Konoha: The Honored One

The village's best barbecue spot was bustling, with mostly fresh Genin teams and their instructors filling up the tables.

"Gojo-sensei is so slow. I'm starving!" Sakura grumbled, glancing at the clock with a look of frustration. She crossed her arms over her rumbling stomach. "We agreed to wait three minutes. It's been five already! Are we going to be an hour late again like this morning?"

Deep down, though, Sakura was secretly thrilled. An hour late meant more time alone with Sasuke!

Normally, Sasuke kept to himself, going straight home after class. Ever since Team Seven had been formed, getting close to him had been near impossible—especially with Naruto constantly around. But tonight, it was just her and Sasuke, a rare opportunity she didn't intend to waste.

Sasuke, lounging with his chin propped on folded arms, glanced at her. "What's on your mind, Sakura?"

In truth, he was preoccupied with the private conversation Gojo was having with Naruto. Had Gojo decided to give Naruto special attention after today's assessment? It didn't make sense. Sasuke's performance had been leagues ahead of Naruto's!

Sakura's cheeks flushed as she toyed with the hem of her shirt. "Oh, I was just... um, thinking it's nice to talk one-on-one."

Before she could finish, Sasuke cut her off, his tone cold. "What do you think about Naruto?"

He was curious about her opinion on Naruto's surprising use of the Shadow Clone technique.

Sakura rolled her eyes. "Naruto? He can be so annoying. It's exhausting, really, especially with him always trying to compete with you. I feel bad for his parents."

She had no clue about Naruto's true background, judging him based only on what she saw.

Sasuke's expression darkened at the mention of parents. "You don't know what you're talking about," he said sharply. "You've had parents your whole life. What could you possibly know about him?"

Sakura's eyes widened, taken aback by his sudden change in tone. Sasuke seemed colder than ever, distant and unreachable.

Before the silence could stretch further, a familiar, energetic voice cut through the tension.

"Sasuke! Sakura! Fancy running into you two here!" It was Ino, waving brightly as she entered, followed by her teammates and their instructor, Asuma.

"Ino-pig?" Sakura's surprise quickly morphed into irritation.

Ino's eyes narrowed as she spotted Sakura and Sasuke together. "Well, well, forehead! Looks like you got Sasuke all to yourself."

Sakura shot back, "We're on the same team, Ino-pig! I don't need your permission to spend time with him."

"Forehead girl!"

"Ino pig!"

"Forehead flat-chest!"

"Big-bust show-off!"

Their bickering resumed as if they were back in their academy days, drawing a sigh from the surrounding teammates who were all too familiar with the daily rivalry.

Meanwhile, Asuma strolled over, blowing out a puff of smoke. "So, Team Seven's celebrating here, too? I don't see Gojo Satoru or Naruto."

"Gojo-sensei took Naruto for a private talk, so we're just waiting here," Sakura explained with a sigh, her hunger evident.

Asuma's expression flickered thoughtfully. He recalled the surge of powerful chakra sensed on the village outskirts earlier. The Third Hokage had said it was a classified matter. Could it have been Gojo's doing?

Sasuke leaned forward, excitement flaring in his eyes. "Asuma-sensei, do you know what they're up to?"

Asuma ruffled Chōji's hair and sidestepped the question. "Chōji, let's go order some meat."

"Tch." Sasuke clicked his tongue in frustration. The thought of Naruto receiving secret training gnawed at him.

Just then, Kurenai Yuhi entered the restaurant with her team, Hinata, Kiba, and Shino.

"Hey, Kurenai!" Asuma greeted her, feeling awkward but determined to keep things casual. After his recent confession and her gentle rejection, bumping into her like this was bittersweet.

Kurenai smiled politely, "Hello, Asuma." She then turned to her team, "Alright, everyone, enjoy your meal. We'll be training hard tomorrow."

Asuma scratched the back of his head, struggling to mask his discomfort. Shikamaru, aware of his teacher's situation, muttered under his breath, "Love really is a pain."

Having advised Asuma about the confession, Shikamaru had anticipated this outcome. His teacher's deflated expression only confirmed it.

Suddenly, a teasing voice called out from the entrance. "Hey, why's everyone just sitting around without any meat? Waiting for your beloved sensei?"

Heads turned, and there stood Gojo with Naruto draped over his shoulder, looking worn out.

Kurenai greeted him with a smile. "Hello, Gojo."

"Yo, Kurenai." Gojo replied, giving her a mischievous grin. "Maybe take it easy on the meat, though; you're already…quite well-endowed."

Kurenai's cheeks flushed as she looked away, not taking the bait.

Asuma clenched his jaw, recognizing the flirtatious exchange instantly. He had tried so hard to win her over, yet it was clear her attention was drawn elsewhere.

With a resigned sigh, he muttered to himself, "Guess women these days prefer the playful types."