Chapter 27: Chapter 27
In the brightly lit, Japanese-style private room, the blonde girl Ino glanced sideways at her neighbor, her clear eyes sparkling with mischief. Her soft pink lips moved as she spoke words laced with obvious matchmaking intent.
"This is what girl friendships are all about. I'm so jealous, Kakashi!"
The bearded Asuma Sarutobi, seated among the three jonin, elbowed Kakashi under the table while whispering.
He raised his eyebrows at Kakashi, silently signaling: See? Girls know how to fight for their love—now it's your turn. Help me get together with Kurenai.
"I knew you didn't invite me to this barbecue for no reason," Kakashi sighed, his dull eyes drooping. Still, he raised his right hand and formed an OK sign.
He'd just been released from solitary confinement by the Third Hokage, and now Asuma was already pulling favors. Like father, like son… Neither of them ever have good intentions. When will I finally be left alone to read my "Make-Out Paradise" in peace?
After receiving Kakashi's signal, Asuma turned his gaze to the mature and beautiful Kurenai Yuhi, his heart fluttering with anticipation. He hoped Kakashi would do some matchmaking later.
Kakashi, meanwhile, glanced at the woman too and sighed inwardly. Asuma really found the right guy to ask for help. I've never been in a relationship myself, but I've read enough theory from "Make-Out Paradise" to write a textbook.
With a new mission at hand, he shifted his attention to Ino and Sakura. So, how does one actually set people up? Hm… I guess I need to study this further.
But it seemed like Ino had matched the wrong pair—Sakura clearly liked Naruto.
Everyone except Naruto, Shikamaru, and Choji—who had already started grilling meat—and Sasuke, who sat off to the side wearing his usual icy expression, were watching Ino.
Even Sakura, who had been tugging on Naruto's sleeve a moment ago, paused and turned to Ino, disbelief in her eyes.
If Ino had said something like this three months ago, Sakura would've been thrilled and maybe even patched things up with her. But now? Things had clearly changed.
"Ino, what are you talking about? I just… I just think of Sasuke as a teammate, that's all."
Sakura glanced nervously at Naruto, trying to gauge his reaction, then quickly pushed her chair back.
"You're always saying you want to pursue Sasuke, right? So go sit with him. Naruto and I will give you the seat."
She shot Ino a deliberate wink, thinking, Ino, you're so bold—but this time I'll step aside and let you have your moment.
But Ino just shook her head lightly. "No, no, no. Honestly, back then I was just competing with you—I never really liked Sasuke like that. Now, I want to help you two. Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
Silly girl, please don't mess this up, Sakura thought in frustration, her eyes darting to Naruto again, afraid he'd misunderstood Ino's "helpful" intentions.
"Ino, stop making assumptions. I really do see Sasuke as just a friend," Sakura insisted, sending her another frantic wink.
Across the room, Sasuke finally raised an eyebrow. Even though he normally didn't care about these kinds of things, the idea of being tossed around like a spare plum bothered him.
Still, none of that mattered to him now. His attention was locked on Naruto, who was busy brushing oil onto the barbecue meat.
I will defeat you, Naruto. And then I'll kill him...
Meanwhile, Ino scooted a few seats over, stopping right next to Naruto.
"It just so happens I have something private I need to talk to Naruto about. So Sakura, why don't you go sit with Sasuke-kun?" Ino said with a smile.
Hinata, sitting nearby, glanced down at her hands. Watching Ino sit beside Naruto made her heart ache with envy.
I really admire Ino's courage… If only I had that kind of bravery to sit next to Naruto-kun.
Sakura frowned. Her instincts screamed that something wasn't right.
"If you've got something to say, just say it in front of everyone," she said suspiciously.
"Nope. This is between Naruto and me," Ino replied firmly.
"What could you possibly have to talk to him about?" Sakura snapped, her voice sharp.
Tension rose quickly in the room. The two girls, who'd never really gotten along, were now clearly in another face-off—this time, over Naruto.
Yet Naruto seemed oblivious to it all. He focused entirely on flipping the barbecue meat, trying not to let the gluttonous Choji steal the best pieces.
"Naruto, hand me the long chopsticks so I can flip the meat. It's starting to burn," he said to Sasuke.
"Here," Sasuke replied, tossing them over.
"Thanks."
At that moment, Ino gently tugged on Naruto's sleeve.
"Come sit next to me," she said sweetly, patting the empty spot beside her.
To Sakura, it looked like Ino was flirting with her man. And yes—her man, again.
Why again? Because last time, Naruto was hugged by that mysterious masked female ninja from the Hidden Mist right in front of her. That was already unbearable.
Before Naruto could even respond, Sakura cut in.
"Naruto, switch seats with me. Don't sit next to her."
Ino's smile faded slightly. She grabbed Naruto's other shoulder.
"Don't listen to her. Sit here. I really do need to ask you something important."
"Naruto, change seats," Sakura insisted, grabbing his opposite shoulder. "Whatever she has to say, she can say it to me. I'll pass the message."
"Forehead girl, are you looking for a fight?"
"Well, boar girl, what if I am?" Sakura shot back.
The two glared at each other, and the whole room grew tense. A fight seemed imminent.
The three jonin sitting across from them watched with keen interest. The spark of gossip gleamed in their eyes.
Who would've thought these kids' emotions were more complicated than ours? Kakashi mused.
Asuma, meanwhile, was half-tempted to ask Naruto for tips on dating. Maybe even pay tuition for lessons.
At the center of the storm, Naruto sipped his cold herbal tea with a bored expression.
Summer was the perfect time for iced drinks—and maybe some cola would've made it even better. The only downside was the two noisy girls at his sides.
"Ahhh…" Naruto sighed, setting his drink down and slapping both their hands off his shoulders.
"Can you two stop fighting already? It's seriously annoying!"
[Choice Triggered!]
[While trying to enjoy some barbecue, your mood is ruined by Ino and Sakura's argument. You don't want to deal with either of them right now. Your options are:]
Option 1: Scold both girls, then drag Sasuke away to eat somewhere else.→ Reward: (Uchiha Sako - simulated rubber model)
Option 2: Flip the table and leave. No one gets to eat.→ Reward: (200,000 ryo)
Option 3: Say something harsh to both girls and confess your love to the only adult woman present—Kurenai Yuhi.→ Reward: (Talent: Evil Little Yellow Hair)