As the two traded barbs, the aroma of Chinese cooking soon drifted out of the kitchen, with Sasuke helping Naruto prepare the food.
Watching Naruto work with a focused expression, Sasuke kept thinking about what had happened in class that day.
If he hadn't wanted to comfort Naruto, how could someone as proud as the sole Uchiha heir possibly have joined in Naruto's antics?
What Sasuke didn't know was that Naruto's earlier actions had stemmed from much the same idea.
Sasuke had spent the past few days getting the short end of the stick with Naruto, and Naruto had pushed his limits repeatedly that morning. If Naruto didn't find an opportunity to let him vent some of that frustration, he would hardly feel human.
With Sasuke quietly helping out, plates of dishes he had never seen before were soon brought to the table.
"Naruto, what kind of dish is this? Why are there leaves in it? And why is the meat red? Did you add blood?"
Naruto stumbled at those words and nearly fell. "Big Sis Sasuke, this is crispy braised pork. And those aren't tree leaves. They're a spice called bay leaves."
"Then what about this one, Naruto? Why is it a plate of chilies and those black things I don't recognize?"
When the dry-fried Spicy Chicken came out, a pungent, spicy aroma filled the room, along with a scent that left a cool, tingling sensation in the chest when inhaled. Sasuke couldn't help asking.
"Well... this is dry-fried Spicy Chicken. Those black things are Sichuan peppercorns. Eat them and you'll go numb, like you've been electrocuted." Naruto's offhand explanation made Sasuke a little wary.
"Oh, I see."
Soon, two steaming bowls of rice were served, and Naruto and Sasuke sat opposite each other.
"Eat while it's hot, Sasuke.