"Oh, right," Toru Kujyo suddenly said. "Don't rush home yet. Let's buy a few things."
"Buy what?"
"Ingredients and cookware." Toru Kujyo patted Sasuke's shoulder. "Didn't Hinata say she wanted to visit? We should get ready."
At the mention of Hinata, Sasuke's steps faltered. The astonishing sight of that Byakugan girl eating five bowls of ramen in one sitting flashed through his mind, along with the fierce taijutsu she had displayed during the Chunin Ninja Exams, which hadn't seemed remotely girlish.
An inexplicable competitive urge welled up inside him.
He clenched his fists. Just you wait. Once I learn this guy's ultimate technique, I'll surpass you in both appetite and strength!
Konoha's Shopping Street had regained some of its former bustle amid the surge of reconstruction. Toru Kujyo and Sasuke Uchiha threaded through the crowds, both hands laden with shopping bags of every size, filled with fresh vegetables, meat, and all sorts of cookware. No matter how one looked at it, the scene had a bizarrely domestic air.
"Seriously, do we really need to buy this much?" Sasuke asked, his face darkening. He felt as though the entire village was staring at him. Especially when they passed a weapons shop, he felt that carrying all these pots and pans was an utter disgrace to the Uchiha Clan.
"Of course we need to make a proper occasion of hosting a guest." Toru Kujyo hefted the bags in his hands and spoke as though it were obvious. "Besides, you're going to be my personal chef from now on. How could we not stock up on tools?"
"Who's your personal chef?!" A vein began throbbing at Sasuke's temple again.
"What, you're not going to listen to your 'big brother' anymore?"
"You!"
As the two bickered, a lazy voice drifted over from beside them.