"It's been so long since we last met. How about we get together for a meal? I'll treat everyone to barbecue."
After leaving the school, Izayoi extended an invitation to Team 7 and Team 10.
Upon hearing this, Akimichi Choji and Uzumaki Naruto immediately lit up with excitement.
"That sounds great, but let's split the bill," Nara Shikamaru nodded but made a request.
After all, he was well aware of how astonishing Choji's appetite could be.
Even Asuma-sensei, an Elite Jonin, had been forced to borrow money from the restaurant owner more than once because of Choji's eating habits.
Shikamaru also knew a bit about Izayoi's family situation.
An orphan from a civilian family, Izayoi relied solely on his parents' inheritance and the village's pension.
Even after working as a Genin for several months, the money he earned might not be enough to cover Choji's barbecue feast.
"It's fine, eat as much as you want. I have quite a bit of savings," Izayoi, who had already become a super-rich figure in the Shinobi World, flashed a smile that filled Naruto and Choji with admiration.
Seeing this, Shikamaru didn't say anything more, planning to return the favor later.
At that moment, Uchiha Sasuke dampened the mood by saying, "I want to go back and train."
"Training can wait. Consider today a chance to relax," Izayoi patted Sasuke's shoulder, but his eyes were filled with a threatening glint.
"Fine."
Knowing what would happen if he refused Izayoi, Sasuke crossed his arms in a tsundere manner, pretending to reluctantly agree.
Meanwhile, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino's eyes sparkled as they began fantasizing about sitting next to Sasuke during the meal.
Soon, as if they could read each other's minds, they glared at one another, their gazes locking like a line of fire.
Arriving at the largest barbecue restaurant in the Leaf Village, the Nine Rookie Ninja pushed three tables together and began their first barbecue gathering.
Naruto, who had never eaten anything particularly good, competed with Choji to see who could eat more barbecue.
Ino and Sakura sat next to Sasuke, constantly trying to curry favor, only to be met with Sasuke's disdain.
Shikamaru and Aburame Shino sat together, sipping juice and chatting with Izayoi about the candidates they had observed during the exams.
While responding, Izayoi skillfully grilled meat for Hinata and placed it on her plate.
Hinata silently focused on her meal, appearing very ladylike. But upon closer inspection, one would notice that her speed was no less than Naruto and Choji's voracious eating.
Her appetite was even more astonishing than Naruto's, rivaling Choji's.
Gradually, Shikamaru noticed this and looked at Hinata with amazement.
Could someone's appetite really match Choji's?
This young lady from a prestigious family was truly impressive!
As the gathering neared its end, Izayoi pulled out a camera from who-knows-where and had his Shadow Clone take a group photo for them.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen this scene, he would have sighed, "This is the future of the Leaf Village!"
This meal cost Izayoi over a hundred thousand ryo.
In the past, this would have been a significant financial blow to him.
After all, over six years, he had only saved a little over three hundred thousand ryo.
But now, this amount was nothing more than a drop in the bucket.
This meal brought the classmates who had studied together for six years much closer.
Previously, they hadn't been part of the same social circles, but now, a small group was subtly forming.
Only Izayoi knew just how significant this group was.
Among them were two saviors and Hokage candidates, along with heirs to prestigious families, future leaders of the Leaf Village Hospital and intelligence departments, and even suppliers of Soldier Pills, among others...
In the past, Izayoi had been solely focused on enhancing his Talents, leaving no time to make friends.
Now that his Ninja Aptitude had reached the level of the Six Paths, and considering he would be living in the Leaf Village for the foreseeable future, Izayoi didn't mind expanding his social connections.
...
The next day, at 2 PM.
Ring, ring, ring...
The sound of the alarm clock woke Hinata from her afternoon nap. Rubbing her eyes, she first glanced at Izayoi, who was still sound asleep beside her, then quietly got out of bed, tied her hair into a bun, and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.
"Izayoi-kun, it's time to wake up."
After finishing her own morning routine, Hinata squeezed toothpaste onto Izayoi's toothbrush before gently waking him.
"What time is it?" Izayoi mumbled groggily.
"It's already 2 PM."
"Just one more hour, let me sleep a bit longer."
"No way, get up now."
Hinata pulled off the blanket and lightly nudged Izayoi's body, preventing him from going back to sleep.
"Then give me a kiss, or I won't get up," Izayoi bargained.
"Mwah..."
Hinata pouted, her cheeks slightly flushed, but she leaned down and kissed Izayoi's forehead.
"Too light, I didn't feel it."
Muah!
"Kiss my cheek."
Muah!
"And this side," Izayoi pointed to his other cheek, his eyes now open and a mischievous grin on his face.
"Izayoi-kun, do you know who you're acting like right now? Just like Hanabi."
Hinata rolled her eyes at Izayoi, but her cheeks still red as she leaned over to peck his other cheek with just the right amount of pressure.
Then she pulled Izayoi up.
"Hanabi practically grew up with us, so it's no surprise she's similar to me," Izayoi chuckled, pinching Hinata's flushed cheeks and giving her a kiss in return.
"Go brush your teeth, your breath stinks."
Hinata's face turned even redder as she pretended to be disgusted and pushed Izayoi into the bathroom.
While brushing his teeth, Izayoi mumbled, "Hinata, could you open the desk drawer and bring me the red box inside?"
"Sure."
Hinata, who had been about to go pour Izayoi some milk, nodded in agreement.
Soon, Hinata returned with the box in hand.
She didn't leave but stood by, waiting for Izayoi to finish his morning routine.
Quickly, Izayoi rinsed his mouth and washed his face.
After drying his face with the towel Hinata handed him, Izayoi opened the box, revealing two lenses inside.
"Are these... glasses?" Hinata asked, surprised.
"No, these are colored contact lenses."
Izayoi activated his Tenseigan and then put on the colored contact lenses.
His originally sky-blue eyes, with white flowing patterns around the pupils, returned to their deep blue hue.
These were the items Izayoi had purchased in the city where his villa was located before returning to the Leaf Village.
Seeing Izayoi conceal his Tenseigan, the perceptive Hinata immediately seemed to realize something and spoke with a serious expression, "Izayoi-kun, is there danger in this Chunin Exam?"
Having witnessed the power of Repulsion and Attraction, Hinata didn't believe there was anyone among the Genin who could be a match for Izayoi.
But now, Izayoi had put on colored contact lenses, clearly preparing to use Repulsion and Attraction while not wanting others to discover his Eye Technique.
What kind of enemy would warrant such caution? Hinata's mood grew slightly heavy.
"It's just a precaution. If things go smoothly, it'll be easy. If not, there might be a fierce battle."
Izayoi looked at his reflection in the mirror and revealed a meaningful smile.
(End of Chapter)