Chapter 124: 124
The midday sun bathed the village in warm light as Sakumo and his three students made their way down the winding streets of Konoha. The sounds of everyday life surrounded them: villagers going about their business, merchants calling out deals from their stalls, and the distant laughter of children playing. It was a peaceful contrast to the intense training they had just finished, the sweat and exhaustion still clinging to their bodies from the grueling 3-on-1 challenge. Yet, despite the fatigue, there was a lightness in the air—a sense of accomplishment that seemed to lift their spirits as they walked.
Haruto stretched his arms behind his head, his stomach already growling in anticipation of the meal to come. "I can't believe we actually did it," he muttered, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I thought for sure Sensei had us back there."
Daichi, walking beside him, grinned as well, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Same here! I didn't think I had that last burst of chakra in me, but hey, an Uzumaki's gotta give it everything." He rubbed his belly, clearly already thinking ahead to the food. "And now we're getting treated to BBQ. I'm so ready for this."
Shisui, ever the quiet and composed one, walked a few steps ahead, his hands in his pockets. "It was a good strategy in the end. We failed a few times, but we adapted." His eyes flicked over to Sakumo, who walked ahead of them with his usual calm presence. "Sensei pushed us, and it worked."
As they turned a corner, the scent of grilling meat hit them like a warm, savory wave, and even Shisui couldn't help but take a deeper breath. The BBQ joint they were heading to wasn't fancy by any means, but it was a favorite among shinobi. The simple wooden exterior and the constant stream of patrons were a testament to its popularity. The sounds of sizzling meat and happy chatter filled the air as they approached, and Haruto's stomach growled even louder.
"Here we are," Sakumo said as they reached the entrance. He gave the three boys a quick glance, clearly amused by their eagerness. "Don't hold back, boys. You earned it."
As the three Genin dug into their food at the bustling BBQ joint in the village, Sakumo's words echoed in their minds: "Don't hold back."
Shisui, seated calmly across from Haruto and Daichi, couldn't help but think back to the dinner they'd had at Haruto's place the other night. It had been clear then—Haruto and Daichi could eat. Especially Haruto, who practically devoured his food like it might be his last meal. Shisui hadn't thought much of it then, but now, sitting here, he had a sneaking suspicion that Sakumo might regret his generous offer. The gleam in Haruto's eyes was unmistakable, and Shisui figured their sensei had no idea what he was in for.
Haruto, on the other hand, could barely contain his excitement. This wasn't just any meal—this was a feast, and it wasn't coming out of his pocket. He had never eaten out at a place like this before; his village subsidy barely covered his essentials, so treating himself to something like BBQ was unheard of. For a moment, he thought about holding back out of courtesy. But then he shrugged off the thought. He was ready for this.
Sakumo sat back, observing quietly as they ate. Shisui, as expected, was composed, eating a reasonable amount for a ninja in training—calculated and efficient, just like everything else about him.
Then there was Daichi, who dug into his food with enthusiasm, piling his plate high. It was a lot, but nothing too surprising for an Uzumaki, given their immense chakra reserves.
But it was Haruto who left Sakumo nearly speechless. The boy devoured plate after plate with an appetite that seemed to have no end. Sakumo blinked, momentarily taken aback. He'd heard stories of some Genin having impressive appetites, but this… this was something else. There were no words.
Sakumo glanced between the boys. Shisui seemed unfazed, though he cast the occasional curious glance at Haruto's growing stack of empty plates. Daichi grinned, as if expecting this from the start.
Sakumo chuckled to himself quietly. Well, I did say not to hold back.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone