"This smell…" Tsunade twitched her nose, her throat moving involuntarily.
This simple, rough pickling method produced a domineering aroma that slammed straight into her appetite.
Ryo stayed in rhythm, roughly wrapping and pressing the kneaded slices of meat tight with large, clean leaves, then weighing them down with big stones.
The remaining strips of meat he salted evenly and hung aside.
His hands moved so fast they dazzled the eye.
After handling the raw meat, Ryo set up the old scrap-iron pot that could boil a whole pig, filled it with water, and tossed in a few smashed wild boar leg bones and meat scraps.
He then slipped into the small woods beside the house and, in a blink, returned with a handful of wild spring onions still beaded with dew, some old ginger, a few unknown wild fruits, and a cluster of umbrella-shaped wild mushrooms, which he tore and dropped into the pot.
A big flame leapt up. Gurgle, gurgle…
Soon, steam carrying rich bone aroma, the sharp bite of wild spring onions, and the earthy fragrance of mushrooms pushed back against the dominating spice of grilled meat, rising in wisps straight into their noses.
Tsunade finally straightened and paced over to the simple barbecue grill in the corner.
The fresh-lit charcoal crackled softly. She picked up two nearly two-meter-long homemade skewers and, with fluid ease, threaded thick-cut ribs and large slices of leg meat onto them.
Her technique was as natural as picking up a kunai.
Ryo glanced at her, said nothing, and accepted the "help."
All his focus was on filling the yawning emptiness left by being drained.
Thick cuts sizzled as the flames licked them.
Hot fat dripped onto the red charcoal, flaring into bluish-white tongues of fire.
Sizzle.
Ryo took several deep breaths of the supercharged aroma flooding the yard—the char of grilled meat, the mellow stew, heavy woodsmoke, pungent marinade. His exhausted spirit felt like it had been hit with a strong stimulant.
His eyes brightened, and the subtle soreness in his muscles seemed to ease under the assault of scent.
He fed the fire, turned the meat, and tasted the soup for salt. His hands were fast, precise, and steady, and a serious gourmet's aura settled over him.
When the first golden piece of grilled meat was torn off, blown on, and popped into his mouth, the crisp outside, tender inside, erupting juices, and bone-deep spice made him narrow his eyes in satisfaction. A low, contented sound rumbled in his throat.
Tsunade was even faster. She grabbed a perfectly grilled slice of leg meat, ignored the heat, and bit in.
"Mmm." Her eyes lit up. Rich juices and spice exploded across her tongue. The chew, paired with that domineering, layered flavor, was simple, primal, and completely satisfying.
"Tch. Kid, you've got real skill."
She unceremoniously grabbed a few more of the largest pieces, eating with oil on her lips, hearty as a tomboy.
Ryo, while shoveling calories into the void in his gut, neatly laid more raw slices onto the preheated stone slab.
The hiss of fat on hot stone, mixed with their chewing and swallowing, became the most harmonious music of the moment.
Tsunade cleared her plate like a whirlwind, then, still unsatisfied, turned to the extra-large bamboo bento box Ryo was portioning.
Watching him neatly layer the enticing slices, even picking out the best thick-cut chops to place on top before covering it with the big bamboo lid, she noted the amount was clearly more than a single serving.
"Hey." A sly smile crept onto her lips.
"What's with the extra? You cooking for an army?"
Ryo's hand paused on the lid.
His reply was flat: "Stockpile."
His hand, however, pulled the box closer.
That alone answered.
Tsunade's smile lingered, but she let it drop.
She walked to the stove and saw the milky-white bone broth rolling with steam, its rich scent hitting her straight on.
"This soup looks good too." She picked up a big, chipped sea bowl beside the stove and ladled it full without ceremony. Bones, wild spring onion segments, and mushrooms soaked in broth settled into the steaming bowl.
"Hey." Ryo's voice cut.
Tsunade ignored him, blew on the rim, and took a heavy gulp. "Phew, hot, hot. Mmm…" The soup slid down her throat, warmth followed by rich, melted depth.
The heavy bone aroma, mellow oil, sharp green freshness, wild mushroom umami, and a subtle sweet aftertaste from the wild fruits all popped in layers across her tongue.
A comfortable warmth spread from her stomach to her limbs.
"Ha. Refreshing." Tsunade wiped her mouth, heat and satisfaction tinting her face.
"Lady Tsunade." Ryo's expression didn't shift much, but a vein ticked at his temple.
"You came here to eat me dry and chatter like an old hag? That's the serious business?"
Tsunade chuckled at his irritation. She finished the last sip of soup and set the bowl on the stove with a crisp clack.
"Alright, enough jokes." She straightened, expression turning steady. "I did come with reason."
Ryo stared at her, waiting.
"First, I am here to thank you." Tsunade raised a slender finger at him, her tone firm. "Tonight, you brought Kushina home safely, and kept those brainless idiots from stepping on her again. You were quite heavy-handed, but as her sister, I appreciate the protection."
(To be continued.)
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