Chapter 57: Small Group Gathering, Just in Case

Chapter 57: Small Group Gathering, Just in Case

"It's been a while since we last hung out. Want to grab some barbecue together? My treat."

As they left school grounds, Izayoi extended an invitation to Teams Seven and Ten.

At these words, Naruto Uzumaki and Chōji Akimichi's eyes lit up simultaneously.

"Sounds good, but let's split the bill", Nara Shikamaru nodded in agreement while setting his condition.

After all, he knew exactly how much Chōji could eat. Even Asuma-sensei, an elite jonin, had been forced to ask restaurant owners for credit after dining with Chōji more than once.

Shikamaru also knew a bit about Izayoi's background - an orphan from a civilian family, surviving solely on the village's stipend after his parents' deaths.

Considering Izayoi had only been a genin for a few months, the money he'd earned probably wouldn't cover half of Chōji's meal.

"Don't worry, just eat to your heart's content. I've got enough saved up", Izayoi said with a confident smile that made Naruto and Chōji practically glow with admiration.

As a ninja world-class millionaire now, Izayoi's words carried weight.

Shikamaru decided not to argue further, planning to return the favor later.

Sasuke Uchiha, however, tried to spoil the mood. "I think I'll pass and go train instead."

"You can train anytime. Consider this a chance to relax", Izayoi replied, clapping Sasuke's shoulder with a smile that somehow felt threatening.

"Fine", Sasuke reluctantly agreed, crossing his arms with a huff while pretending it was only out of obligation.

Sakura Haruno and Ino Yamanaka exchanged delighted glances, already imagining themselves seated next to Sasuke during dinner.

Their eyes met again moments later, both instantly guessing each other's thoughts. Their gazes locked in a fiery stare-down across the table.

At the largest barbecue restaurant in Hidden Leaf Village, the nine young ninjas pushed three tables together for their first group meal.

Naruto, who'd spent his life eating cheap instant ramen, and Chōji began a silent competition to see who could eat the most meat.

Meanwhile, Sakura and Ino vied for Sasuke's attention by his sides, their efforts only earning him increasingly annoyed expressions.

Shikamaru and Shino Aburame sat together, sipping juice while chatting with Izayoi about their observations of other genin during the exams.

Izayoi skillfully grilled meat for Hinata Hyuga, placing choice cuts onto her plate while maintaining the conversation.

Hinata ate quietly, appearing perfectly ladylike at first glance. But watching closely, one could see her pace matched Naruto and Chōji's voracious appetites - her refined manners hiding a surprising capacity.

Shikamaru eventually noticed this, his expression shifting to one of astonishment.

Someone who could match Chōji bite for bite? This Hyuga heiress was full of surprises.

As the meal wound down, Izayoi suddenly produced a camera from his cloak, using a shadow clone to take a group photo.

If Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen this moment, he surely would've sighed, "This is the future of Hidden Leaf Village!"

The meal cost Izayoi over 100,000 ryō - a small fortune that would've drained two-thirds of his savings just six months ago.

But now, such an amount barely registered.

More importantly, the dinner brought together classmates who'd never really socialized before, forging new bonds.

Izayoi alone understood the true value of this group - two future Hokage candidates, multiple clan heirs, and future leaders of the village's medical and intelligence divisions, not to mention the creator of the legendary Soldier Pill...

Previously focused solely on completing missions, Izayoi now recognized the importance of building relationships. With his Six Paths chakra nature already achieved, expanding his network would benefit his long-term future in Hidden Leaf.

---

The next afternoon at 2:00 PM, an alarm clock jingled through Hinata Hyuga's bedroom.

Rubbing her eyes sleepily, Hinata first checked on Izayoi still dozing beside her before quietly getting up to tie her hair into twin buns for the day.

"Izayoi-kun, time to wake up", she whispered after finishing her morning routine, squeezing toothpaste onto his brush before gently shaking him awake.

"What time is it?" he mumbled.

"2:00 PM already."

"One more hour..."

"No way! Up you go!" Hinata pulled back the covers, nudging his shoulder.

"Only if you kiss me awake", Izayoi bargained.

"Fine..." Hinata blushed, puckering her lips to peck his forehead.

"Too light! I couldn't feel anything!"

Mu~~a!

"Kiss my cheek properly."

Mu~~a!

"What about this side?" Izayoi pointed to his other cheek, his eyes now open with a mischievous glint.

"You're acting just like Hanabi-chan!" Hinata scowled, though her face flushed crimson as she leaned in to give his other cheek a gentle kiss before pulling him upright.

"Hanabi's practically my little sister. Of course we'd share some traits", Izayoi teased, pinching her cheek before planting a quick kiss on her reddening face.

"Go brush your teeth! You've got morning breath!" Hinata pushed him toward the bathroom, her face burning.

While Izayoi brushed his teeth, he called out, "Hinata, could you grab the red box from my desk drawer?"

"Sure!" Hinata retrieved the box without hesitation.

She waited patiently by the sink as he finished washing up.

After drying his face with the handkerchief she offered, Izayoi opened the box to reveal two colored contact lenses.

"These are... glasses?" Hinata asked, surprised.

"Actually, they're special contacts", Izayoi explained, activating his Rinnegan before placing the lenses over his unique blue eyes. The swirling white patterns around his pupils vanished, leaving only ordinary deep blue irises.

He'd purchased these contacts in the city near his Hidden Leaf vacation home.

Realization dawned on Hinata's face. "Izayoi-kun... are the Chūnin Exams dangerous this time?"

Having witnessed his Repulsive Force and Gravity Release techniques, she knew no ordinary genin could challenge him. Yet hiding his Rinnegan suggested he anticipated enemies worth concealing his most powerful abilities from.

"Just a precaution", Izayoi replied, watching his reflection with a cryptic smile. "It'll probably be easy, but if things go sideways... we might face something serious."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end