(Akio Pov)
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Waking up in the morning and inhaling the nutrients, I pondered what to do with the day ahead.
Unexpectedly, I was given a day off, and they made it clear that refusing wasn't an option. Reluctantly, I accepted the mandate to take a break.
I could use the time to train, but I doubted I'd make any significant progress at this point. My skills had reached a plateau, where routine exercises seemed to yield diminishing returns.
Typically, I refined my abilities during intense sessions—whether through torture to extract crucial information, deciphering cryptic intelligence, or executing missions for the Anbu Black Ops or assassination division.
I dislike risking my life, but, at least they assigned me a squad, letting me choose its members and providing comprehensive details of the mission.
These assignments, though often grueling, were where I truly sharpened my edge. Considering the circumstances, it wasn't too bad.
Anyway, as the hours slipped by, I found myself craving a hearty meal and decided to head to the Akimichi yakiniku restaurant. It had been quite a while since I had enjoyed a proper meal, especially something as satisfying as grilled meat, so I figured indulging myself wouldn't be a bad idea.
Not wanting to dine alone, I invited Might Duy to join me. The thought of sitting by myself in a lively yakiniku restaurant just felt off, and besides, Sakumo was preoccupied with a date, leaving me with limited options for company.
"How about we turn this into a little competition?" Might Duy suggested with a gleam in his eye. "Let's see who can eat the most."
I nodded in agreement, finding the idea amusing. I didn't mind spending on him; after all, I had already invested a fair amount of time and resources in him, and a little extra expenditure wouldn't hurt.
As we walked towards the restaurant, he enthusiastically discussed the students, focusing particularly on those who had recently graduated. Given his position as Konoha's lead combat instructor, he shared valuable insights about the children, giving me up to date information on children I should consider for Anbu recruitment, in case Sandaime-sama had not yet recognized their potential.
As the aroma of sizzling meat filled the air, my excitement heightened with each passing moment.
Despite the bustling ambiance of the venue, I found it difficult to fault, knowing that everyone present shared the common desire to indulge in the pleasure of devouring meat, thereby dispelling any inclination towards solitary reservation on my part.
As I heard someone calling me name , I turned my head in curiosity to see who it was. 'Nawaki?' I recognized, my eyes locking onto his headband, the realization dawning on me that we both ended up at the same Akimichi restaurant, likely celebrating his graduation. 'They must be celebrating his graduation here,' I deduced, almost finding it amusing.
"Sure," I replied softly, falling in step with Duy, who had an atmosphere charged with the energy of camaraderie.
Seated across from Nawaki was his elder sister, Senju Tsunade, the woman I shouldn't meet after our last argument.
"I didn't expect the teacher to be here either," Nawaki remarked shortly before exchanging greetings with Duy, the interaction marked by mutual respect.
"Hopefully, you grasp the essence of being a shinobi," Duy interjected with a touch of solemnity, his words carrying the weight of experience and responsibility.
"Even though you've graduated from the Academy, don't hesitate to reach out if you need guidance," he chimed in, his enthusiasm evident as he offered to dedicate time to Nawaki's training, embodying the spirit of mentorship and support.
Nawaki nodded happily, while Tsunade silently lamented the possibility of her brother donning green tights if this mentorship continued.
"Well, on the bright side, they do complement the vest," I mused silently, injecting a touch of humor into the moment.
At least in my mind.
As Tsunade shot occasional glares in my direction, I found myself in an awkward position, genuinely having no idea she was here in this restaurant. While I've always been one to plot and scheme when necessary, it doesn't mean I'd stoop to the level of a stalker like Jiraiya, peering through restaurant windows, just like we he was doing right now.
'Hope Tsunade doesn't notice you.' I prayed as Konoha was still in war and we can't have a strong combatant like you to be patron of the hospital at the moment.
"Any idea what meat you guys went for?" I asked, attempting to diffuse the tension lingering in the air.
"We went for the priciest one!" Nawaki exclaimed, prompting me to glance at the menu.
Observing the astronomical price of the meat and recalling their voracious appetites, I deduced, 'So, three A-rank mission payments are funding this celebration, huh?'
Senju have always been known for their hearty appetites, closely followed by Uzumaki and Akimichi clans. Consequently, Nawaki's capacity for meat consumption far surpassed mine, easily consuming what would take me a week to finish.
Amused, I pondered, 'Did the Senju clan theoretically fade into obscurity due to failed wood release experiments, or was it simply because of their wealth and their opulent lifestyle?' With a chuckle, I placed orders for both myself and Duy.