"Thanks! We'll definitely give it our all!"
Naruto laughed as he accepted everyone's encouragement, even though he was the only one among them who hadn't taken part in the exam.
"Hey, since it's you guys, this Yakiniku meal..."
The owner's eyes were still sparkling. Naruto was thrilled—was he about to waive the bill?
The owner of Ichiraku Ramen often did that!
"I'll give you five percent off! Hahaha, make the village proud!"
The Barbecue Restaurant owner waved his hand and laughed magnanimously.
...You made five percent off sound like you were treating us for free!
Everyone silently griped.
Still, the owner wasn't particularly stingy. He later sent over a complimentary dessert.
Judging by the exquisite packaging, everyone could tell the gift wasn't cheap.
"Chocolate?"
As a girl, Ino's eyes lit up. She picked up a round chocolate and popped it into her mouth. As the sweetness slid down her throat, a blissful expression appeared on her face. "It's delicious! Everyone, try some!"
"I don't really like sweets."
Sasuke shook his head, declining.
Karin rapidly jotted that down beside him.
"Hey, Sasuke-kun, that's not right! Might Guy said a real man shouldn't be a picky eater!"
Rock Lee picked up a chocolate beside them and tossed it into his mouth. He smacked his lips. "Why does it taste a little strange?"
"These are liquor-filled chocolates."
Hinata tried one too, then looked enlightened. She picked one up and handed it to Naruto. "They're pretty good. Try one, Naruto-kun."
"Hmm... I'm not really used to it."
Naruto mulled over the taste, then smiled at Rock Lee. "Looks like Rock Lee and I both think this tastes... Rock Lee? What's wrong?"
Naruto's voice made everyone turn toward Rock Lee, who had been sitting motionless since eating the chocolate.
"He was making such a racket