Akimichi BBQ Restaurant.
"Cheers!" all four called out.
Their cups clinked together as everyone sincerely congratulated Naruto on becoming a chunin.
To celebrate, Kakashi, who usually only treated them to ramen, had made the rare decision to take the three of them out for barbecue.
Naruto drained his drink in one gulp, then began shoveling down the grilled meat.
Kakashi shook his head at the way Naruto ate.
"Slow down. No one's going to steal your food."
Naruto grinned, grease smeared all around his mouth.
"You don't get it, Kakashi-sensei. Grilled meat only tastes good when you take big mouthfuls."
"Can't you show a little table manners?"
Sakura complained as she watched him eat.
"You've got grease all over your mouth, and you're getting it everywhere. And why are you still wearing your tactical vest while you eat? You're getting grease all over that, too."
Naruto explained as though it were obvious.
"Of course I have to wear this vest all the time. How else will people know I'm a chunin now?"
"Tch, don't get too full of yourself. Next time-at the next Chunin Ninja Exams-I'll definitely pass and become a chunin, too."
"Hehe, really? Then do your best next time. Who knows? I might already be a jonin by then."
"Keep dreaming. A chunin this year and a jonin next year? Who would believe that?"
"I... I believe in Naruto-kun. He can definitely do it."
"Hahaha! See? Hinata believes I can do it!"
Naruto gave Hinata a thumbs-up.
"Don't worry, Hinata. I won't let you down, Dattebayo!"
"Hinata, honestly, don't spoil Naruto so much."
Hinata blushed as she replied.
"I'm not spoiling him. I really believe in him."
Kakashi offered a reminder from beside them.
"Confidence is a good thing, but I still have to remind you, Naruto: becoming