"We haven't seen each other in so long. How about we all get together? Barbecue's on me."
Stepping out of the Ninja Academy, Izanami casually invited both the Seventh and Tenth Classes.
The moment those words left his mouth, the eyes of Akimichi Choji and Uzumaki Naruto lit up like fireworks.
"Sounds great—but let's split the bill," Nara Shikamaru nodded, though he added a condition.
He, more than anyone, understood Choji's monstrous appetite. Even Asuma-sensei, an elite Jonin, had racked up quite a few tabs at the barbecue place thanks to Choji. Shikamaru also knew a bit about Izanami's background—an orphan from a civilian family, relying solely on his parents' inheritance and survivor benefits from the village.
Even though Izanami had been a Genin for a few months, there was no way his earnings could cover Choji's single-meal costs.
"It's fine. Just eat your fill. I've got more than enough saved," Izanami smiled warmly.
Unknown to most, Izanami had already become one of the wealthiest individuals in the Ninja World. His declaration earned him immediate admiration from both Naruto and Choji.
Shikamaru, seeing Izanami's sincerity, said no more. Instead, he silently resolved to treat him back someday.
Just then, Uchiha Sasuke spoke up, putting a damper on the cheerful mood. "I'm heading back to train."
"You can train anytime. Today, let's just relax for a change," Izanami said, placing a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, his gaze carrying a subtle but unmistakable threat.
"…Fine."
Knowing full well that defying Izanami would end with him getting pounded into the ground, Sasuke crossed his arms and pouted, clearly unhappy but reluctantly agreeing.
Meanwhile, Haruno Sakura and Yamanaka Ino lit up with excitement, immediately fantasizing about who would get to sit next to Sasuke during the meal. As if reading each other's thoughts, they exchanged glares sharp enough to spark lightning.
They all gathered at Konoha's largest barbecue restaurant, pushing together three tables to accommodate everyone. It became their first group feast.
Naruto, who rarely had the luxury of eating well, eagerly competed with Choji to see who could eat more grilled meat.
On either side of Sasuke, Ino and Sakura flanked him, vying for his attention. But Sasuke just gave them both his trademark cold, disdainful stare.
Shikamaru and Shino Aburame sat next to Izanami, sipping juice and discussing the potential candidates they'd observed during the Chunin Exams.
While chatting, Izanami skillfully grilled meat and placed it on Hinata Hyuga's plate.
Hinata ate quietly, appearing ladylike. But anyone paying close attention would notice her speed rivaled Naruto's—and even matched Choji's. Her appetite was as astonishing as her composed demeanor.
Shikamaru eventually noticed and couldn't help but look at Hinata with awe.
"Her appetite… is on par with Choji's? And she's from the noble Hyuga Clan?"
He was genuinely surprised. Who would've thought this soft-spoken lady from a prestigious family had such an incredible stomach?
As the meal came to a close, Izanami suddenly pulled out a camera and created a Shadow Clone to take a group photo.
If Hiruzen Sarutobi had witnessed the scene, he would've surely exclaimed: "This is the future of Konoha!"
The meal cost Izanami over 100,000 ryo.
Once upon a time, spending that amount would've left Izanami in tears. After all, he had saved just 300,000 ryo over the past six years. But now? That sum was insignificant to him—barely a drop in the ocean.
More importantly, the barbecue feast brought together classmates who, despite studying together for years, had rarely interacted outside of training. A small but tightly-knit group was quietly forming.
Only Izanami truly understood the future value of this gathering.
Two of them would become saviors and future Hokage. The others were heirs to prestigious clans, future pillars of the Konoha Hospital, the Intelligence Department, and suppliers of Military Ration Pills, among others.
Before this, Izanami had focused only on grinding skills and leveling up his abilities. But now that his Ninja aptitude had reached Six Paths level, he decided to build bonds. After all, he'd be living in Konoha for the foreseeable future, and networking was essential.
The Next Day – 2:00 PM
Ring, ring, ring…
The alarm clock buzzed, waking Hinata, who had been napping. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she looked beside her—Izanami was still fast asleep.
She tiptoed out of bed, tied her hair into a neat bun, and went to the bathroom to freshen up.
Once done, she returned and gently nudged Izanami. "Izayoi-kun, time to get up."
"What time is it…?" Izanami mumbled groggily.
"It's already two in the afternoon."
"Just let me sleep another hour…"
"No way. Get up now."
Hinata pulled the blanket off and gave Izanami a firm but gentle push.
"Then give me a kiss, or I'm not getting up," he said, smirking sleepily.
"Mm…"
Hinata's cheeks turned slightly red, but she still leaned in and kissed his forehead.
"Too light. I didn't even feel that."
"Mu~~a!"
"I want one on the cheek."
"Mu~~a!"
"And over here too," Izanami pointed to his other cheek. His eyes, now open, glimmered with playful mischief.
"You know who you're like right now?" Hinata rolled her eyes with a faint smile. "You're acting just like Hanabi."
She still gave him another kiss on the opposite cheek, her face flushed. Then, she firmly pulled him out of bed.
"Hanabi is practically like our little sister. So, if I'm like her, that just means we're family," Izanami teased, rubbing her small cheek and pecking her again in return.
"Go brush your teeth. Your breath stinks."
Hinata's face blushed even deeper as she jokingly shoved him into the bathroom.
While brushing his teeth, Izanami mumbled, "Hinata, can you open the desk drawer and get me the red box inside?"
"Okay."
Hinata, who had planned to pour him a glass of milk, nodded and fetched the box.
She didn't leave the room. Instead, she stood nearby, waiting for him to finish washing up.
Izanami soon finished, rinsed his mouth, and wiped his face with the handkerchief Hinata handed him. Then, he opened the red box.
Inside were two lenses.
"These are… glasses?" Hinata asked in surprise.
"No, they're cosmetic contact lenses."
Izanami activated his Reincarnation Eye—sky blue pupils with white spiral patterns surrounding the iris. Then, he placed the lenses on, concealing their unique design and turning his eyes back to their original deep blue color.
He had bought these contacts in the city where his villa was located, just before returning to Konoha.
Seeing him conceal such a powerful ocular jutsu, Hinata's expression turned solemn. "Izayoi-kun… are the Chunin Exams going to be dangerous?"
She had seen firsthand the overwhelming power of his repulsion and attraction techniques. There wasn't a single Genin she believed could match Izanami.
But now, he was deliberately hiding his true abilities—clearly preparing for the possibility of using them without revealing the source.
Just what kind of opponent would require such caution?
Hinata's chest tightened slightly.
"It's just a precaution," Izanami said, looking at himself in the mirror. "If everything goes well, it'll be a walk in the park. If not…"
He smiled subtly, the kind that hinted at unknown variables and deeper strategies.
"There might be a tough fight."
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