Konoha: Gu Master

Shinho Aburame was busy cleaning the fish scales and guts. In his previous life, he had done this often, so he was quite experienced.

Because the others were still young, Shinho sent them off to set up the barbecue grill.

"Shinho-kun is so skilled," Ino Yamanaka remarked in awe.

"He knows everything," Hinata Hyuga couldn't help but say softly.

"What do you mean?" Ino turned to her, curious. She realized she didn't know Shinho as well as she thought.

Hinata instinctively bit her lip. It wasn't that she didn't want to talk; she was just shy.

"Hinata," Ino said, understanding her personality. "Can we be good friends?"

Although Hinata was technically a rival in love, Ino didn't mind. Just like in the original story, she and Sakura competed for Sasuke Uchiha but still valued their friendship.

At this age, Ino didn't really understand what love was; she was attracted to Shinho mainly because of his looks. For her, good looks equaled justice.

"Eh?" Hinata looked a bit puzzled.

"Is that okay?" Ino couldn't help but smile at her adorable expression.

"Y-Yes," Hinata quickly nodded.

If Ino could grasp the concept of a love rival, Hinata was entirely oblivious.

"Choji, do you guys need any help over there?" Ino turned her head and asked.

"No problem," Choji Akimichi replied enthusiastically. "We'll have it set up in no time."

"Great," Ino said, pulling Hinata to sit on the grass to chat.

Most of their conversation revolved around Shinho.

"He can even farm?" Ino occasionally gasped, her mouth forming a small "O."

As they talked more, she and Hinata grew closer. Unknowingly, Ino's impression of Shinho also began to change. He seemed like a versatile genius—in Hinata's words, he knew everything.

"Oh no!" Choji suddenly slapped his forehead. "I forgot to bring a lighter."

"We don't have a way to start the fire?" Kiba Inuzuka looked at the two grills lined up. "What do we do now?"

"Shikamaru," Choji instinctively sought help. "Use that brilliant brain of yours to think of something."

Shikamaru Nara crossed his arms, falling into thought. They didn't know any primitive methods like rubbing sticks together to make fire. Going home to get a lighter seemed like a hassle.

"I've got it!" Shikamaru's eyes lit up as he raised a finger. "Fire Release Ninjutsu!"

"Fire Release Ninjutsu?" Kiba couldn't help but ask, "Who among us knows any Fire Release techniques?"

Although they all came from ninja families, they were still too young and were building foundational skills. They could all perform basic jutsu like the Clone Technique, but Fire Release involved elemental chakra nature transformation.

"Sasuke!" Shikamaru explained. "I heard his brother Itachi mastered the Great Fireball Technique at age six."

"I've heard that too," Sakura Haruno suddenly became excited. She was about to call Sasuke over but was beaten to it by Naruto.

She clenched her fists in frustration. Competing with Ino was one thing, but now even Naruto was getting involved?

Sasuke was still preoccupied with the Body Flicker Technique, but Shinho was too busy cleaning fish to pay him any attention. Gritting his teeth, Sasuke vowed to himself, I'll be back.

"What's up?" Sasuke approached Naruto and asked.

"We forgot to bring a lighter," Shikamaru said tentatively. "Do you know any Fire Release jutsu?"

Sasuke's mouth twitched. Using Fire Release to light a grill?

But seeing their hopeful eyes, he hesitated and then nodded.

"As expected of Sasuke-kun!" Sakura looked at him with adoring eyes.

Shikamaru sighed in admiration. Another genius like Itachi Uchiha. The Uchiha clan truly has so many prodigies; no wonder they're firmly regarded as the top ninja clan.

Sasuke allowed a slight smile. You're right; this is the Uchiha clan. I'm proud!

He quickly formed hand seals.

"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"

Chakra gathered in his mouth, and he spat out a fireball the size of a fist.

"Is it supposed to be that small?" Naruto asked instinctively.

"I... controlled the chakra," Sasuke said awkwardly. "If I didn't, the entire Konoha Forest could burn down."

"Oh, I see!" Naruto seemed to believe him entirely. "Great, you're qualified to be my rival!"

Sasuke breathed a sigh of relief. Although Naruto didn't grasp the situation, at least he diverted attention and eased the awkwardness.

After finishing with the fish, Shinho skewered them on iron sticks.

"Thanks for your hard work, Shinho-kun," Ino and Hinata approached.

Sakura glanced at Sasuke and then at Shinho. She had to admit that the latter was more capable.

"Shinho, is there anything I can help with?" Naruto came over, full of enthusiasm. "I know how to grill fish."

He had grilled fish before—without removing the scales or guts. When he saw Shinho cleaning the fish, he thought it was a waste.

"Bring over the cumin," Shinho instructed.

"What's cumin?" Naruto blinked and asked.

"Naruto, you don't even know what cumin is? How have you been grilling fish?" Kiba asked, puzzled.

"I just skewer it and roast it over the fire," Naruto scratched his head. "Is that wrong?"

"A grill without cumin has no soul!" Kiba declared emphatically.

"Naruto," Shikamaru interrupted their conversation. "This is cumin."

He had already noticed something was off but knew that Naruto's situation was special, and it was not his place to question. The Ino–Shika–Cho trio had managed to stay safe in Konoha for years, largely thanks to the wisdom of the Nara clan.

Besides him, Ino and the others also sensed something amiss. They found it hard to imagine how Naruto had grown up, not understanding such basics.

Half an hour later, the grilled fish was ready.

"This is delicious!" Naruto took a bite and grinned. "Definitely better than how I usually make it."

"Eat as much as you like," Shinho said, glancing at him.

Naruto's basic life skills were practically nonexistent. In the original story, he didn't even know how to check the expiration date on milk. Although Hiruzen Sarutobi provided him with living expenses, as the Hokage, he was very busy and could only occasionally visit Naruto.

With no one to teach him, it was no wonder.

Naruto was overjoyed. Enrolling in the academy had allowed him to make many good friends. He felt his life was changing like never before.

"I'm full!" Ino said, looking at Shinho. "Thank you for the meal, Shinho-kun."

"I-I'm full too, thank you," Hinata hesitated for a few seconds, then put down her fish skewer and said softly.

Shinho glanced at her.

She certainly wasn't full.