The most famous barbecue restaurant in Konoha is Yakiniku Q.
Rumor has it that the Akimichi clan holds shares in the restaurant, but no one knows for sure.
However, Yami knows that this rumor is true.
The secret techniques of the Akimichi clan consume an enormous amount of physical energy, requiring them to supplement their diet with high-nutrient food. One Akimichi is equivalent to five shinobi from other clans in terms of food consumption. If they relied solely on their ninja salaries, half of them would probably starve. Naturally, they had to engage in business to support their clan.
The prices at Yakiniku Q are steep—even for shinobi. Even the Akimichi themselves have to pay for their meals; it's not as if they can eat for free.
No wonder Akimichi Chōji always looks so happy when he comes here, while Asuma seems so depressed.
If even the Hokage's son struggles like this, what about Hyūga Hizashi?
Although he is a veteran Jōnin, he rarely takes on missions. The primary duty of the Hyūga branch family is to protect the main family, and a portion of their mission rewards must be handed over. As a result, Hizashi's financial situation is merely average.
When he saw Yami order twenty servings of marinated beef with secret sauce, Hizashi nearly fainted.
"Y-Yami…" Hizashi's lips trembled. "Twenty servings is… a lot. Can we really finish all of it? Maybe just take half first?"
"Don't worry, Hizashi-sensei."
Yami responded with a bright, confident smile. "I have a big appetite, and I skipped breakfast. Twenty plates are just for me. You can order whatever you want. Don't hold back on my account."
Who's holding back because of you?!
Thankfully, the two girls remained composed. They each ordered only three plates of barbecue, along with some snacks and side dishes.
Shortly after, the waiter brought their food. There wasn't enough space on the table, so they had to bring in a serving cart.
Since they were already here, Hizashi accepted his fate and decided not to dwell on the cost.
He even ordered a bottle of sake for himself.
"Kurenai, Yugao, do you want anything?"
"I'll have shōchū!" Kurenai said excitedly.
Yugao, on the other hand, shook her head. "I'll have milk, just like Yami."
Technically, shinobi follow three prohibitions, alcohol, lust, and money. And strictly speaking, Kurenai and Yugao weren't adults yet.
But being a shinobi was a high-risk profession. The last great war had ended just a few years ago, and no one knew what the future held. They made money, but they lived under constant pressure. Everyone needed an outlet.
Among the three prohibitions, alcohol was the least harmful—so long as it wasn't consumed on a mission.
Besides, if children barely older than toddlers could be sent to war, then what was the big deal about having a drink?
The drinks arrived. The four of them clinked their glasses together.
Kurenai even nudged her cup toward Yami, raising an eyebrow slightly.
Her expression said, "You're still just a kid—want your big sister to take care of you?"
Yami ignored her and stuffed two slices of beef into his mouth.
What's wrong with being small? He'd grow eventually.
Eat more now. Then order the next round, because the meat is where the money is at. He was here to make a profit, not to enjoy life.
Kurenai was not amused. She made a mental note of this and turned to chat with Yugao and Hizashi, ignoring Yami in a huff.
The atmosphere gradually became lively. Hizashi didn't act like a strict mentor, instead behaving like a casual uncle next door, sharing his experiences as a shinobi.
As the conversation shifted to everyday topics, one name came up frequently—Neji Hyūga, who was only two or three years old.
Whenever Neji was mentioned, a smile never left Hizashi's face.
After some time, he turned his gaze to Yami, who had been silently focused on eating.
With a hint of heartache, he sighed.
"I'd be satisfied if Neji had even half of Yami's talent in the future…"
Kurenai immediately encouraged him, "Sensei, don't worry! Neji will definitely surpass this guy one day!"
"I don't know about surpassing me."
Yami swallowed a large bite of beef and continued, "But he'll definitely be better than you."
Kurenai gritted her teeth in frustration.
"Stupid brat! Just wait until you can drink, I'll get you wasted and embarrass you!"
Yami ignored her and kept eating.
Hizashi grew anxious.
"Yami, have mercy! If you keep eating like this, I'll have to stay behind to wash the dishes!"
—
Half an hour later.
Hizashi stared at the 100,000-ryō bill, his eyes filled with despair.
This was almost as much as a B-rank mission reward!
And a B-rank mission's reward was split between four people on a team.
The sky is falling…
Neji, if you don't grow tall in the future, don't blame your father.
Blame Shimura Yami. He ate all your milk powder money.
"I'd be a fool to treat you to barbecue again!" Hizashi pointed at Yami in frustration, then sighed and got serious.
"We're resting tomorrow. The day after, we'll start taking on missions. Yami, even though you're a Genin, you won't be doing D-rank missions."
"Prepare yourselves. Replenish your ninja tools and make sure you're in peak condition. Meet at the entrance of the Hokage Building at nine o'clock the day after tomorrow."
"Yes!"
The three of them responded, then said their goodbyes, each heading home.
Yugao watched as Yami disappeared into the darkness, a hint of determination in her eyes…
—
Root Base
Yami did not go home. Instead, he headed straight for the Root base.
He figured the old man was probably holed up here, scheming as usual.
And he was right.
When Yami arrived, Danzō was seated in his office.
"Old man, I'm back." Yami sat down on the sofa.
Danzō put down his pen and looked up at him.
"How are your new teammates and teacher? Satisfied?"
"They're alright." Yami nodded.
Strength-wise, they were passable—at least not a burden. And visually? Two prime-age beauties were always a pleasant sight.
But Yami had a burning question.
"Old man, the Hyūga branch family doesn't normally lead teams as Jōnin. So why did Hizashi suddenly become my leader?"
"And why are Yugao and Kurenai, both Chunin on my team?"
"What happened to my previous teammates?"
At this, Danzō laughed.
And he looked very, very pleased with himself.
(To be continued.)
***
Bonus chapter. Eid Mubarak ✨️ to my Muslim readers.
Junkdog's Note: A deal for you this week: I'll release two chapters per day. All I need is your support for the first three days, those are the most important. You'll still get bonus chapters, and if we do well, I might keep releasing two chapters per day. So, support this book if you enjoy it.