The sun on the horizon was faintly visible, and the surrounding temperature quietly became soft and pleasant.
On the lush green lawn, three large dogs were happily chasing and playing, with Haimaru darting past like lightning in a strong wind.
Haimaru and Akamaru playfully teased each other, their barks full of energy, and their tails wagging joyfully, adding a touch of vibrant life to the verdant grass.
Inuzuka Kiba sat comfortably on the grassy slope, gently opening the lid of his bento box.
Akamaru, perched on his head, curiously leaned in, sniffing the scent of the food and letting out soft whimpers.
What met his eyes was a somewhat messy jumble of food, almost to the point where the original ingredients were unrecognizable.
But Inuzuka Kiba's already keen sense of smell instantly picked up the enticing deliciousness within the food.
Feeling too embarrassed to let others eat such unappetizing food, Chizhao reached out to take it back.
“Maybe you shouldn’t eat it.”
Inuzuka Kiba quickly raised his hand to protect the bento, his wild eyes gleaming with determination, and a slight smile on his lips, revealing his signature fangs.
For a moment, Chizhao had the illusion that this boy was protecting his food.
“Even Naruto and Sasuke haven’t eaten this, have they?”
She wasn't sure why he mentioned Naruto and Sasuke, but Chizhao honestly shook her head:
“No, I’m still learning with Grandma, and today I just didn’t want to bother Grandma, so I made it myself.”
Inuzuka Kiba secretly chuckled, feeling pleased.
Even they hadn't eaten it, so he was the first to taste Chizhao’s homemade cooking?
That’s great!
He eagerly picked up a spoon and took a bite, and instantly felt an indescribable deliciousness bloom in his mouth.
“Delicious…”
“Really?”
“You’re amazing, this bento is really delicious!”
Inuzuka Kiba praised her sincerely, his eyes sparkling, as he buried his head in the delicious bento, even Akamaru on his head couldn't help but drool.
The dogs playing nearby were also attracted by the aroma, circling him and whimpering.
Praised for the first time by someone other than Grandma Huizi, Chizhao tilted her head up a little proudly:
“I learned cooking from Grandma, so even if it doesn’t look good, the taste is definitely top-notch!”
“Mhm mhm mhm, delicious!”
Before long, the food in the bento box was completely devoured by Inuzuka Kiba, who licked his lips, still wanting more, a happy smile on his face.
It wasn’t until he glanced at the girl beside him, who was watching him with a smile, that he instantly reined in his inadvertently revealed emotions, gave a proper cough, and clasped his hands together, saying:
“I’m full, thank you for the meal.”
He carefully tidied up the bento box and returned it to Chizhao, and when her hand inadvertently brushed his, he immediately pulled his hand back as if he had received an electric shock, awkwardly averting his gaze.
“Thank you, Kiba!”
Inuzuka Kiba sat there, the breeze carrying her scent to his nose, and as he watched her smile, his mouth still savored the taste of the food she had made.
At this moment, his hearing, smell, sight, and taste were all filled by her, and his heart felt as full and content as if it had been filled with sweet water.
Holding the empty bento box in her hand, Chizhao finally understood why Grandma Huizi was so passionate about cooking.
When you see the food you've made being eaten bite by bite, the happy smile on the other person's face truly gives you immediate feedback, bringing a strong sense of accomplishment.
“When I saw Kiba’s smile, I was very happy, feeling as if my efforts were recognized.”
Inuzuka Kiba’s heart trembled slightly, and he tried to cover it up by stroking Akamaru’s head, a faint blush inadvertently appearing on his cheeks.
“Of course, there are very few beings that I acknowledge, you know.”
“I’ll try making more dishes later, would you still be willing to taste them?”
“Please, you must let me taste them!”
Inuzuka Kiba stood up excitedly, then awkwardly cleared his throat: “As long as you ask me, I can…”
After tidying up her bag, Chizhao stood up from the ground and smiled at him:
“Thank you, Kiba, I’ll study hard. I have other things to do, so I’ll be going now. See you next time!”
“Oh… see you next time…”
Watching the girl’s retreating figure, the dogs gathered around his feet, rubbing against his body, their tails wagging ceaselessly.
“What’s wrong? Don’t think I’ll forgive you for bumping into me like that.”
As if understanding him, the dogs let out a few pitiful whimpers, begging for his forgiveness, and Akamaru also whimpered on his head.
Inuzuka Kiba smiled in concession: “There’s nothing I can do…”
He glanced once more in the direction the girl had left, then re-leashed the three dogs and shouted with renewed vigor:
“Let’s go back now!”
Instantly, the three large dogs, as if energized, ran off excitedly, kicking up dust just as they had when they arrived.
“Hey!! I said slow down!!!”
.......
Nestled among the rolling mountains was a serene village.
The village paths were winding, paved with bluestone slabs and dirt, with unknown wildflowers blooming vibrantly along the sides, swaying in the breeze.
On the distant hillsides, terraced fields resembled green staircases, layer upon layer.
The villagers bent their backs, toiling diligently, occasionally stopping to greet passersby with harmonious smiles.
In a small house somewhere in the village, Chizhao knelt in the middle of the living room, a table in front of her laden with fresh fruit, as well as the tricolor dango and other sweets she had bought on the way.
She curiously surveyed the furnishings inside the house; compared to Konoha's modern decor, the rustic wooden tile architecture before her exuded an elegant charm.
Soon, Shisui came from the other side, carrying two cups of freshly brewed tea.
“Ah, we still live a rural life here, without the smart appliances of Konoha, so boiling water took a little time. I kept you waiting, Chizhao.”
“It’s alright, Shisui. I feel so peaceful here, without even realizing it.”
Shisui placed the tea and sat down opposite her, relaxed.
Outside the window, a ray of sunlight happened to fall on his face, gilding his handsome features with a golden glow.
His slightly curly hair swayed gently with his movements, adding a unique charm and gentleness.
His dark, gentle eyes watched the girl, who was growing day by day, a smile on his lips, as he pushed the food towards her:
“From what you’re saying, it sounds like something has been bothering you lately?”
Looking at the tricolor dango in front of her, Chizhao slowly began: “It’s about Sasuke…”
“Sasuke?” Shisui frowned slightly: “What happened to him? Is he in danger?”
Chizhao shook her head, looking at him with a complex expression:
“Shisui, when do you plan to tell Sasuke the truth?”
“Oh, so it’s about that…”
Shisui, his expression relaxed, took a sip of tea:
“Indeed, the Uchiha Clan is now safe, and the message that Sasuke was meant to convey has been delivered…”
Her hand, holding the teacup, tightened slightly. Chizhao knew Shisui hadn’t finished speaking, and she waited anxiously for him to continue.
“But Chizhao, if you were to tell Sasuke, in what capacity would you be able to make him truly believe you?”