Synthesis Ninja system

"Human Boulder!" Choji Akimichi shouted as he curled into a ball and began rolling at high speed.

Fortunately, they were already outside the barbecue restaurant, or else that move would have destroyed the entire place! Despite his large size, Choji's speed increased dramatically in his ball form, and even with the boost from Shiro's Sage Body, it wasn't enough to avoid him entirely.

"Damn it, I can't keep dodging! Partial Expansion Jutsu!"

With a series of hand signs, Shiro's hands grew larger, about the size of two full-grown people.

But despite the enlargement, his body didn't strain from the increased size.

"Whoa! This jutsu is every guy's dream... Wait, no, now's not the time for that!"

Shiro swiftly raised his hands to block in front of his body.

*Bam!*

The impact forced Shiro back several steps. However, thanks to his enlarged hands and increased muscle mass, Choji, who was now the size of a bus, was stopped in his tracks!

"No way! The Expansion Jutsu is a secret technique of the Akimichi Clan, but this guy learned it just by watching? What kind of monster is he?" Asuma Sarutobi, who was initially going to intervene to stop the commotion, couldn't help but mutter in shock when he saw Shiro's jutsu.

Shiro wasn't feeling great either. He wasn't a Taijutsu-type ninja, and even though he had the Expansion Jutsu, his body couldn't quite keep up.

If he wanted to simply defeat or kill Choji, it would've been easy for Shiro.

But doing it without hurting him? That was a challenge!

Choji looked at Shiro in disbelief. Just then, Ino Yamanaka ran over and punched Choji on the head.

"Idiot! Do you even know where we are? If you break something, how many plates of BBQ do you think we'll have to miss out on?! And what if you hurt Shiro-kun?" Ino said, sneaking a shy glance at Shiro.

Choji rubbed the spot where he was hit, looking pitiful.

"But... that was the last piece of BBQ…"

"Alright! If you still want to eat, I'll just order more," Asuma said, stepping in to smooth things over.

"Really, Asuma-sensei?! Can I get two more orders?" Choji immediately perked up at the thought of more food.

"Shiro, don't forget your promise to me. You owe me a BBQ meal!" Choji added.

Shiro forced a smile. Choji was such a foodie that he probably couldn't remember anything else, but he'd never forget anything food-related! Given Choji's appetite, Shiro would definitely go broke!

Shiro returned to his table, where Bingzu and the others had already ordered their BBQ.

The sizzling sound of meat on the grill filled the air, and the aroma wafted into Shiro's nose. His taste buds, awakened by the smell of meat, urged him to grab his chopsticks.

One bite of BBQ, and a sense of satisfaction spread through his entire body.

Konoha! Coming here was definitely the right choice!

As the meal continued, Bingzu and the others started chatting.

Although Shiro was familiar with the world of *Naruto*, he couldn't find a way to join in their conversation.

"With the events in the Land of Wind and the Third Hokage gone, I'm afraid the Hidden Mist and Hidden Cloud Villages won't sit still for long!"

Shiro's eyes lit up. The conversation had finally turned to something he could contribute to.

While he didn't know much about ninja gossip, he definitely had insights about the larger political landscape!

"You don't need to worry about that. The Hidden Mist is too preoccupied with their own issues to cause trouble for us. As for the Hidden Cloud, though they're strong, there are two countries between us and them. A surprise attack would be difficult. In my opinion, the real threat right now is the Akatsuki!"

"The Akatsuki? What's that?" Genma Shiranui perked up and asked quickly.

"The Akatsuki is an organization made up of nine rogue ninjas. Though there are only nine members, each one is on par with a village leader! Even Orochimaru was once a member."

"What?! So does that mean the mastermind behind the attack on Konoha was the Akatsuki?"

"Not quite. Orochimaru left the Akatsuki a long time ago. This attack was likely his personal agenda. But the Akatsuki still needs to be taken seriously!"

"I have to report this to the higher-ups immediately!" 

Bingzu and the others quickly left, leaving Shiro alone.

Shiro chuckled to himself. He'd finally joined the conversation, only to scare everyone away. Couldn't he just enjoy a meal in peace?

Shaking his head, he grabbed another piece of BBQ.

"Wait! No one paid for the BBQ yet!"

Suddenly, Shiro was filled with dread.

He didn't have any money on him. He'd come to mooch off Bingzu and the others.

Now that Bingzu, the rich guy, had left, who was going to pay?

Shiro wanted to smack himself. Why did he have to bring up the Akatsuki? Now he'd dug his own grave!

"Maybe I could offer to wash dishes to pay…"

Just as Shiro was trying to figure out an escape plan, he saw a girl with buns in her hair walk by outside.

Shiro's eyes lit up, and he quickly ran out to block Tenten's path.

Startled, Tenten instinctively reached for her weapon pouch.

But when she saw it was Shiro, her face flushed slightly.

"Oh, it's Shiro-kun. What are you doing here?"

Shiro rubbed his hands together, feeling embarrassed.

"Well... could you lend me some money? I ran out…"

Tenten blinked in surprise, then quickly pulled out her pink wallet. Just as she was about to hand him some money, she paused and flashed a mischievous grin.

"I'll lend you money, but you have to take a walk with me!"

Shiro nodded without hesitation. As long as he got the money, he didn't mind walking with Tenten—or even taking another piece of meat from Choji!

"Deal, I'll walk with you!"

After paying the bill, Shiro followed Tenten.

With Shiro by her side, Tenten's face remained slightly flushed, and she occasionally stole glances at him.

Suddenly, she stopped in front of a flower shop.

Just as she was about to enter, she turned to Shiro and quickly explained:

"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm buying flowers to visit a friend."

Shiro immediately understood.

She must be talking about Rock Lee, her teammate, who had sustained severe injuries—crushing his bones and even damaging his chakra network—in his fight with Gaara.

If it hadn't been for Tsunade's intervention, Rock Lee would have been bound to crutches for life.

"Lee, huh?"

"You know Lee? It's such a shame... he'll never be a ninja again," Tenten said, her face filled with sadness.

"No way! Lee's determination is too strong. He'll recover for sure! I bet you he'll be back on his feet within a month!"

"Really? I believe you!"

(End of Chapter)