Konoha.
It was the same barbecue restaurant, but far fewer people were gathered around the grill.
Sakura propped her chin on her hand. "Why do you think Sasuke defected from the village and joined the Akatsuki Organization? Was revenge really that important to him?"
Ino sighed. "Honestly, we don't even know when he joined the Akatsuki Organization!"
Naruto clenched his fists beside them!
Jiraiya and Tsunade had finally told him a few days ago that Sasuke had defected from the village and joined the Akatsuki Organization, when they realized they couldn't keep it from him any longer.
When he found out, Naruto was both shocked and remorseful.
He was shocked that Sasuke had done such a thing, and he regretted not noticing in time and stopping him.
Shikamaru said, "All right, let's not talk about anything depressing today!"
Tenten immediately chimed in. "Yeah! It's so rare for us all to get together. Let's not bring up anything upsetting!"
Choji, Rock Lee, and Kiba immediately dug in, eating with gusto.
Naruto hurriedly cried, "Hey, wait for me!"
Once Naruto joined in, everyone started fighting over the food, each grabbing it with chopsticks or a fork. It was just like the old days at the Ninja Academy.
They made short work of the food, and soon there was hardly anything left on the table.
Seeing what little remained, Tenten suddenly said, "If Shinji and the others were here, all this meat would've been gone already!"
Ino asked curiously, "What are Shinji and the others so busy with? Why haven't we seen them lately?"
Tenten shrugged. "How should I know? I've tried setting something up with them a few times, but they always say they're busy."
Sakura looked a little worried. "Could it be because of Sasuke? He's an Uchiha, and his leaving