The evening streets of Konoha were gently bathed in soft twilight.
The air carried the aroma of countless household dinners, mixed with the fresh scent of grass and trees brought by the evening breeze. Shuji led the two down a quiet alley, stopping before a shop with an indigo noren curtain.
The curtain bore the character for "pot" embroidered in white silk, and warm yellow light and faintly sweet steam emerged from within.
Pushing aside the curtain, they were greeted by the rich aroma of soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and premium beef fat—like a warm embrace.
The interior was small, decorated in natural wood tones, with low tables surrounded by cushions. Few patrons were present, their conversations kept low, creating an especially cozy and peaceful atmosphere.
Unlike the boisterous energy of yakiniku restaurants, this place radiated the comforting warmth characteristic of hot pot cuisine.
"Welcome!" A hostess in plain kimono smiled warmly, seating them at an inner table. In the center sat a black clay pot over a small gas burner.
"Three people, sukiyaki," Shuji told the hostess, glancing at Anko and Itachi across from him. "Is that all right?" He knew both had a sweet tooth.
Anko nodded vigorously, eyes already glued to the menu. "Yes, yes! Of course!" Itachi also gave a soft "mm," his eyes showing anticipation.
This family-style restaurant atmosphere gave him a rare sense of relaxation.
"Premium beef, tofu, konjac noodles, shiitake, enoki mushrooms, chrysanthemum greens, leeks, and udon noodles," Shuji ordered expertly. "One raw egg each for dipping the meat."
"Certainly, please wait a moment." The hostess noted the order and smiled as she went to prepare.
Soon, a black clay pot was placed on the burner and filled with dark brown, oil-glossy sweet broth.
The gas flame ignited, blue tongues licking the pot's bottom as the broth began bubbling. The rich sweet aroma rose with the steam, spreading more freely and tantalizing their taste buds.
The hostess brought neatly arranged ingredients: premium wagyu slices marbled red and white like frost, silky tofu blocks, pale konjac noodles, plump shiitake and delicate enoki mushrooms, emerald chrysanthemum greens, and diagonally-cut white leeks. Three bowls of clear raw egg liquid accompanied them.
The broth began to boil, steam rising. Shuji used long chopsticks to place several beef slices in the center of the bubbling broth.
The pink meat quickly curled and changed color in the dark brown liquid, fat melting and releasing more enticing aromas that perfectly integrated with the broth's sweet-savory base.
"Start with the meat," Shuji indicated.
Anko could hardly wait, picking up a perfectly cooked, slightly curled beef slice and quickly rolling it in the raw egg.
The warm beef coated in cool, silky egg entered her mouth. Instantly, ultimate tenderness dissolved on her tongue—the rich meat flavor wrapped in the egg's smoothness, while sukiyaki's characteristic sweet-salty sauce flavors layered across her palate. She closed her eyes in satisfaction, letting out a muffled sigh: "Mmm... this sweetness level is perfect! The beef is unbelievably tender!"
Itachi followed Anko's example, carefully picking up a beef slice and dipping it in egg. The beef's rich umami, the egg's silkiness, and the broth's sweet-savory notes merged perfectly in his mouth, creating warm, mellow satisfaction. He chewed quietly but noticeably faster than usual, his dark eyes appearing especially gentle behind the rising steam.
Seeing their contentment, Shuji also took a beef slice. As the egg-coated meat entered his mouth and mirin's distinct sweetness spread across his tongue, he imperceptibly frowned slightly. He sipped tea to rinse the sweetness from his palate.
For hot pot, he still preferred clear broth or mildly spicy flavors—this sweet-style pot remained unfamiliar to him.
"Honored guests, all dishes are ready. Please enjoy." The hostess served the final udon noodles and vegetables, seeing the bubbling pot and their focused expressions, her smile deepened.
"Thank you," Shuji nodded. As the hostess was about to leave, he casually asked, "The restaurant seems busy tonight—is there good news?"
The hostess paused, her face lighting with a warm smile. "Thanks to your patronage, business has been steady. But lately, everyone does seem in better spirits."
She lowered her voice with joy-sharing tone: "Everyone's saying that the Cloud Village is finally sending an official delegation for peace talks!"
"After fighting so long, we're finally seeing some hope for peace. Everyone's hearts are much lighter, and they're more willing to come out for good food."
She gestured toward several tables obviously hosting family dinners.
"See? More families are bringing children out."
Cloud delegation? The news had already reached ordinary shopkeepers? Shuji's chopsticks paused slightly.
"Delegation?" Anko asked through a mouthful of soup-soaked shiitake. "Is the news reliable? Those Cloud ninja were pretty fierce before."
"It's true!" A woman with children at the next table couldn't help joining the conversation, her face showing honest hope.
"My husband works odd jobs at the Administration Department—he's heard it all!"
"They say the delegation is high-level, led by the Raikage's confidants! With that kind of setup, they can't be coming to fight, right? They must be sincere about negotiations!"
She gently patted her child's head. "If the war really ends, the children can grow up in peace."
"Yes, ending it would be good," an elderly diner at another table sighed. "Too much blood has been spilled at the border. Peace is more precious than anything."
The restaurant filled momentarily with longing whispers about approaching peace.
The topic was soon diverted by the fragrant, bubbling food and rising steam. The hostess and other customers returned to their own tables.
"Cloud Village..." Anko swallowed her food, licking sweet sauce from her lips. The satisfaction in her eyes receded somewhat, replaced by a ninja's scrutiny. "The Raikage's confidants leading? That's quite a show. Wonder what they're really planning."
"It's the general trend."
Shuji placed perfectly cooked tofu that had absorbed the sweet-savory broth onto Itachi's plate, his voice calm.
"Cloud Village can't win. Negotiating peace is inevitable. As for sincerity..."
He paused, watching the bubbling broth: "It's not about what they say, but what they do next and what price they're willing to pay."
Itachi quietly ate the tofu Shuji had served him—tender texture with broth flavors completely absorbed.
His gaze fell on Shuji's calm profile. Despite losing teammates in border missions, his senior seemed to harbor no particular emotions toward Cloud Village.
Anko wrinkled her nose, clearly uninterested in such pragmatic discussion. She said nothing more, her attention quickly drawn back to the konjac noodles rolled in sweet-salty sauce.
"Whatever! Why think so much? These konjac noodles soaked in broth are amazing! Boss, one more order of konjac noodles!" She raised her hand to call out.
"Four more servings of meat," Shuji added—ninja had large appetites and could always eat more.
Outside the window, Konoha's lights gently illuminated the deep blue twilight. Inside the sukiyaki restaurant, warmth filled the air as the clay pot bubbled and sweet aromas spread.
Three people sat around the hot pot, focused on their food. The warm broth, tender beef, and flavor-absorbed vegetables brought satisfaction from stomach to heart.
Post-training fatigue and tension seemed dissolved by the rising steam and mellow sweet fragrance.
As the last udon noodle slid down her throat, Anko sighed contentedly and leaned back against her cushion. Itachi also set down his chopsticks, quietly sipping tea.
Shuji picked up his teacup, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Anko's faded black mesh shirt with worn sleeves, then at Itachi's neat but clearly everyday clan attire.
"Full?" Shuji set down his cup, breaking the post-meal quiet. "Perfect, we still have some time." He stood up. "The squad just formed—as captain, I should make some gesture."
Anko and Itachi looked at him with mild confusion.
"Let's buy a few things." Shuji's tone was casual, as natural as arranging the next training session. "Captain's gift—no refusing allowed."
Chapters in advance there: patreon.com/Thaniel_a_goodchild