Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Butterfly

Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Butterfly

When Hyuga Satoru saw Aburame Shibi approaching, he let out a sigh of relief and said to Might Duy and the other man with a smile, "Senior Duy, since my teacher has already agreed, you can join my squad."

Might Duy hesitantly looked toward Tanai Ryosuke, who looked as though he wanted to cry but had no tears, wishing he could bury his head in his stomach.

Why are you looking at me? If they want you, then go! If Aburame Shibi takes notice of me, won't he find a chance to kill me on the road?

Seeing that Tanai Ryosuke did not object, Might Duy's nose suddenly stung. Tears instantly filled his eyes, and he could not help stepping forward and wrapping Hyuga Satoru in a hug.

"Boohoohoo, thank you so much... My blood of youth is burning fiercely once more!"

Hyuga Satoru instinctively leaned back, trying to keep Might Duy from flinging tears onto his clothes.

This scene was also witnessed by Anko and Uchiha Rin, who had just walked over from behind.

"Wu... since when did he become so kindhearted?"

Uchiha Rin wore a complicated expression. "Looks like I underestimated this guy. Aside from having a huge appetite and being lazy, he's actually quite sunny."

With his body forcibly trapped by Might Duy's massive hands, Hyuga Satoru felt like he was about to suffocate.

"Senior Duy... a little gentler."

"Ah, I'm so sorry, Wu."

Might Duy hurriedly released Hyuga Satoru and took a step back with an apologetic expression.

Hyuga Satoru breathed a sigh of relief and was just about to speak when he saw Might Duy and Might Guy suddenly embrace each other, kneel on the ground, and burst into loud sobs.

"Guy, did you hear that? Someone actually invited us to join their squad!"

"Yes, Father! I'm so touched!"

"This is youth! Guy, let the undying flames of youth burn once more!"

"Yes, Father!"

The atmosphere abruptly became awkward. Uchiha Rin helplessly covered her face with her palm and sighed. "I take back what I said. Are you sure there won't be problems with Wu letting these two weirdos join the squad?"

"Probably not..." Anko said with an awkward smile. "Guy's personality is a little strange, but he's still reliable when it counts."

At that moment, the caravan leader, Yamashita Taro, stammered, "Um... can we set off now?"

He had actually been getting very impatient earlier, but after seeing the way Jonin Ryosuke reacted to the newly arrived Aburame Shibi, he was suddenly stunned.

This ninja named Aburame Shibi made Jonin Ryosuke so respectful, even somewhat fearful. His strength and status must be extremely high, right?

I absolutely can't offend him!

So, he forced the entire caravan to watch Duy and Guy's melodramatic performance.

"Mhm." Seeing everyone around him looking his way, Aburame Shibi nodded.

In the forests of the Land of Fire, a large caravan traveled along a road cut through the woods.

Yet within this caravan, two completely different situations had suddenly emerged.

"Here, Lord Shibi. This is watermelon produced in the Land of Grass. It's especially sweet. Please have some."

"Lord Shibi, this is Iron Country's specialty braised beef. It's absolutely delicious."

"Lord Shibi, this is..."

A group of caravan members bustled around Aburame Shibi, fawning over him as they presented all kinds of delicacies and rare foods. Meanwhile, the situation on the other side, where the Ryosuke Squad was located, was completely different.

Taking a bite of the dry rations in his hand, Kento stared at the feast around Aburame Shibi, his eyes nearly turning green with envy.

"These caravan bastards! Before that squad came, they kept sucking up to us. Now look at them—they've all run over there!"

"Kento, keep your voice down." Ryosuke shuddered and immediately scolded him in a low voice. "If Aburame Shibi hears you, we're finished."

Kento shrank his neck. "Lord Ryosuke, is Aburame Shibi really that terrifying? You're a Jonin too, yet you're actually so afraid of him?"

"It's not fear." Ryosuke glanced around and said quietly, "It's respect—the respect one gives to the strong. You're only a Chunin, so you don't understand. Aburame Shibi has an enormous reputation among Jonin."

"I heard that when he was in the Anbu, he carried out missions where survival was nearly impossible. He earned the title of All-Round Ninja and always acted alone. No ninja has ever been left with a whole corpse after falling into his hands."

"I really never expected him to come out and lead a squad. Otherwise, I would never have offended him. If he remembers this, it'll definitely become the most terrifying memory of my life!"

After hearing Ryosuke's introduction of Aburame Shibi, Kento immediately shuddered and swallowed hard.

On the other side, Aburame Shibi frowned impatiently, ignoring the group of caravan members fawning over him.

"Amazing. No wonder even Jonin Ryosuke respects him so much. It seems things like this simply aren't worthy of Lord Shibi's attention."

"Exactly. Lord Shibi is so aloof. Is that a trait common to the strong?"

"Lord Shibi's lofty and awe-inspiring presence fills us with endless admiration."

The caravan members instantly turned into shameless flatterers, showering Aburame Shibi with praise until Hyuga Satoru nearly threw up.

Have you ever considered that maybe Teacher Shibi is ignoring you because he has Social Anxiety Disorder?

Hyuga Satoru knew all too well that Aburame Shibi, who looked cold, aloof, and invincible, actually suffered from severe Social Anxiety Disorder. Whenever there were too many people around, he went numb.

He knew exactly what Aburame Shibi was thinking right now: Why are you all surrounding me? Do I have acne on my face? Don't look at me, don't look at me... Ugh, just leave already!

Hyuga Satoru took a deep breath, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Then let this respectful and dutiful student save his teacher from this sea of suffering!

If I don't go to hell, who will?

Hyuga Satoru instantly transformed into a Social Butterfly, rushed forward, and snatched the watermelon a caravan member had offered.

"Wow, is this the legendary giant watermelon from Grass Country? It really is juicy!"

"Huh, this Iron Country specialty braised beef smells so rich. It's not too much to let me have a taste, right?"

"And this too—hand it over!"

The caravan members: ???

By the time they came back to their senses, they saw Hyuga Satoru hugging the watermelon and devouring it. Anger appeared on their faces, but since Aburame Shibi said nothing, they could not say anything either.

"Hey, Rin, Anko, and Senior Duy, come have some too! Eating watermelon is such a wonderful thing!"

Watermelon pulp covered Hyuga Satoru's mouth as he waved to the people behind him.

Uchiha Rin and Anko were instantly dumbfounded, their mouths hanging open.

"Wu... he really is full of surprises."

"I just hope those caravan people don't get angry. The mission has only just begun. It would be troublesome if we caused trouble." Uchiha Rin helplessly rubbed her forehead.

Unlike Anko and Uchiha Rin's restraint, Might Duy and Guy showed no politeness at all. They immediately darted over to Hyuga Satoru's side, grabbed pieces of watermelon, and began gnawing away.

"So delicious!"

"I'm so touched! Wu is actually sharing such precious food with us. The flames of youth inside me are burning once again!"

After tossing aside their finished watermelon rinds, Duy and Guy hugged each other and cried bitterly.

The members of the Ryosuke Squad watched this scene with twitching eyelids. The dry rations in their hands suddenly no longer seemed appetizing.