Hinata, Stop Pretending

Signaling for everyone following behind him to hurry up, the chubby boy was naturally Choji Akimichi.

With his hands behind his head, Shikamaru said to the excited Choji, "Choji, what's gotten into you today? You're actually planning to treat us."

Naruto glanced at the sign above the storefront and shouted excitedly, "Oh, it's even a barbecue restaurant!"

Choji smiled and said in his simple, honest voice, "Here's the thing. This barbecue restaurant just opened, and I happened to get an invitation coupon."

"With this coupon, we can eat here for free once. And since it's my favorite barbecue, I brought everyone along."

Choji Akimichi Is Actually Treating Everyone

Kiba Inuzuka said, "Choji, the invitation coupon only covers one meal, but there are eight of us. Don't tell me we're supposed to pay out of our own pockets?"

Ino said, "If we really have to pay ourselves, then excuse me for not joining you. Eating something this greasy in the middle of the day will ruin us girls' skin." As she spoke, she touched her face.

A voice suddenly spoke up. Shino Aburame, whose presence was practically nonexistent, wore sunglasses and always looked like strangers should keep their distance, said, "I don't think Choji would do something like that."

Choji immediately raised his chubby hands and waved them hurriedly. "No, you've misunderstood. I didn't explain it clearly just now."

"This invitation coupon can directly reserve a private room. As long as there are no more than ten people, this one coupon covers a free meal."

While everyone was still discussing it, Hinata blinked and stared adorably at the barbecue restaurant. She seemed to have already made a note in her little notebook: Mm, a restaurant recommended by Choji Akimichi. I definitely need to remember this.

Choji suddenly said, "What a shame Sasuke isn't coming."

Thinking back to the moment he had invited Sasuke made him feel a little wronged. If he wasn't coming, then fine, but didn't he know a chubby boy's heart was fragile?

Shikamaru said, "All right, since we're already here, wouldn't it be troublesome not to go in?"

Hinata nodded blankly. "Yeah! Yeah!"

Then, led by Choji, they finally entered the barbecue restaurant.

After Choji took out the invitation coupon, a young and pretty waitress wearing an apron and a white headscarf led them to a private room with a bright smile.

The private room was not large, with exactly eight seats and a large grill. Although there did not seem to be anything particularly special about it, it had to be said that the room was incredibly clean, leaving an excellent first impression.

Choji said grandly, "Bring us plenty of meat slices."

The waitress smiled. "Certainly, young sir. I'll have the kitchen prepare the ingredients. Please wait a little while longer." With that, she left the private room.

After everyone took their seats, Shikamaru filled himself a glass of water, took a small sip, and said, "Tell me, Choji, do you need our help with something? Otherwise, I don't believe you simply wanted to treat us to a meal."

Choji scratched his head. "It's not really a big deal. I just want you all to help me think of a solution."

Kiba Inuzuka said incredulously, "Tsk tsk, what exactly is it? I'm getting more and more curious."

Choji said, "In two days, Konoha's Gourmet Competition, which is only held once every few years, will begin."

"The champion of this Gourmet Competition will receive six months' worth of free meal coupons for twenty high-end restaurants."

"Do you know what that means? It means that if I win, I can eat at restaurants that I normally only get to visit a few times for half a year straight."

"That's such a huge temptation for the Akimichi Clan, so I want to win it."

Kiba Inuzuka asked in confusion, "What's so difficult about that? Just enter and eat your way to first place. Is there anyone better than the Akimichi Clan when it comes to eating?"

Choji said gloomily, "Of course I know that. But the problem is, after hearing the news, many of the elders in the Akimichi Clan also became very interested in this competition."