The great shinobi writer

-Takumi-

A tingling sensation spread from the scapula on my left shoulder. Although Ino seemed rather fierce, her delicate hands didn't apply much force, and her threat was more like playful teasing between familiar friends.

Shikamaru looked up at the sky, a hint of helplessness in his eyes, and couldn't help but mutter, "Women, what a drag."

'Indeed, Shikamaru's aversion to trouble has been part of his personality since childhood. However, saying such things in front of girls is sure to get him into trouble' I thought with a hint of schadenfreude.

*Bang*

"Ow!"

Turning my head, I saw Shikamaru clutching his head in pain, crouching on the ground. Ino, who had just released his hand, stood over him with a clenched fist, glaring down at him. "You lazy bum, Shikamaru! Who are you calling drag, huh? Say that again, and I'll show you drag!"

Ino, still carrying some baby fat, had her cheeks puffed out, clearly very angry.

Feeling sympathy for Shikamaru, I patted his shoulder and tried to defend him,

 "Ino," I said.

"He said 'Women, what a drag.' But you're a beautiful girl, charming like lavender, how could you just be an old woman?"

" Right, Shikamaru?"

"Uh..." Shikamaru replied timidly from his crouched position. Miss Yamanaka was truly terrifying, And girls were indeed troublesome.

"Hmph, you're lucky you know better!" Ino's mood improved after hearing my praise, and she forgave Shikamaru. After all girls like praises as much as Choji likes his chips.

The sound of Choji crunching on chips filled the air. After swallowing the last piece, he quickly pulled out a new bag from his small pouch and continued eating, his mouth covered in chip crumbs.

.

Seeing this I couldn't help but remark, "Ino's affection for Sasuke is just like Choji's love for chips…..

….. Anyway, Ino, it's just a failed confession—keep trying."

"What do you mean?" Ino pouted, glaring at me. But then her eyes landed on the floral-patterned wallet in my hand, and she forgot to blush, exclaiming, "Takumi, that wallet is mine! Where did you find it?"

Ah? It was Ino's wallet. I raised the floral-patterned wallet and suddenly remembered the hairclip inside, which looked quite familiar.

Handing the wallet to Ino, I explained, "I just found it here. I was about to ask who it belonged to and return it, but it turns out it's yours."

"Yes, I've been looking for it. There's an important hairclip inside."

Ino happily took the wallet, carefully opened it, and checked to make sure nothing was missing. She then looked up at mei with a sweet smile and said, "Thank you, Takumi."

"No problem," I replied with a smile.

[Ding ding! Lost Wallet mission completed, congratulations, host, you've earned a reward of 50,000 ryo.]

A smile couldn't help but curve my lips; the system's reward this time was quite generous. Looking at my long-time no-see friends and considering the reward I had just received, as well as the money I bought with me.

I suggested, "How about we go eat some yakiniku? I'll treat you all. I just finished a few missions and got some rewards."

Choji immediately swallowed the chips in his mouth, nodded furiously, and eagerly responded, "Great. We can finally eat yakiniku."

Shikamaru, who had been crouching on the ground, also stood up and nodded, saying seriously, "I haven't had a yakiniku in a long time. It's a good opportunity for us to gather."

Ino, however, didn't immediately agree. She looked at me with concern and said, "You're using the money you earned from doing tasks to treat us to a yakiniku. What about your living expenses?"

"Don't worry, don't worry," I shrugged indifferently, reassuring her, "I can do tasks tomorrow. With hands and feet, I won't starve in Konoha."

These words dispelled Ino's concerns, and she nodded happily.

Q's yakiniku was also on the commercial street on the east side of the village, and it wasn't far. Twenty minutes later, the four of us sat around a dining table, drooling over the barbecue grill.

The sizzling sounds of the meat, combined with the tempting aroma, made Choji reach for a tissue and wipe his drooling mouth.

my eyes also sparkled. I had been cooped up at home for nearly a month after all, and that to without the convenience of takeout in this world, I had been surviving on instant noodles.

Now, seeing the grilled meat, I couldn't help but drool.

Ino, Even before the meat was ready. Seeing the us boys' expressions, couldn't help but laugh.,

she wanted to change the subject.

She turned her eyes and said, "By the way, Takumi, why don't you go to the Shinobi Academy? Just sitting at home like a lazy youth is no fun."