Just as Shin Uchiha arrived at the Yakiniku Restaurant with the Ino-Shika-Cho team, he suddenly heard someone call out.
"Shin, are you here for yakiniku too? Could I join you?"
Shin Uchiha looked up and spotted Hinata nearby, her cheeks slightly flushed as she watched him shyly.
Her teammates followed behind her.
At the sight of Hinata, Shin Uchiha gave a gentle smile and nodded.
"Of course. We can all eat together."
Hearing his answer, Hinata nodded with a faint blush and obediently came to his side.
After glancing over her team, Shin Uchiha asked in some puzzlement:
"Is your team meeting up today? Why don't I see your teacher?"
Before Hinata could speak, Kiba answered from beside her:
"Teacher Kurenai had something to take care of, so she told us to meet at the Yakiniku Restaurant first. She'll be here soon."
At Kiba's explanation, Shin Uchiha nodded thoughtfully.
Their yakiniku meal was evidently destined for one interruption after another. Just as they were about to head inside, another shout rang out.
"Konoha, I, Naruto Uzumaki, am back!"
Startled by the shout, everyone looked toward a distant pillar, where a very familiar figure stood.
When they spotted Naruto, smiles appeared on the faces of both the Ino-Shika-Cho team and Hinata's Team.
With his personality, Naruto was well liked by everyone. Besides, he had been away from the village for over two years, so they were naturally delighted to see him.
Just then, Naruto turned his gaze and noticed them too. With a light push of his feet, he jumped down from the pillar and reached them in a few quick bounds.
But rather than greet everyone right away, Naruto went straight to Shin Uchiha. Wearing a goofy grin, he rubbed his head and said with a smile:
"Uncle Shin, I'm