章 11: Heat of the Grill, Heat of the Moment
Ino stared at Gojo in awe, then nudged Sakura, pulling her closer. "Hey, billboard brow, is that your teacher? He's actually… so handsome! Way cooler than even, Sasuke!"
Sakura nodded, a bit exasperated. "Trust me, I thought the same thing." She clenched her fists, recalling Gojo's endless teasing. "But after dealing with him… it's complicated."
"Oh, please! With a teacher that gorgeous, what's there to complain about?" Ino rolled her eyes, casting a quick glance at her own team: Shikamaru, Chōji, and Asuma. Shikamaru was always muttering about everything being "a drag." Chōji spent half his time snacking, and while Asuma had his charm, he was… well, older.
"It's rough on this side too, you know." She shrugged, glancing back at Gojo. "And look at you—with your team, you've got two heartthrobs! Why do you get all the luck?"
"Ino-pig, maybe it's because I'm just more charming than you." Sakura smirked, flipping her hair with mock pride.
Meanwhile, Gojo heard the two girls whispering. Hopeless, he thought, just two lovesick teens.
"Asuma, glad you could join us." Gojo said, nudging Sasuke. "You know, he's treating us to barbecue today."
"Really?" Sakura's eyes sparkled as she turned to Asuma with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Mr. Asuma!"
Naruto pumped his fist. "Alright! The high-grade meat is mine tonight!"
Sasuke rolled his eyes, unfazed. He muttered, "Hmph, idiots." He could already tell this was another one of Gojo's setups.
Asuma's expression twitched as he eyed Sakura and Naruto's expectant faces. There was no backing out now, not with everyone watching—especially Kurenai. His pride wouldn't let him.
Gojo chuckled, nudging him again. "Hey, Asuma and I go way back. Least he can do is treat my team."
Naruto's grin grew. "Alright, bring on the top-grade cuts!"
Asuma sighed, glancing at his wallet. "Well, looks like it's on me, Team Ten." he said, patting Shikamaru and Chōji on the shoulder.
Kurenai raised her glass, calling over, "Gojo, we've got room at our table if you all want to join us." Her tone was casual, but her gaze suggested a bit more.
Gojo raised an eyebrow, looking over the crowded space at Kurenai. "Mind if I, sit on your lap while we eat?"
Kurenai choked on her drink, regaining her composure with a thinly veiled smirk. "What do you think?"
Only Gojo would have the nerve to say something like that. He'd always been a bit of a rogue, but after he'd saved her life two years ago, she'd come to see him differently.
Shino, seated beside Kurenai, cleared his throat. "Why don't we all eat together?" he said, his flat tone tinged with rare social insight.
Kurenai smiled gratefully. "It's good to foster camaraderie. Who knows? We might end up on a mission together." She cast Shino a warm look, acknowledging his timely intervention.
Kiba grumbled, "Camaraderie? Who'd want that with a knucklehead like Naruto? Spend enough time with him, and you'll end up as clueless as he is."
Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Say that again, dog breath! You calling me dumb?"
Kiba stood up, glaring. "Careful what you say about Akamaru!" The small white puppy poked out of Kiba's jacket, growling softly.
Naruto stood up too, fists clenched. "You think I'll back down? I'm gonna be Hokage one day!"
Kiba scoffed. "Hokage? Only someone as tough as me could pull that off."
"Oh, you're on, dog boy!" Naruto's eyes blazed.
"Akamaru agrees with me," Kiba grinned, scratching the pup's head.
Sasuke finally set his chopsticks down, rolling his eyes. "Idiots."
Sakura tugged on Gojo's sleeve. "Gojo-sensei, maybe step in?"
Gojo shrugged. "Ah, youth's gotta burn. Builds character." He sprinkled more sugar on the sizzling meat. "Besides, they'll work it out."
Sakura smacked her forehead. Why did she think Gojo-sensei would actually help? She glanced at the grill, watching the prime cuts soak in sugar.
Kurenai, observing the commotion, finally intervened. "Kiba. Sit down and eat."
"But, Sensei—"
Her eyes flashed, warm but steely. "Eat."
Kiba slumped back into his seat, muttering as he picked up his chopsticks.
Kurenai shot Gojo an apologetic look. "Sorry, Gojo-sensei. My team's a handful, but they're good kids."
"No worries." Gojo replied, chuckling. "Growth needs a little rivalry now and then."
Across the table, Kurenai felt a twinge of disappointment. She'd hoped Gojo might actually come over. But with all this ruckus, that chance was probably gone.
Aburame Shino glanced over at Kiba, then quietly muttered, "You're an idiot."
"What? Why?" Kiba frowned.
"You'll understand someday." Shino replied dryly.
Kiba shook his head, muttering under his breath. Shino was impossible to figure out.
Hinata, quietly observing, cast a shy look toward Gojo. "Gojo-sensei… he's really impressive."
Naruto took a bite of meat and winced. "Sensei, way too much sugar—totally ruins it!"
"Sugar is the romance of life, Naruto," Gojo replied smoothly, taking a satisfied bite.
"Gross!" Naruto spat out the meat, gagging.
Sakura shot a long-suffering glance at the grill. Any hope of a decent meal was clearly gone.
"It's… unpleasant." Sasuke said, setting his chopsticks aside.
Kurenai chuckled, watching Gojo across the room. She remembered a time when he was a wild force, dangerous and untamed. But ever since becoming a teacher, he'd softened—just a little. She suspected Tsunade had encouraged him to take on Team Seven, likely hoping he'd find a more peaceful path.
"Gojo's done well." she murmured thoughtfully.
Hinata nodded, blushing faintly. "He's… really wonderful."
Kurenai glanced at her, surprised by the warmth in Hinata's voice.
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