"You'll get used to it! Besides, dog food isn't nearly as good as potato chips!" Shikamaru said, munching lazily, barely chewing between words.
Kaito pretended not to hear the complaints and gently wiped Ino's hands, smiling as he turned to the side. "You must be Asuma Sensei. Please take good care of Ino from now on."
"If possible, take care of both of them," Kaito added casually, noticing Shikamaru's resentful glare.
Asuma: He's already showing off the moment he arrives… Is this really okay? If I were a kid, I'd probably give him a beating just to teach him what it means to provoke someone with a short fuse.
But something he said suddenly clicked in Asuma's mind, his eyes narrowing slightly in confusion. "Your Ino? Are you married to Ino?"
"Nope! But it's only a matter of time. Once Ino's a little older, we'll be married," Kaito replied.
Asuma: What kind of nonsense is this? I've completely lost my appetite.
"By the way, Kaito! Asuma-sensei said we're getting barbecue tonight! Come with us! You'll be alone otherwise. Plus, you eat like crazy at night anyway, so this'll help you save a bit!" Ino whispered excitedly, tugging Kaito's sleeve.
Asuma: Why is there a dark cloud forming above my head...
You three are my students, so I don't mind treating you. But why should I invite him too?
And from what I'm hearing, this guy's a massive eater. It's bad enough paying for Choji—if I have to feed another one like him, we'll be here until dawn.
Asuma twitched, but forced a smile for the sake of dignity. "Well, if Ino insists... fine. Come with us tonight."
"Then I'll gladly accept," Kaito replied with a grin.
"Sure, sure," Asuma muttered, already thinking about how much money he had left. Maybe it was time to hit his old man up for a loan.
Kaito rolled his eyes playfully. "Hey, I noticed Class 8's training spot isn't far from here. How about we invite them to join us for a little group dinner?"
"Not a bad idea! Depends on whether Kurenai agrees, though."
Asuma's earlier frustration disappeared as he looked at Kaito with newfound appreciation. This kid's alright.
"I'll go ask, but—just so we're clear—you're paying for it," Kaito said slyly, flashing a fox-like smile.
"No problem," Asuma agreed instantly.
"Perfect! I'll be right back," Kaito said, disappearing in a blur.
"So fast!" Asuma muttered, eyes widening. Is that Body Flicker Technique?
---
"Why are you here again?" Kiba groaned, clearly annoyed by Kaito's sudden appearance.
"Man, I was gonna invite you all out for barbecue, but maybe I'll just head out instead…" Kaito sighed dramatically.
"I don't care about barbecue or anything," Kiba huffed. But his stomach betrayed him with a loud growl.
Another tsundere, Kaito thought to himself.
"I'm serious, Class 10 wants to have a joint dinner with your team at the barbecue place tonight. And don't worry—Asuma-sensei's footing the bill!" Kaito said with mock solemnity.
"But it depends on whether your teacher agrees." He turned to Yuhi Kurenai with a smile.
Kurenai frowned slightly. She was in the same class as Asuma back in the day, and honestly, she never thought much of him. Now he was trying to pursue her again, but she'd been giving him the cold shoulder on purpose.
Kaito, though…
A kind guy who's warm, affectionate, and can cook? Honestly, if he wasn't so much younger than her, she might've considered going after him herself.
Snap out of it, Kurenai reminded herself. She had initially planned to decline the dinner, but seeing the hopeful eyes of her students… she wavered.
It's just a meal. Worst case, I can just ignore Asuma.
"Alright. We'll be there with Team 8 this evening," she finally said.
---
That night — Konoha's most luxurious barbecue restaurant.
Yuhi Kurenai arrived with Team 8 on schedule.
Everyone dug in with enthusiasm.
Kurenai remained cold and distant, barely responding to Asuma's awkward attempts to make conversation.
Kaito didn't bother with any of that. He was too busy grilling and eating. After all, a free meal like this wasn't something to waste.
The teachers looked a little stiff, but the students were relaxed and cheerful.
Kaito even challenged Choji to an eating contest!
One hour, two hours… empty plates began to pile up in front of Kaito.
Asuma gave up on flirting entirely and just kept praying they'd finish soon.
He had to borrow a million ryo from his father just to cover this dinner, and now it looked like even that might not be enough.
Sweat trickled down his forehead. Never again. I'm never taking these kids out again.
Kurenai glanced at him and chuckled softly.
"Asuma's definitely going to bleed for this one," she muttered.
--
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