Uchiha Shinichi's Daily Life

The day was sunny and breezy, with just the right amount of sunshine—a perfect day for slacking off!

Jiraiya sat at the back of the classroom, chewing on the end of his pencil as he gazed at the blue sky and white clouds outside, his heart yearning for freedom.

"Ugh, at a time like this... how am I supposed to focus on studying?"

"I, Jiraiya, a future super ninja, can't waste my time in this lousy classroom!"

So, the moment the teacher turned to write on the board, Jiraiya slipped out of the classroom, planning to find a nice place to nap or wander around and see if anything interesting was happening.

Jiraiya strolled past the Ninja Academy's perimeter wall and into the woods, heading toward a quiet patch of grass he had discovered earlier.

He hadn't gone far, however, when a strange series of sounds came from ahead—

"Rasengan!"

"You're rotating your chakra in the wrong direction again!"

"Tsunade, you're using too much force. You still need to work on your control!"

"Shinichi, I've already managed to stabilize it completely."

Jiraiya froze. Why did those voices sound so familiar?!

He quietly parted the bushes and peered ahead, only for his eyes to widen in shock—

Before him, Shinichi, Tsunade, and Orochimaru stood on the bank of the Naka River, earnestly practicing some strange ninjutsu!

"What the heck?! Aren't they supposed to be in class at the Ninja Academy?!"

Jiraiya instinctively checked the sky. Classes should have been in full swing at this hour, yet these three were out here training at their leisure?!

And... wait, what had they just said?

"Rasengan? What kind of ninjutsu is that?!"

The longer Jiraiya watched, the more suspicious it seemed. These guys didn't look like students cutting class at all. They looked as though they had come here specifically for some secret training!

Even more shocking—Tsunade was here too?!

Tsunade was the granddaughter of Hashirama Senju, the First Hokage! She usually cared more about classroom discipline than anyone. How had hanging around Shinichi turned her into this?!

The more Jiraiya thought about it, the stranger it seemed. He simply jumped out and shouted, "Hey! You three! What are you doing here?!"

Shinichi turned at the sound. When he saw Jiraiya, his brow furrowed slightly. "Oh, if it isn't Jiraiya. Cutting class?"

Tsunade folded her arms and said bluntly, "Who are you to talk? You're not in the classroom either."

Jiraiya was immediately at a loss for words, but he soon realized something was wrong—

"Wait! That doesn't add up!"

"When I slipped out, I clearly saw all three of you in the classroom! How can you be here?!"

BOOM!!!

An explosive Rasengan fully formed in Tsunade's hand. With a casual swing, she blasted a huge crater into the riverbank.

Jiraiya's mouth fell wide open, and his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.

"T-Tsunade?! What ninjutsu did you just use?!"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and dusted off her hands, looking smug. "A technique Shinichi taught me, of course. Well? Pretty impressive, right?"

Jiraiya stared blankly at them, then at the huge crater in the riverbank. Only after a long pause did he point at Shinichi in shock. "Y-you! What exactly are you up to?! You're actually teaching Tsunade and Orochimaru ninjutsu yourself?!"

Shinichi shrugged and said with a cheerful smile, "What else would I do? Waste time in class like you?"

Jiraiya was left speechless.

But then a more important question struck him. He took a sudden step back, his face filled with horror. "Wait! If your real bodies are all here, then the ones in the classroom...?!"

Shinichi casually spread his hands. "Shadow clones."

Tsunade nodded calmly. "Shadow clones."

Orochimaru smiled faintly. "Shadow clones."

Jiraiya: "..."

W-what kind of trick was this?!

Sending shadow clones to class?!

He suddenly felt as though the world had left him behind. Completely stunned, he asked, "Are you saying your real bodies haven't attended a single class since school started?!"

Shinichi nodded. "That's right."

Tsunade shrugged. "Shadow clones are enough. We can share their memories, so there's no need to listen to the lessons in person."

Orochimaru added calmly, "This is the most efficient way to learn."

Jiraiya: "..."

Why had he never thought of this before?!

Jiraiya plopped down on the ground, utterly distraught. "You guys!! You can actually attend class like this?! How did I never know?!"

He slapped his thigh and sighed up at the sky. "If I'd known shadow clones could do this, why would I ever have cut class?!"

Shinichi narrowed his eyes, a meaningful smile curling his lips. "So, Jiraiya, why not join us?"

Jiraiya paused, then his eyes lit up. "You mean... I can come along with you?"

Tsunade curled her lip dismissively. "Can you keep up? Learn to make a shadow clone first, then we'll talk."

Jiraiya: "..."

"It's just a shadow clone!! I'll definitely learn it!!"

In the end, under Shinichi's "guidance," Jiraiya successfully learned to make a shadow clone and officially became a member of the Naka River Slacking-Off Squad.

From then on, the Ninja Academy had one more student whose shadow clone attended class while his real body never showed up.

And the Naka River Secret Base welcomed a new member!

"Let shadow clones attend class. Slacking off is the true path."

This became one of Jiraiya's most profound insights into the "ninja way."

Along the Naka River, water burbled and a gentle breeze stirred, while the faint scent of charcoal still lingered in the air.

Shinichi lounged against a rock with a wooden skewer in hand, absentmindedly turning fish over the fire. The aroma was mouthwatering, but his face showed no anticipation whatsoever, only weariness.

He sighed, took an idle bite of grilled fish, then frowned and muttered:

"Fish every day... no matter how good it tastes, I'm sick of it."

Tsunade was happily munching on her grilled fish. At his words, she immediately turned toward him in confusion. "Don't you love living like a lazy fish? How can you be sick of grilled fish already?"

Shinichi rolled his eyes. "That's my attitude toward life! It doesn't mean I actually want to eat fish every day!"

Tsunade couldn't help laughing, while Orochimaru, seated beside them, slowly swallowed his last mouthful of fish and said mildly, "Then do you have a better suggestion, Shinichi? Are you going to hunt something else?"

Shinichi stroked his chin, his eyes brightening. A mysterious smile suddenly appeared as he swept a meaningful gaze over the surrounding woods. "How about... a change of flavor today? I'll make you some braised rabbit heads."

Tsunade and Orochimaru both froze.

Tsunade frowned, a trace of confusion in her eyes. "Braised rabbit heads? What's that?"

Orochimaru looked equally puzzled. He blinked his slit-pupiled eyes and quietly repeated, "Braised... rabbit heads?"

Shinichi's smile grew even more mysterious, anticipation gleaming in his eyes. His voice was low and enticing. "It's a dish with a long history. Spicy, tingly, and packed with savory flavor. Once you've tried it, I guarantee you won't be able to stop."

Tsunade eyed him suspiciously, the corner of her mouth twitching. "Wait, when you say rabbit heads, you don't mean a rabbit's actual..."

Shinichi nodded as though it were obvious. "Yes, exactly what you're thinking."

Tsunade's expression instantly grew complicated. Images of fluffy little rabbits hopping through the woods sprang to mind, and she felt an inexplicable reluctance. "You can eat that?!"

Watching her struggle, Shinichi waved a hand calmly. "Why wouldn't you? It's a delicacy! Spicy, tingly, savory, and so tender it melts in your mouth!"

Orochimaru remained composed, a hint of curiosity in his golden slit pupils. "Have you eaten it before, Shinichi?"

Shinichi chuckled, deliberately playing up the mystery. "Of course! It's one of the culinary secrets I learned 'all on my own.' I guarantee it'll completely change your minds!"

Tsunade was still hesitant, but Shinichi's confidence made her curious too. She gritted her teeth and finally slapped her thigh. "Fine! Let's see what these braised rabbit heads of yours actually taste like!"

Shinichi nodded in satisfaction, then stretched lazily and scanned the woods, his lips curving slightly. "Excellent. Then let the hunt begin..."

Orochimaru blinked and asked calmly, "So, who's catching the rabbits?"

Shinichi spread his hands. "The shadow clones, of course. Why would I make my real body do that kind of physical labor?"

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

Poof!

Two shadow clones appeared instantly, then raced into the depths of the forest without hesitation, their objective clear—find prey!

Seeing how natural he made it sound, Tsunade couldn't help rolling her eyes. "You really don't want to lift a finger, do you?"

Shinichi said with a cheerful smile, "Work is the shadow clones' responsibility. Enjoyment is the real body's duty."

Tsunade: "..."

Orochimaru: "..."

This guy really took laziness to the absolute limit!

Now they would see whether his cooking could truly win them over...

A culinary experiment at the Naka River—braised rabbit heads

The shadow clones vanished into the forest to carry out the "hunting mission" Shinichi had assigned them.

Meanwhile, the real Shinichi lounged against a rock with a stalk of foxtail grass between his lips, looking perfectly assured and showing no intention of lifting a hand.

Tsunade stood nearby with her arms folded. She glanced at him, her mouth twitching slightly. "Hey, don't you think you're taking it a little too easy? You're the one who suggested making braised rabbit heads, but now your shadow clones are catching the rabbits while you sit here sunbathing?"

Shinichi lazily narrowed his eyes, his lips lifting slightly. "Tsunade, you have to understand. A chef's most important job is overseeing the whole operation, not running errands."

Tsunade: "..."

Orochimaru smiled faintly, his gaze moving between Shinichi and Tsunade as he said calmly, "Since the shadow clones are hunting, what about us? Shouldn't we prepare the seasonings?"

Shinichi's eyes lit up. He stretched, his voice lazy but tinged with anticipation. "Exactly! Now that's an assistant with good judgment! For perfect braised rabbit heads, the ingredients matter, but the blend of seasonings is the real key."

Tsunade frowned slightly at that. "Seasonings? We're not at home. Where are we going to get seasonings?"

Shinichi raised a finger and confidently pointed toward the surrounding woods. "We'll have to find them ourselves."

And so, the three officially launched their "wild seasoning-gathering operation"!

The shadow clones' "great rabbit hunt"

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Shinichi's shadow clones were conducting an intense hunt.

"Targets spotted! Two gray wild rabbits at three o'clock!"

One shadow clone reported quietly, his gaze sharp as a true hunter's.

The other nodded and gave a sly smile. "Good. Follow the plan. Make sure we capture them alive!"

"Shadow Clone Technique!"

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

"Lightning Release: Earth Flow!"

With two ninjutsu supporting the shadow clones' precisely laid ambush, the surprise attack on the rabbits officially began!

Sensing danger, the rabbits scattered frantically. But Shinichi's shadow clones were ready. Using chakra to boost their speed, they flashed in front of the rabbits and caught them with perfect accuracy, one in each hand!

"Mission accomplished!"

The shadow clones exchanged excited looks, then promptly raced back toward the Naka River with their "spoils."

The campfire was lit, and braised rabbit heads were on the way!

Before long, the shadow clones returned with several lively rabbits.

Shinichi looked them over and nodded in satisfaction. "Not bad. Just the right size."

Tsunade couldn't help frowning. "Hey, hey, hey, you're really going to take these rabbits and..."

Shinichi patted her shoulder and said with a smile, "Tsunade, in the ninja world, it's kill or be killed... although that sounds a little strange when we're talking about dinner. Still, when it comes to good food, mercy is your greatest enemy."

Tsunade: "..."

In the end, she sighed in resignation.

"Fine. You're cooking anyway. I'll just wait to eat."

Making braised rabbit heads

The campfire was lit, its flames dancing. The rabbits had been cleaned, and Shinichi finally began putting his "culinary skills" to work.

First, the seasoning team's haul was laid out nearby—

Orochimaru had gathered some herbs resembling bay leaves from among the foliage to add fragrance, while Tsunade had found wild chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns that gave off a pungent scent.

Shinichi, meanwhile, took out his special seasoning pouch and produced salt, soy sauce, sugar, and his secret spice powder, all prepared in advance.

"All right, time for step one!"

As he spoke, Shinichi expertly rubbed seasonings over the rabbit heads, then placed them in a specially made stone pot to simmer.

As the flames rose, the rabbit heads in the pot gradually took on a glossy reddish-brown glaze, and a rich aroma instantly spread through the air!

Tsunade had still been reluctant, but the moment she smelled that aroma, the look in her eyes changed.

She swallowed and turned to Shinichi in surprise. "That smell... what's going on?! How can it smell so good?!"

Orochimaru also narrowed his eyes slightly, inhaling the spicy, rich fragrance in the air. "Shinichi, your cooking seems to have exceeded my expectations."

Shinichi grinned smugly, picked up a steaming piece of rabbit head, and blew on it casually. Then he tore off a piece of meat with his fingers and gently placed it in his mouth.

"Mmm... this is what braised rabbit heads are all about!"

The skin was soft and tender, the rabbit meat firm, and the spices wonderfully fragrant. Each bite brought a mild heat followed by a sweet, savory aftertaste, the distinctive numbing spice making it impossible not to crave more!

Tsunade swallowed hard, conflicting emotions filling her eyes—

"Is this... really edible?"

Shinichi glanced at her, his lips curving slightly. "Why not try it yourself?"

Tsunade hesitated for a second, but finally reached for a piece of rabbit head and took a cautious bite.

BOOM!!

The tingly heat swept over her taste buds, followed by the rabbit's savory sweetness. The meat was tender and silky, without any of the gamy smell she had imagined. Instead... it tasted so good she couldn't stop!

Tsunade froze for a second, then her eyes widened in astonishment. "This... this is ridiculously delicious!!!"

She abandoned all restraint and began ravenously gnawing on the rabbit head. Red sauce lingered at the corners of her mouth, and the heat made her suck in air, but she kept taking bite after bite.

"It's delicious! So delicious!! Shinichi! How did you do this?!"

Shinichi grinned and said leisurely, "That's the magic of a genius chef."

Beside them, Orochimaru picked up a rabbit head too and carefully tasted a bite. His eyes gleamed, and a faint smile appeared on his lips. "Shinichi, your cooking truly deserves praise."

The campfire's glow illuminated their faces as they feasted beneath the night sky, the atmosphere more relaxed and joyful than ever.

That night, on the bank of the Naka River, a unique dish became their own.

And that memory would become one of their most treasured, unforgettable moments.