Chapter 9: **Chapter 9: Chōji’s Last Piece of Meat**
Following Tōzoku Raidō back home, Shiro's temporary rental was right next to Raidō's house.
Raidō, despite his cold exterior, had a warm heart. He had already prepared all the necessities for the room. Otherwise, with Shiro's penniless situation, he might have starved even with a place to stay.
"Shiro, get ready. I've invited Genma and Washi for dinner. Don't be late!"
Shiro's eyes lit up!
Tōzoku Raidō, Shiranui Genma, and Washi Dai were the strongest delivery ninjas in the *Naruto* universe.
These three could perform the Flying Thunder Formation technique! During the Fourth Great Ninja War, it was with their help that the Fifth Mizukage was transported to the battlefield!
"Great! I'll be there right away!"
Shiro was ecstatic, though not because he could secretly learn the Flying Thunder Formation—it was too cumbersome and mostly useful for delivering things anyway.
The real reason for his excitement was that he had been craving the delicacies of the *Naruto* world for a long time!
The most famous food in Konoha was Ichiraku Ramen!
It gained popularity thanks to Naruto Uzumaki, the main character, who loved eating it, leading to more screen time for the ramen shop.
Earlier, Shiro had passed by Ichiraku Ramen but, due to lack of money, could only watch Naruto eat it.
Now, however, they were headed for Konoha's second most famous dish: barbecue!
For a meat lover, barbecue was like a second life!
Following Raidō into the barbecue restaurant, the aroma hit them even before they stepped inside.
As they entered, Shiranui Genma and Washi Dai were already there, and the meat had already been ordered.
Shiro also noticed Team 10 inside the restaurant!
Chōji Akimichi was happily devouring barbecue, while Shikamaru Nara, looking bored, occasionally put a piece of meat in his mouth. Ino Yamanaka was glaring at Chōji, clearly upset that her meat had been snatched.
Asuma Sarutobi, still grieving over the Third Hokage's death, sat quietly, a far cry from his usual cheerful self.
Shiro's arrival caught everyone's attention, especially Ino Yamanaka, who quickly transformed from angry to a demure lady.
**Ding! Mission Triggered: Steal Chōji Akimichi's Last Piece of Meat!**
1. Steal the meat and eat it immediately! Reward: Intermediate Speed Mastery!
2. Steal the meat and eat it after 15 seconds! Reward: Quick Hand Signs!
3. Steal the meat and throw it away! Reward: Intermediate Taijutsu Mastery!
Shiro's eye twitched. This was a suicide mission!
The last piece of meat was Chōji Akimichi's ultimate limit! These options were testing the boundaries of Chōji's patience!
But seeing the reward, Shiro decided to go for Quick Hand Signs!
As a ninja specializing in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, speed and precision were everything for overwhelming firepower!
With a large chakra reserve thanks to his initial Sage Body, the only thing he lacked was the speed of his hand signs. Quick Hand Signs would be the perfect addition to his arsenal!
"I choose 2!"
After choosing, Shiro took a deep breath and confidently walked toward Team 10.
On the grill was the last piece of meat, and Chōji's eyes were fixed on it like a hawk.
As Shiro approached, Ino suddenly stood up, covering her mouth with her hands, catching Chōji's attention.
Seizing the moment, Shiro quickly grabbed the piece of meat with his chopsticks!
Chōji froze for a moment, then noticed that the familiar piece of meat was now missing from the grill. When he realized it was on Shiro's chopsticks, he stood up angrily.
"The last piece of meat represents the pinnacle of flavor! It's my very life! Give it back!"
Shiro swallowed nervously. Who knew the usually harmless Chōji could suddenly exude such a terrifying aura, like a demon from the underworld?
But there was no turning back now!
He wasn't sure what the consequences of failing this mission would be, but he was certain they'd be unbearable.
"I stole this meat fair and square! Why should I give it back?" Shiro said, mentally counting down.
"Another troublesome guy…" Shikamaru sighed, rubbing his head in exasperation.
"Damn it! Give it back!" Chōji shouted, leaping from his seat and lunging at Shiro!
Shiro wasn't the fastest ninja, but neither was Chōji. Thanks to the boost from his initial Sage Body, Shiro was much quicker than Chōji—unless he used that move.
But as Chōji charged like a raging bull, Shiro felt a shiver of fear run down his spine.
"Chōji! Just let him have the meat. It's only one piece!" Ino scolded.
"No way! This last piece is my ninja way! I won't give it up!"
The temptation of the meat made Chōji move even faster, almost doubling his speed and getting dangerously close to Shiro.
Shiro had never seen a chubby guy move so fast. He swore to himself that if he survived today, he would never mess with Chōji again.
3…
2…
1…
Time's up!
At that moment, Shiro tossed the piece of meat into his mouth and chewed quickly, swallowing it in one gulp.
The rich aroma filled his nose, and the flavors of the grilled meat danced on his taste buds, sparking a strange sense of happiness.
Even though the *Naruto* world didn't have many spices, the meat here was completely organic, untouched by pollution.
A simple preparation was enough to beat any famous barbecue restaurant!
"All right, I ate it. Next time, I'll treat you to a barbecue. What are you going to—"
"You ate my last piece of meat?! Super Expansion Jutsu!"
Chōji roared, and his arms started growing rapidly until they were the size of a person.
**Ding! Recognizing Super Expansion Jutsu!**
Chōji began swinging his enlarged arms wildly, trying to grab Shiro.
Even though Chōji wasn't faster than Shiro, the size of his hands made them move much more slowly, and he couldn't even touch Shiro's clothes.
However, the gusts from Chōji's massive arms nearly knocked Shiro off his feet.
"Damn it! I've got no choice—Genjutsu! Sexy Jutsu!"
Shiro stopped in his tracks, his Sharingan spinning rapidly.
Chōji froze for a moment, but then his eyes flared up with anger again, and he lunged at Shiro.
Shiro was stunned.
His Genjutsu, which even worked on one of the Sannin, Orochimaru, had no effect on Chōji!
Great, now he was in real trouble. He had no idea how to get out of this mess…