plate, a happy blush on Choji's face.
After the meat was cooked, Choji enthusiastically distributed the grilled pieces onto everyone's plates. Of course, his own portion was the largest. Although Choji was a big eater, he didn't mind sharing food with his friends—except for the last bite, of course. The last piece of barbecue was quickly snatched up by his chopsticks.
Shikamaru lazily watched the flames dance on the grill. He remembered what his father had told him before he started school. "There are a lot of rumors about that kid in the village, but you should see for yourself."
Now, watching Naruto's profile as he listened intently to Choji's explanation of grilling techniques, Shikamaru thought Naruto was a pretty good guy.
The next day, in the Ninja Academy classroom, Naruto, as promised, prepared to treat them to ramen, but he had a plan to expand his circle of friends. Besides Shikamaru and Choji, he had also specifically invited a few other classmates.
First was Kiba, that boisterous boy.
Hearing Naruto's invitation, Kiba agreed without any hesitation. Ever since witnessing the intense taijutsu duel between Naruto and Satsuki, which was comparable to a formal ninja match, Kiba had been full of curiosity about the blond boy.
Next, Naruto's gaze turned to the quiet Shino, who was standing in the corner, and he also extended an invitation.
Shino looked up slightly. He was silent for a few seconds, then gave a slight nod of agreement.
At noon, Naruto's group was excitedly preparing to head to Ichiraku Ramen. Satsuki also joined the group. Just as everyone thought they were all ready to go, Naruto suddenly stopped.
Because he looked around and found that the sunglasses-wearing boy who was like a part of the background was missing.
The others also looked at each other, only then realizing that someone was indeed missing from the group.
Naruto quickly returned to the classroom. When he pushed the door open, sure enough, in the furthest corner of the room, Shino was looking down, muttering something.
"Why didn't I go to eat? If you ask why... I am waiting for the promised invitation..."
It seemed that Shino's low-presence setting from the original story was still in effect in this timeline. And Shino actually cared more about being ignored than he let on—that's why he was stubbornly waiting for someone to notice him.
"Shino!" Naruto deliberately raised his voice. "Why didn't you come? We're all waiting for you. Let's go for ramen together!"
Shino's body suddenly went rigid. He slowly looked up, his sunglasses reflecting the sunlight, making his expression unreadable. But Naruto noticed his shoulders were trembling slightly, and the corner of his mouth under his collar seemed to be twitching. If you looked closely, the parasitic insects hidden in his clothes suddenly became active, jumping around excitedly.
This was the first time he had been noticed when left behind... the first time someone had cared...
Shino slowly stood up, his movements stiffer than usual. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but in the end, he just gave a slight nod.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host: You have established an initial bond with the original character "Shino Aburame"!]
[Points Awarded: 100!]
Sunlight streamed through the classroom window, illuminating Shino's slightly trembling back. Naruto looked at Shino ahead of him, a warmth welling up in his heart. This was the third companion he had successfully established a bond with, after Shikamaru and Choji.
Last night, after leaving the barbecue restaurant, Naruto had eagerly checked his system points. With the 300 points from Shikamaru and Choji, his original 900 points had become 1200—just enough for a ten-pull. However, the result had been a bit disappointing. He had only gotten some basic chakra and taijutsu enhancements, no legendary items that could give him a major power boost.
But it was fine. Naruto looked at the 100 points he had just obtained. With the remaining 200, he now had a nest egg of 300. Since he had successfully befriended these companions, all he had to do now was let the friendship grow naturally.
The warm curtain of Ichiraku Ramen was lifted, and a group of children sat in a row at the counter. Old Man Ichiraku's enthusiastic greeting echoed in the shop. "Naruto brought friends today! Welcome! Come, come, sit here."
On the high stools, Naruto watched as steaming bowls of ramen were served one after another. He himself had two bowls of tonkotsu ramen, the others had one each, and in front of Choji, ten empty bowls were already stacked—a record that made even Old Man Ichiraku's eyes widen. Unfortunately, there was no Rinnegan inside.
Good thing the old man Hokage gives me a generous allowance... Naruto thought, patting his full wallet. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Satsuki quietly reaching for her own small purse. He quickly intercepted her fair little hand.
"What are you doing?" Naruto asked in a low voice.
The tips of Satsuki's ears instantly turned crimson. She turned her head away. "Hah? It's not like I'm trying to help you! It's just that my father happened to give me some pocket money... and I didn't know where to spend it... I guess you can have it."
Naruto was long immune to this standard tsundere talk. He skillfully gave her an out and then cheerfully paid the bill.
Choji rubbed his round belly and thanked him repeatedly. Even the usually lazy Shikamaru said a rare "my treat next time."
After returning to the Ninja Academy, during the afternoon taijutsu class, Iruka had clearly learned his lesson from last time and never paired Naruto and Satsuki together again. Satsuki reluctantly practiced with other students, who couldn't even touch her. She would knock them down in a single round, her eyes always drifting towards Naruto.
Naruto's side was even easier. After easily knocking down the little pipsqueaks who came to spar with him, the school bell rang.
After night fell, the two figures appeared at their designated training ground again. Satsuki's fingers flew through hand seals under the moonlight, while Naruto was engrossed in practicing the advanced ninjutsu the Third had given him. After continuous practice, he could now complete the 44 hand seals for the Water Dragon Bullet Jutsu in just 10 seconds.
"Next, let's try to simplify it to four seals..." Naruto wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked at the densely packed notes on the scroll.
The cherry blossoms of spring, the cicadas of summer, the maple leaves of autumn. The days at the Ninja Academy passed one by one. Naruto's strength steadily improved, and the bonds around him grew deeper. As the last snowflake melted, Naruto was already looking forward to the story of the new year.
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