With so many people watching nearby, most of them her classmates, Karin returned to the group after handing Shin the lunch box.
After accepting the lunch box, Shin Uchiha carefully tucked it away against his chest. After all, the version of him here was only a Wood Clone.
Although this Wood Clone could simulate eating, doing so would let Karin's thoughtfulness go to waste. He would wait until his original body arrived and give it to him instead.
Once this little interlude was over, the group settled down and continued on its way.
After seeing what Karin had done, Ino, who was walking beside Shikamaru, rolled her eyes thoughtfully and began sneaking over toward her.
Shikamaru knew exactly what she was up to, so her actions did not surprise him in the least. He merely sighed helplessly and muttered, "Women are such a drag!"
Beside him, Choji was happily munching on potato chips. Seemingly hearing something, he turned his head and asked:
"Shikamaru, is something wrong?"
Shikamaru glanced at Choji and waved a hand listlessly. "Nothing, nothing. Just keep eating."
Just then, Choji noticed that Ino had already sidled up beside Karin, and he could not help asking in confusion:
"Huh? When did Ino and Karin get so close? Doesn't she only hang out with Sakura?"
At Choji's question, Shikamaru replied offhandedly, "Who knows? Girls are always weird."
Choji nodded in agreement and said nothing more.
Karin was still feeling rather down over what had happened earlier. Tangled up in her worries, she did not even notice someone suddenly appearing beside her.
Just then, Ino, who had come up beside her, spoke softly.
"Karin, Karin."
Lost in thought, Karin jumped in fright. Only when she saw it was Ino did she breathe a sigh of relief and say irritably:
"What