Th-This...
Shikamaru Nara, sitting cross-legged in the corridor, suddenly widened his eyes. Little by little, he looked down until his gaze fell on his own hands. His lips trembled slightly, yet he seemed too shocked to say a word.
Beside him, Ino Yamanaka and Akimichi Choji likewise slowly widened their eyes and looked down bit by bit, their gazes stopping at the food in their own hands.
The same indescribable look of astonishment was written across all three faces.
"How is it?"
At that moment, Chiba, who was likewise seated on the floor across from them, slowly lowered his rice bowl and looked at the three of them as he asked.
There was a trace of unease in his voice.
Come to think of it, this was the first time he had cooked for children.
I wonder how well I did? That thought flashed through Chiba's mind.
At that moment, the four of them sat in a circle, each with a brand-new low table in front of them. Several simple dishes rested atop them, steaming gently.
Though there were only a few simple dishes, nearly all of them were rich in fish and meat, packed with all sorts of nutrients that were easy to absorb and suitable for children in their early teens. They looked simple, but nutritionally, they were exquisitely planned.
Some of the ingredients were not things one could eat whenever one wanted.
Anyone with knowledge of such things would likely sigh at the care the cook had put into this meal.
"Surprisingly... delicious."
Upon hearing Chiba's question, before the food-loving Akimichi Choji could speak, Shikamaru Nara unexpectedly voiced his praise first.
"Delicious!"
Then came Akimichi Choji's voice, a beat slower but brimming with satisfaction and excitement.
"It really... is delicious!"
At that moment, Ino Yamanaka also spoke