Because Katsumi Kei's physical fitness was far superior to that of ordinary humans, and because his coordination and knife skills were exceptionally precise, the grilled meat cooked evenly to a golden-brown standard.
The delicious scent lingered in the forest air.
"Kei, this looks amazing! Your cooking skills are seriously top-tier!" Naruto praised, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Tenten and Hinata were no better—their eyes sparkled with unfiltered eagerness.
Kei smirked, flipping a few skewers with smooth efficiency. "Grab your bowls and chopsticks. It's almost done."
They moved quickly, setting up their places like disciplined soldiers.
Even so, none of them could fully hide their impatience. Hinata especially kept stealing glances at Kei, only digging in once he gave a small approving nod.
The first bite changed everything.
Naruto's eyes went wide. "This... this is incredible!"
Tenten, already chewing, tried to speak around her food. "B-big brother's barbeque... so good!"
"Y-yeah... Kei-kun's cooking... is really yummy," Hinata added with a shy smile.
The meat had been specially marinated in Kei's own spice blend—developed over many trials—and grilled with the perfect balance of heat, thanks to his heightened sense of smell shared with Hayate.
Kei started eating too, polishing off his bowl in record time before starting the next batch.
—
Hokage Building
Sarutobi Hiruzen peered into the crystal ball. Guilt and relief mingled in his expression.
The image showed Naruto sitting around the fire with friends. Laughing. Eating.
Something so simple—and yet, so rare for the boy.
"Katsumi Kato's child... and Naruto... Good children, both," he murmured. His voice caught slightly. "I'm sorry, Naruto... if only I could have done better."
He shut off the Telescope Technique with a tired sigh, returning to a growing stack of paperwork. His eyes darkened.
He looked again at the report detailing Naruto's social isolation, his treatment by villagers, and the minimal monitoring placed on him. The guilt gnawed more than usual today.
He rubbed his forehead.
"Uchiha..."
That word alone shifted his expression into something far more burdened. His hand hovered over a folder thick with reports. Rebellion, whisper networks, political friction—he knew what was coming.
The moment of peace Naruto had found felt fragile.
—
ROOT Base
Danzo tossed aside the reports on Kei and Tenten with a grunt.
"Two civilians. They won't affect the Nine Tails. Not yet."
Another document slid into his hands.
"Uchiha Shisui. Uchiha Itachi..."
He paused, eyes narrowing.
"The Uchiha... they need to be dealt with before they rot the village from within."
The candlelight flickered across his scarred face as he stared at the files.
"Let Hiruzen waste his time watching children. I'll handle what's necessary."
—
Back at the Forest
Kei had just finished a second batch of skewers when Hayate returned—carrying a wild boar almost as big as himself.
The others froze, stunned by the sheer size of it.
"No way... Hayate caught that?!" Naruto exclaimed.
"He's amazing!" Tenten gasped.
"S-so strong," Hinata whispered.
Kei smiled and patted Hayate's head. "He's an excellent ninja dog."
Grabbing a hoof, he easily lifted the beast. The others gawked.
"Big Brother is... really strong," Tenten mumbled.
Naruto nodded vigorously. "Seriously! Kei's awesome!"
Kei drew a small sword. In his hands, it blurred—cutting and butchering the boar with fluid, elegant motion. Chunks of clean meat stacked neatly beside him.
Just then, Hayate stepped forward and gave a short bark.
Kei paused, his expression sharpening.
But rather than frowning, his eyes lit up subtly, a quiet gleam of elation passing through them.
Hayate had found something. And someone
A murder of crows that had chakra!
And their owner threw Kei for a bit of a loop.