Three days later, Konoha gradually returned to its former calm.
Naruto rubbed his hands together excitedly inside the Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
"Boss, the mission was a success! We've got to celebrate!" he said, looking at Goten.
Goten gave a lazy yawn.
"Sure, but invite everyone for me." He paused.
"Especially the pretty ones."
Naruto's smile froze on his face. He understood what Goten meant by "pretty." He ran his legs off notifying every member of Team 7, Team 8, Team 10, and Might Guy's team. The celebration was set for that evening at Yakiniku Q.
That evening, the large private room at Yakiniku Q was packed with people and filled with steam. Goten took the center seat as a matter of course, with Sakura on his left and Temari on his right. In unspoken coordination, both women picked up a piece of meat and offered it to his mouth at the same time. Their arms inadvertently bumped, and their eyes met without a trace of warmth.
Watching Goten surrounded by two beautiful women, Naruto, Shikamaru, Choji, Shino Aburame, and the others all twitched at the corners of their mouths.
Shikamaru shook his head. "What a drag."
Goten seemed completely oblivious to the undercurrents in the air. He ate from both sides, taking a bite from each, and made a satisfied sound. "Mmm-"
The private room's door swung open.
Ino arrived a few minutes later than the others. She had dressed up especially for today, tying her long blond ponytail more carefully and replacing her purple midriff-baring top with a tighter style. Her slender waistline and beautiful legs were particularly eye-catching. The first thing she saw upon opening the door was Sakura leaning affectionately against Goten's shoulder. On Goten's other side sat another blond beauty she did not recognize.
Ino's smile