Bullying had always been a tragedy that plagued jinchūriki.
Konoha had progressive educational ideals, and with Xuanhui, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and others working behind the scenes, the problem had been curbed considerably.
Other villages still couldn't avoid it.
Thanks to her lively personality, Fū could still strike up conversations with some friendly people.
Gaara was different. He seemed to have only his brother and sister, and Fū was his first friend.
"A friend..."
Gaara lowered his eyes without a word.
Just then, the server brought over two large platters of fresh beef.
Choji, who had been listening all this time, opened his eyes, a brilliant gleam shooting through them!
"This is some of the finest beef in Konoha. To keep it fresh, they butcher and prepare it right before serving!
Every piece on this platter comes from the freshest batch, with the best texture.
Put it on the grill a few centimeters above the flames. Cook each side for two minutes and thirty-six seconds, brush on whatever sauce you like, then grill each side for another eighteen seconds. That'll give you the most tender, juicy grilled meat!"
After Choji finished his lengthy explanation, everyone except Shikamaru and Ino gasped!
He had it timed down to the second!
This chubby kid from the Akimichi Clan looked unremarkable, but was he actually a walking encyclopedia?
Fū picked up a slice of meat, set it on the grill, and actually started counting the seconds!
Gaara's mouth twitched, but he followed Choji's instructions and gave it a try.
A few minutes later, the impatient Rock Lee finished first and raised his sacred slice of grilled meat.
It gave off an enticing aroma and a golden sheen!
It was practically a work of art!
The aroma had already drifted into Rock Lee's nose.
Unable to hold