Ryun put away the scroll, his gaze turning towards the spot where Uzuki Yūgao often hid. Naturally, it was empty now.
Although he had long known that in reality, he and Yūgao were unlikely to have any significant interaction.
But whenever he thought of the Yūgao from the simulation who had confessed her deep feelings to him and actively kissed him, now being almost like a stranger to him, Ryun still felt a trace of melancholy.
Forget it. It's pointless to dwell on something whose outcome he already knew.
But what did Yūgao mean when she said she knew Ryun's feelings?
It should probably mean that Ryun had discovered her presence and was thanking her for her help, right?
Maybe he could wait and see if there would be any reaction from the Hokage's office.
After that, Ryun began his new day's routine.
Tenten also came to Ryun's house early, bringing the cooperation agreement. Both parties signed their own names on it.
Ryun was actually surprised that Tenten was the one responsible for signing.
And Tenten confidently smiled and said, "Because I've been handling this matter from start to finish, it's only natural I see it through to the end."
What she didn't say was that she worried when she was not in Konoha, her family members or shop staff might have conflicts with Ryun over profit issues.
Tenten certainly didn't want a minor gain to damage their relationship, especially since she saw a broader future for Ryun.
Then, the two continued to train outside Konoha. However, today they returned to the village and parted ways at the village entrance at ten o'clock, as they both had a series of things to do next.
After returning home and cleaning up, Ryun took out a writing brush. Looking at the scrolls he bought yesterday, he began to wield the brush vigorously, writing and painting.
Tenten also acted according to Ryun's plan. They agreed to meet at the Yakiniku restaurant at 11 o'clock.
At 11 o'clock, Ryun arrived at the front of the Yakiniku restaurant, carrying a large stack of scrolls.
Compared to yesterday, this place had become much livelier.
Even outside the door, Ryun could hear the noise inside. It seemed the people he had invited had already arrived.
Ryun pushed the door open and entered. The atmosphere in the room quieted down momentarily as everyone looked at Ryun.
It wasn't because Ryun was particularly eye-catching, but because he was the initiator of today's gathering.
"Yo, you're here!"
Shikamaru was the first to speak. Although he wasn't familiar with Ryun, the one who treats pays the bill, especially since Choji had already eaten a stack of plates of barbecue. He felt he should at least acknowledge Ryun's arrival.
"Good afternoon, Ryun!"
Choji said indistinctly with his mouth full. Then, glancing at the large stack of plates beside him, his expression turned somewhat embarrassed. After swallowing the meat, he continued, "I'll pay later!"
"No problem. Right now, I'm a shareholder of this restaurant. Treating you all to a meal at cost price isn't a big deal. Everyone, eat to your heart's content."
"Just remember to sign this scroll and leave some comments after eating. That way, we can also improve the restaurant's flavors."
Upon hearing this, Choji's eyes lit up, and he nodded repeatedly. Just as he was about to pour another plate of meat onto the grill, Ino, who was sitting beside him, couldn't help but speak up, "You, eat some vegetables too!"
"Our restaurant just added new products like vegetables, mushrooms, and fish. How can you give feedback if you don't try them all?"
Choji didn't dare disobey Ino and could only reluctantly start trying the products other than meat.
At this moment, Ryun also turned his gaze to another table, walked over to them, and bowed deeply without reservation.
Might Guy was slightly surprised by this. Lee and Neji, who were beside him, quickly stood up and made way, because Ryun was thanking their teacher, Guy.
"Hello, Guy-sama. Last time, you and your students saved me. I've been wanting to find an opportunity to express my gratitude."
"Thank you for honoring us with your presence. Later, I will personally propose a toast to you. I hope you will accept."
Guy laughed heartily and said, "I heard you and Tenten are already good friends. That means you're one of our companions too. No need to be so formal."
"A toast isn't necessary. I heard from Tenten that you are preparing to develop a batch of new ninja tools. How about equipping my two students with them first?"
Neji and Lee didn't use ninja tools much, but Ryun's fragmentation shuriken were an exception. These things could be surprisingly effective if used well. Guy wanted his students to be equipped first, considering their safety.
"That's natural!"
Ryun greeted Neji and Lee, saying, "You two are Tenten's teammates, so you are my friends too. From now on, I will cover the cost of your fragmentation shuriken."
Lee scratched his head, still wanting to refuse. However, Neji said, "In that case, we graciously accept."
After Ryun bid farewell to the three, called Ino and Tenten, and left the restaurant again, Lee finally asked in confusion, "Neji, why should we accept his things? As ninjas, accepting things from a civilian isn't appropriate, is it?"
Neji glanced at Guy. Guy smiled without saying a word, seeming only interested in the barbecue.
Neji seemed to have received permission and calmly said, "He is close to Tenten. So we are not accepting his things, but accepting Tenten's things."
"In the future, we only need to protect Tenten well during missions. Then we won't owe him a favor."
"Most importantly, Guy-sensei sees potential in his future, right?"
Neji looked around the restaurant and said in an admiring tone, "If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, could you believe that not long ago he was just a sallow and emaciated, down-and-out civilian?"
Lee seemed to understand. He clenched his fist and exclaimed, "Guy-sensei is using Ryun's example to tell me. What's strong is not the body, but the spirit!"
"As long as one has a will tempered like steel, even a civilian's youth is endless, right!"
"That's right, Lee. You've finally achieved enlightenment!"
Guy struck a cool pose, pointing at Lee with his chopsticks, and said, "After we finish eating, let's go do ten laps around Konoha while walking on our hands. We must not let this sinful barbecue increase our body fat!"
"Understood, Guy-sensei!"
"Lee!"
"Guy-sensei!"
Neji looked at the master and disciple pair who were tearfully gazing at each other with passionate eyes, his face full of exasperation. At the same time, he cast an apologetic glance towards Shikamaru and Choji at the other table.
Shikamaru smiled and nodded. However, compared to the noisy Guy and Lee, he was more interested in what Ryun was doing.
Finally, unable to contain his curiosity, he walked out of the Yakiniku restaurant door. He was then shocked by the scrolls hanging on the wall.
"Yakiniku and Ryun grandly launch various family, social, and banquet packages. All items 20% off or more for one week. Free meals for seniors over 60 and children under 11!"
"Starting today, sign up for membership and pre-charge. Get 100 Ryo free for every 1000 Ryo charged. The more you charge, the more you get!"
"Congratulations to Chunin Shimura Taiji for consuming for ten consecutive days, with a total consumption of fifty thousand Ryo (on credit). He wins the title of this month's best consumer of our restaurant!"
"Today's limited-time special offer. Mushroom and vegetable platters start at 50% off, buy one get one free. Discounts stack on discounts!"
But this wasn't what shocked Shikamaru the most.
What Shikamaru found most incomprehensible was that there were now huge crowds gathered outside the Yakiniku restaurant, forming several layers of people inside and outside!
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