After the final bell rang, Senju Gojo stretched his arms overhead, yawning widely.
His classmates began to file out of the classroom, the usual chaos unfolding as Naruto and Sasuke continued their seemingly endless debate.
"Listen, Sasuke! The best ninja food is obviously ramen! You just can't beat the good old Chuu Chuu Ramen!"
Naruto exclaimed, waving his hands excitedly as he stepped out into the hallway.
Sasuke crossed his arms, giving Naruto a unimpressed look. "Nonsense. It's all about the onigiri.
Ramen is just a flashy distraction, like your whole personality."
In the midst of their bickering, Uchiha Shizuka made her entrance—she stepped out of the classroom, a determined look on her face.
Without a word, she marched towards her brother, grabbed his collar, and pulled him away.
"Stop arguing already, Sasuke! Come home before I retaliate with a prank of epic proportions!"
Shizuka huffed, dragging him away while leaving a baffled Naruto behind.
"Hey! Don't drag your brother away from an important argument! The fate of the culinary world is at stake!"
Naruto called after them, though he was met with no response.
Gojo watched the spectacle with Shikamaru, who shrugged in a nonchalant manner.
"Some people just can't let go of their pride. But you have to admit, that was kind of funny."
"Yeah! It's like watching a sitcom unfold!" Gojo replied with a chuckle and a yawn, his exhaustion creeping back in.
They strolled alongside Ino, Hinata, and Sakura, who slowed down their steps to converse quietly.
"Why is Uchiha Shizuka so proactive today?" Ino wondered, tilting her head thoughtfully.
Sakura crossed her arms, a glint of mischief in her eyes.
"I think she's trying to stoke the flames of their sibling rivalry. It's like watching a drama unfold live."
Hinata chimed in softly, "Maybe she's finally realized how charming Gojo is and wants him all to herself."
"And what about us?" Ino asked dramatically, clasping her hands together.
"We simply cannot allow Shizuka to hog all of Gojo's attention. It's time we put our plan in action!"
"What plan?" Gojo asked, catching just a hint of their conversation, his curiosity piqued.
"Nothing!" the three girls chorused, their expressions too innocent, which only made Gojo more suspicious.
"Fine, keep your secrets. But I'm still getting barbecue later!" Gojo teased, a smirk spreading across his face as he led everyone outside.
---
As they strolled together, Gojo suddenly had an idea. "Hey, how about we all head to the Akimichi barbecue shop? I'll treat everyone!"
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Really? You're not just saying that?"
"Yeah, really! We've trained hard today, and I think we deserve a feast."
The girls immediately squealed in delight, and even Shikamaru reluctantly nodded, though he would have preferred a lazy day at home. "I suppose a little meat won't hurt," he said, pretending to think hard about it.
As the group made their way to the barbecue shop, the excitement surged, and the air was filled with laughter and anticipation.
Once they arrived, they quickly settled at a long table. Gojo could feel the eyes of the trio on him, like hawks.
He leaned back, stretching his legs out under the table.
Shikamaru barely hid a smirk and leaned closer, whispering, "You know you've become the focus of their attention, right?
You're basically on a date, and we're the third wheel – no, the fourth wheel—it's getting crowded here."
Ino, Sakura, and Hinata ignited the grill, giggling as they tossed on a generous handful of marinated meat.
"Just relax and let us feed you, Gojo!" Ino teased, expertly flipping a skewer of meat before offering it to him like a prince being served.
And so it began—the girls took turns grilling and feeding Gojo, who was content in his role as the 'meat beneficiary.'
"This is the best barbecue I've ever had!" Gojo exclaimed, his mouth full of delicious, savory flavors. "You ladies are the best cooks!"
Naruto, who was leisurely munching on his own portion, suddenly blurted out, "I thought I was your favorite cook!"
Looking up with a wide grin, Gojo playfully replied, "Sure, but you also served me a bowl of confusion instead of ramen the last time!"
The subtle jabs had everyone laughing, except Sasuke, who sat across, leaning back, arms crossed, a perpetual scowl on his face.
"At least I'm not stuck here watching the 'cooking show' play out.
How can a ninja focus on training with you guys acting like this?"
This only drew more chuckles, with the girls giving him faux innocent smiles.
"Grilling is an art form, though! A form of meditation!" Ino declared dramatically, executing a 'grilling pose' while holding up a skewer.
"We're nurturing Gojo, sharpening his instincts!"
"More like sharpening your chances with Gojo," Shikamaru muttered under his breath, earning himself a few playful glares from the girls.
"I heard that!" Ino shot back, tossing a piece of grilled meat in his direction.
As the sky darkened, the atmosphere filled with laughter and the intoxicating aroma of grilled meat, Gojo caught glimpses of Shikamaru subtly rolling his eyes, pretending to be overly concerned for Gojo. It felt like an unintentional love comedy full of twists and turns.
After a hearty dinner that left everyone satisfied, they eventually parted ways.
Gojo took a leisurely stroll back to his house, feeling content and delighted by the evening's festivities.
But upon turning the corner towards his home, his joyful expression quickly transformed into one of dread.
He could hear familiar, raucous laughter drifting through the open door.
"Oh great, she's drinking again," he muttered to himself, bracing for the inevitable chaos.
---
Entering the house, Gojo was greeted by the sight of Tsunade at the dining table, slouched over a plate of leftover barbecue, with an empty sake bottle tipping precariously beside her.
"Gojo! You're back just in time!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushed, eyes sparkling with mischievous delight.
"I saved you some meat! You'll need your strength."
Gojo chuckled nervously. "You don't need to worry about me; I've just had a feast."
"Feast?! I'm not ready to hear about your 'feast' when I'm enjoying these wonderful flavors,"
Tsunade smirked, waving him over. "Come, sit down. There's plenty to go around."
He sat down cautiously, eyeing her plate as if it were a potential disaster waiting to happen. "Uh, about today—"
"Let's not talk about today's nonsense," Tsunade interrupted, quickly pouring herself more sake.
"Let's talk about that lovely Uchiha girl, Shizuka!"
"I—well—" Gojo stammered.
"First you said nothing about her dragging her brother home like a rag doll, and now she's proposing marriage?"
Tsunade leaned in closer, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"What's up with that? Is this an arranged marriage situation or something?"
"Uhh, I mean…" Gojo scratched his head, feeling the heat rise in his cheeks.
"It wasn't a proposal…she just sees me as a friend, and if anything, I'm sure it's more about clan politics and alliances."
"Politics?" Tsunade half-laughed and half-scoffed, leaning back in her chair, "It sounds like matchmaking to me!
Listen, merging clans might actually be the best move for you to become Hokage one day."
Gojo rolled his eyes, a playful smirk breaking his serious demeanor.
"You make it sound like I'm a fish on a hook, Aunt Tsunade! What's next? Are you going to start drawing up wedding plans?"
Tsunade leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Only if she brings good wine!"
"Oh please," Gojo groaned jokingly, crossing his arms. "As if I'm going to involve myself in matchmaking before I've even mastered my techniques!"
Suddenly, the air shifted. Tsunade grew serious, resting her chin on her intertwined hands.
"But Gojo, this could actually be an opportunity for you.
Think about how it might strengthen your place in Konoha. Uchiha ties would be valuable."
"Yeah, but isn't that kind of… manipulative? I want people around me to choose to be there, not for political reasons," he answered, focusing his gaze on a nearby plant.
"True, but the world of shinobi can be harsh. Sometimes you have to play the game," Tsunade replied, her tone softer now. "At least discuss it openly with her. It's not all a game; you'll break the ice."
Gojo nodded thoughtfully, his mind racing. "Maybe you're right. I should definitely talk to her."
"Oh look, I'm being insightful and wise!" Tsunade teased, raising her cup of sake as if to toast. "How about for dinner? I cook you a delicious meal, and we can chat some more."
"Isn't it a bit late for dinner?" Gojo pushed, glancing at the empty bottles on the table and suddenly regretting his words.
"Not when we have endless leftovers! Come on, join me, or are you afraid?"
"I'm not afraid!" Gojo protested, albeit halfheartedly, as the sound of Tsunade cracking a small laugh echoed through the house. The laughter dissipated, and suddenly her mischievous expression faded to concern.
"Really, Gojo," she began, looking serious now. "Just try to be careful around that Uchiha girl and any potential schemes. I know we live in a world filled with fighting and conflict, but alliances will always be important."
"Yes, Aunt Tsunade, but can we not discuss my potential 'alliance' over what I think is a wedding meal?" he replied with a groan.
---
Meanwhile, in the shadows of a dark cave, a figure cloaked in shadows observed the world beyond, dark and gloomy.
"Madara-sama," a haunting voice rasped, revealing a creature with elongated limbs and a mischievous grin. "How long until we conclude our observation of Itachi Uchiha?"
Madara, his face obscured by a swirling mask, leaned forward. "Patience. The time is approaching, but we must let the threads of destiny unravel further."
"Destiny?" the creature marveled, intrigued. "And what makes you so certain that everything will play out according to your plan?"
"Because, some people were meant to be allies...and some will always be enemies," Madara replied cryptically, his eyes narrowing with intent. "Let's wait just a little longer."
---
Back at Gojo's home, the mood lightened again as they shared dinner, laughter filling the small home, creating a warmth around them.
"You should practice your marriage proposal!" Tsunade bantered, dramatically waving her hands as she pretended to engage an imaginary audience, "Oh Shizuka, will you let me become the most powerful shinobi in Konoha because I'll be marrying you!?"
Gojo groaned, tossing a balled-up napkin at her. "You're impossible!"
"The best part is," Tsunade gestured exaggeratedly, "You'll need to cut your hair into a bun for the traditional Uchiha style!"
Gojo's eyes widened comically. "You can't be serious! I'd rather fight five rogue ninjas than have to sport a bun!"
Tsunade burst into laughter, nearly choking on her food. "See? Shopping for your wedding attire is going to be a challenge all on its own!"
"Now I really am looking forward to becoming Hokage. Maybe I can avoid that fate!" Gojo replied, chuckling alongside her, the earlier tension fading.
"You could always just elope," Tsunade grinned, that mischievous sparkle returning.
"Yeah, and who would I invite? You and the fondue pot?" he snorted. "Way to make it feel special!"
"Hey! Fondue is a classy choice!" Tsunade shot back, feigning hurt but unable to suppress her grin. "I'll remember you said that when the wedding plans are being finalized."
"Wedding plans? Spare me!" Gojo laughed, shaking his head. "I might just go on a mission and hope I get lost for a while."
---
The two continued their playful banter, warmth and laughter filling the air as the day melted into night. Gojo finally turned to leave the table, his stomach satisfied and his mind feeling lighter after the discussion. "I'm going to hit the hay. Thanks for the food, Tsunade."
"Remember, tomorrow we have a lot to discuss about usage of your powers," she called after him. "No more playing around or you'll become the grilled meat in my plans!"
"Jeez, you really know how to ruin a good night," he muttered in mock sorrow before retreating to his room.
As he settled into bed, Gojo reflected on the day. Between his friends, the burning meat at the barbecue shop, and Tsunade's unexpected wisdom, he felt like he was part of something larger—a community that relied on each other. However, he kept spinning around the ideas of alliances and relationships in his mind, not entirely sure how he felt about the aura of seriousness that loomed within the clan expectations.
---
Meanwhile, back in the dark cave, Madara remained deep in thought. "With Shizuka's proactive role and the stirring emotions around Gojo, it would not be long before fate would take its course. Balance must be maintained… and alliances will rise and fall with the tides of war."
As the black creature's eyes gleamed with mischief, it leaned closer. "Shall we intervene? Or simply let the events unfold?"
Madara's lip curled into a sinister smile. "The time will come when we shall shape their destinies. But for now, we observe and wait. After all—" he paused, making the exposed shadows dance around him. "—a puppet does not know it is being controlled until the strings well up tight."
---
Back with Gojo, sleep overtook him as he absorbed the day's events, drifting into a dream world filled with friends, laughter, and perhaps a tinge of romance. Little did he know that the challenges ahead would test not only his resolve as a ninja but also the bonds of friendship and unfamiliar feelings that simmered just beneath the surface.
But for now, amidst the weight of ninja politics and alliances, one lighthearted night turned into a lesson for the ages on the complexities of heart, humor, and heroism.
---
# Chapter 28 Ends
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[ TO BE CONTINUED ]
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Author's Note:
Boom! The chapter ends… but my journey as a humble author continues!
If you laughed, raged, or felt the urge to slap a fictional character today—don't forget to drop a Power Stone or add this novel to your collection!
It fuels my fingers and feeds the system behind this villainous tale.
Got an idea? A plot twist suggestion? Or just wanna yell at a character?
Slide into the comments—I read everything.
Until next time,
Stay evil, stay awesome, and thanks for reading!
– Your Scheming Author
azuredragonx
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