Eating Barbecue

As soon as they entered the restaurant, they were swept up in its lively atmosphere. Mouthwatering aromas greeted them, and the place was packed. Servers bustled between the tables, their trays piled high with all kinds of grilled meat that looked even more tempting in the glow of the flames.

There really were a lot of people at this barbecue restaurant they had picked at random. The four waited a while before they finally managed to get a table by the window.

Itachi snuggled close to his brother, while Shisui and Obito sat across from them.

The restaurant served two kinds of barbecue: one that customers grilled themselves on a hot plate, and another that was brought out already cooked, similar to modern barbecue. Koki first ordered five portions of the house-special barbecue and some skewers, then added a few side dishes.

"Look! The place is packed. We picked the right restaurant; the food must be good!" Koki said excitedly.

"Yeah!" Obito nodded eagerly. He was thrilled. He had wanted to eat barbecue for a long time, and tonight he was going to eat his fill.

Shisui, however, noticed that something was off and gestured for the other three to look around.

"What's going on?" Obito was a little confused.

"Shh, keep your voice down, Obito-nii. Haven't you noticed how many ninja are in this restaurant?"

Obito took another careful look around. Sure enough, there were quite a few ninja wearing green flak jackets. They were gathered in groups of three or five, as if plotting something.

"So what? I don't see a problem." Obito still didn't understand.

Shisui shook his head. "Maybe I'm overthinking it, but something about them feels a little strange..."

Seeing that Shisui looked a little worried, Koki gently took the hand he had resting on the table and reassured him, "It's all right, Shisui. We'll deal with whatever comes our way. Besides, they might not even be here for us. Look, they haven't so much as glanced our way."

Shisui smiled and nodded.

Itachi silently pulled his brother's hand back and held it tightly.

Obito paid no attention to the undercurrents at the table, because the barbecue had arrived!

"Please enjoy your meal."

The first dish was a plate of grilled pork rolls. Their outer layer was golden and crisp, while the pork inside was tender and juicy. The special sauce made them even more delicious.

Looking at the grilled meat before him, Koki felt a rush of inexplicable emotion. He picked up a roll and took a small bite. The rich flavor of meat filled his mouth, and he couldn't help closing his eyes to savor it, as if he had returned to that time filled with laughter.

Next came a serving of grilled chicken wings, crisp on the outside and tender within. Dipped in chili sauce and salt, they tasted wonderfully refreshing.

Obito couldn't wait to grab one and take a big bite. The delicious flavor drew a satisfied sigh from him.

Koki had also ordered Shisui's favorite grilled fish especially for him. Shisui ate it with relish, a satisfied smile on his face.

Besides the main dishes, there were some delicious sides, such as a plate of grilled corn kernels. Sweet and fragrant, with a soft, chewy texture, they were Itachi's favorite!

There was also a plate of grilled eggplant, cooked until soft and infused with flavor. With seasonings and mashed garlic, it tasted even better.

For a time, all four lost themselves in the food.

"Please enjoy your meal." The server's words interrupted their enjoyment as five portions of the house-special barbecue were brought to the table.

Looking at the glowing charcoal, the grill plate, and the fresh slices of beef and lamb before him, Koki closed his eyes, and his thoughts drifted back to the distant Blue Star...

Back then, he had still been in college, without a care in the world. His roommates, a bunch of food lovers, had dragged him out to try all sorts of food almost every week. Of all the places they visited, the one they went to most often was the barbecue restaurant across from their university.

"Your barbecue, sir." The server smiled and set the meat down in front of Koki, interrupting his memories.

"Brother, what's wrong?" Itachi noticed something was amiss with Koki and asked with concern.

Koki opened his eyes and smiled slightly at Itachi. "It's nothing. I just remembered something from the past."

"Koki, no matter what you remember, we're all here with you," Shisui said softly, his voice full of warmth and strength.

A warm feeling welled up in Koki's heart as he looked at Shisui. He nodded. "Thank you. I know."

"And me. I'll always be with you, Brother."

"All right, all right! It's a promise. You all have to stay with me."

"Just eat. I'll do the grilling!" Koki spread the slices of meat evenly across the grill plate. Before long, they were sizzling enticingly over the flames, filling the air with their aroma.

He deftly turned the slices, his movements practiced and his gaze focused.

"All right, dig in."

Before he had finished speaking, Obito had already begun eating with gusto. He ate so quickly that Koki said in surprise, "Slow down, Obito-nii. No one's going to fight you for it. If there isn't enough, we can order more. I'll make sure you eat your fill today!"

Koki knew that Obito couldn't afford to eat barbecue often on his survivor's pension. Since Obito liked it so much, Koki naturally wasn't going to be stingy today.

But... watching Obito wolf down the food, Koki squeezed his little rabbit wallet. I should... have brought enough money, right?

Obito nodded repeatedly as he ate.

Although Itachi hadn't said anything, Koki sensitively picked up on the fact that his brother didn't seem very interested in the barbecue. So he called a server over and ordered a few desserts for him.

Itachi looked delighted. He wrapped his arms around Koki's waist and buried his face in his brother's chest, unwilling to let go. Koki slipped an arm around him, and the two cuddled close.

Only when Shisui reminded him, worried that the barbecue would all be eaten, did Itachi reluctantly let go. He felt it was more important to let his brother eat his fill.

Shisui had eaten the grilled fish and didn't eat much meat either.

In the end, eighty percent of the five portions of barbecue went into Obito's and Koki's stomachs!

Koki waved a hand and ordered another five portions of the house-special barbecue.

Shisui gently put down his chopsticks and looked at Koki, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. He spoke up to stop him. "Koki, you've already eaten a lot. If you keep eating, you might feel sick. You should order a little less. Be careful, or you'll end up so stuffed your stomach hurts, just like last time."

There was a hint of concern in his voice, and his gaze was especially gentle.

Koki stuck out his tongue and smiled. "Oh, Shisui, don't worry. I'm very healthy. I won't feel sick. Besides, a healthy body is essential if you want to become an outstanding ninja! Eating more meat is good for your health and gives you nutrients, right, Obito-nii?"

Obito looked at the two of them, at a loss, and nodded repeatedly. "Yeah, that's right. You're both right!"

Then he changed tack. "In that case, let's order a little less. Boss! Three more portions!"