Konoha: Gu master

Shinho Aburame and Yamanaka Ino strolled down the street, each carrying two large bags of vegetables. Their appearance as the perfect couple drew many admiring glances, but Shinho paid them no mind. Ino, however, couldn’t help but steal glances at him, feeling delighted and happy. This weekend was truly a lucky day for her.

Shinho had arranged everything in advance by asking Uzumaki Naruto, making it easy for them to find his home. Just like in the original story, it was an ordinary, somewhat rundown apartment building. Naruto lived on the top floor.

Shinho headed upstairs and arrived at Naruto's door. As he raised his hand to knock, he suddenly glanced at Ino, who had been giggling all the way.

“Turn around,” Shinho said calmly.

“Huh?” Ino blinked, looking puzzled. Was Shinho planning a surprise for her? Thinking so, she obediently turned her back to him.

Shinho knocked on the door.

“Coming!” Naruto's excited voice called out from inside.

Naruto opened the door, spotting the long-awaited Shinho Aburame. He quickly noticed Ino and gave a light "huh."

“Clean up your room,” Shinho instructed, glancing inside. As expected, the room was a mess.

“Sorry, I was training with Uncle Guy early this morning and forgot to tidy up,” Naruto scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed.

“I’ll help you,” Shinho replied, setting down his bags and stepping into the room.

Naruto hurried to grab a broom. Ino realized why Shinho had asked her to turn around—such thoughtfulness was impressive. With a man like Shinho, she was determined not to let him slip away.

“What time did you wake up today?” Shinho asked casually.

“4:30 AM,” Naruto replied proudly. “I’ve seen Konoha Village at that hour.”

Indeed, he was as diligent and hardworking as Might Guy from the original series. But Naruto was also quite extraordinary. If it were anyone else, not to mention a six-year-old, even an eighteen-year-old couldn't keep up. The Uzumaki clan's combination with the Nine-Tails Chakra allowed him to push his limits effortlessly.

“What is this?” Shinho asked as he was tidying the dining table, noticing a book pressed under a cup of instant noodles.

He picked it up and flipped through a couple of pages—it turned out to be notes on taijutsu.

“Uncle Guy gave it to me,” Naruto said, raising his thumb. “I like to call it my Youth Training Manual.”

Shinho was speechless. Who taught Naruto to name it like that?

“As long as I master everything, I can understand the true essence of youth!” Naruto grinned broadly, exuding a sunny and cheerful demeanor.

A smiling boy, indeed a genius! Shinho was left speechless.

After finishing the cleanup, Shinho approached the door again, lifting the two large bags of vegetables. “Ino, come in.”

Ino immediately turned around, about to say something, but Shinho had already headed to the kitchen. She quickly followed.

“Naru, which dish do you want to learn?” Shinho asked as he poured water to wash the pot.

“Fire Release: Flashing Whirlpool Solar Wheel!” Naruto recited enthusiastically.

“Say the second name,” Shinho instructed, turning off the faucet.

“Fried egg.”

Naruto paused, a bit confused. “Don’t you like the first name? I thought it was cool.”

As expected, he was the biological son. Shinho turned on the stove and began heating the pan. He glanced at Naruto and Ino, his expression unchanged. “Observe carefully.”

Both Naruto and Ino fell silent, watching his every move intently. Frying eggs was simple enough, and before long, Shinho had the perfect fried egg.

“Delicious!” Naruto exclaimed, picking up a piece. “As expected of you, Shinho.”

“It’s not that exaggerated,” Shinho replied modestly. His cooking skills were decent, but Naruto had never tasted anything this good before.

Ino picked up her chopsticks and took a bite as well. She narrowed her eyes slightly, impressed.

‘Not bad. Shinho will be the head chef at home, and I’ll work hard to support our family.’

As she thought about it, she couldn’t help but chuckle.

Shinho cleared a spot and said, “Naruto, repeat the steps I just showed you.”

“Watch me!” Naruto’s eyes burned with determination. He wasn’t fighting alone; at that moment, he felt the presence of Might Guy and the spirit of youth.

Soon, new fried eggs were ready.

“Hmm, it’s edible,” Shinho tasted one and nodded approvingly.

“Great!” Naruto's excitement caused his body to tremble. The sense of immersion was strong.

Shinho thought of the weeping Might Guy. Compared to Naruto, Ino was doing exceptionally well.

The second dish was tempura—fried vegetables. While fried eggs were perfect for breakfast, tempura suited lunch and dinner, and like frying eggs, it wasn’t difficult.

Three fried eggs and three tempuras were served. Shinho regretted not bringing Hyūga Hinata along.

“I’m so full,” Ino said happily, rubbing her belly. “Filled by Shinho’s delicious cooking.”

“Me too,” Naruto agreed cheerfully.

Shinho, with his expression unchanged, carried the bowls and chopsticks to the sink. After washing up, the two had calmed down.

“Are you guys leaving?” Naruto asked, reluctant to part.

“Aren’t you going to train?” Shinho asked back.

“Right! I have to go find Uncle Guy!” Naruto’s disappointed expression quickly turned into enthusiasm.

[Achievement Unlocked: "You Are the True Food God" – Reward: Fire Oil Gu.]

[Fire Oil Gu: A Level One Gu insect, consumable type. When placed in flames, it self-explodes into a large amount of fire oil, further increasing fire intensity.]

Too bad he didn’t know any Fire Release techniques.

Shinho and Ino left Naruto’s home. As they walked a good distance, they could still hear Naruto’s voice.

“Shinho, it’s still early. Why not come to my house?”

Ino looked at him with expectant eyes. “The sunflower you gave me last time is still blooming beautifully. Don’t you want to see it?”

“I’ll take you home,” Shinho replied, slightly turning his head and glancing at her golden bangs.

“Yes!” Ino responded happily. Since he was already taking her home, she insisted on having a drink before leaving. It was Ino’s plan to stay a bit longer with Shinho.

After crossing Konoha River, they spotted the Yamanaka Flower Shop. It stood out from the rest of the stores with its natural ambiance.

“Welcome…” Madame Yamanaka paused, smiling warmly.

“Mom,” Ino greeted before hurrying up the stairs.

“This child doesn’t have any manners at all!” Madame Yamanaka scolded playfully, looking at Shinho. “Ino must have caused you some trouble, right?”

“No, not really,” Shinho replied nonchalantly.

Madame Yamanaka nodded slightly, feeling pleased. So far, things were going well. She was happy to see Ino and Shinho together, especially since they were well-matched. Of course, their young ages meant their future was uncertain.

“Shinho!” Ino reappeared, holding a vase with a blooming sunflower.

“No wonder you cherish it so much.” Madame Yamanaka suddenly understood. “You’ve been taking care of it all day.”

Shinho glanced at the vase and replied, “It’s beautiful.”

Ino beamed proudly, lifting her small head.

So cute.

Shinho smiled, content with how things were progressing.

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