Copy the Ninja Handbook Ten Times!

"Haha, Kurenai, you don't get it."

Kawaki Aoba explained with a smile, "The aroma and heat of the grilled meat tell me where it is. The chopsticks just help turn that feeling into action."

"Listening to you, I kind of want to try eating with my eyes closed too."

Sarutobi Asuma muttered as he chewed his meat, "Though it'd probably be useless if I tried. Nine times out of ten, I'd end up putting the meat in my nose."

"Haha, Asuma, that image is way too vivid!"

Yuhi Kurenai laughed so hard she bent over, nearly dropping her chopsticks onto the table.

Kawaki Aoba could not help laughing as well. He shook his head. "Asuma, if you really put meat in your nose, your 'heroic deed' would probably spread throughout all of Konoha."

"Come on, you two only know how to make fun of me!"

Sarutobi Asuma pretended to be angry, grabbed a piece of meat, and stuffed it into his mouth. "Eat your food. Stop laughing!"

As night deepened, the lights of the barbecue restaurant appeared especially warm within the village.

The laughter of the three drifted out of the restaurant, blending into the bustle of the streets.

After dinner, the three walked side by side along the road home.

Moonlight spilled across the stone-paved road, casting the shadows of the three.

Kawaki Aoba walked in the middle, his steps as steady as ever, a faint smile on his face.

"Aoba, are you still going to train when you get back tonight?"

Yuhi Kurenai suddenly asked, her tone carrying a hint of curiosity. "I see you train late every day. Aren't you tired?"

"Of course I'm tired."

Kawaki Aoba smiled, but his tone was firm. "But if I don't train, I feel even more tired.

Kurenai, you know it.