The golden glow of the setting sun blanketed the training field.
And within that warm light, a thin figure kept running, mechanically, relentlessly, like a machine that didn't know how to stop.
At this moment, Hikaru Kinoshita had already broken through his limits three times.
Yet he kept going.
Because he understood something clearly.
In this world, only sweat and strength would never betray you.
They would become your foundation when you needed it most.
Suddenly
A familiar warmth surged through his body.
But this time, his mind didn't clear.
His vision went black.
He collapsed.
[Rubber Fruit Proficiency +1]
"Hikaru passed out!" Minato Namikaze shouted in panic.
Watching from the side, Kazuya Kinoshita instantly vanished with a Body Flicker and appeared beside him, scooping Hikaru up and rushing to the medical room.
"Doctor, please "
He stopped mid-sentence.
Stunned.
…She was beautiful.
Really beautiful.
Mom… I think I'm in love.
The medical ninja, Ayaka Hata, quickly took Hikaru and began examining him.
After a thorough check, she relaxed slightly.
"Just dehydration."
She immediately started an IV drip.
Before long, Hikaru's condition stabilized.
But then
She noticed something strange.
The bruises on his knees were healing… on their own.
Her eyes lit up with curiosity.
"What kind of body is this…?"
She looked at him like a researcher discovering something fascinating.
Then she turned to Kazuya.
"What's your relationship with this child?"
"I'm his teacher," Kazuya replied quickly. "Kazuya Kinoshita."
"You're so young to already be a teacher," she said with a shy smile. "I'm Ayaka Hata."
Kazuya scratched his head, grinning foolishly.
She thinks I'm impressive.
Does that mean she likes me?
Ayaka hesitated, then asked softly,
"Um… Kinoshita-sensei, could I ask you a favor?"
"What is it?"
"This child has incredible recovery ability. I'd like to take a small blood sample for testing. Don't worry, I'll submit the results to the Third Hokage. It could contribute to medical research."
Blood sample.
Third Hokage.
A flicker of thought passed through Kazuya's eyes, but it vanished instantly.
"No problem."
He agreed without hesitation.
"For the sake of medical progress, of course."
"Really? Thank you so much," Ayaka smiled brightly. "Once he wakes up, I'll take a small sample. As thanks, I'll treat you to a meal."
Kazuya frowned slightly.
"…Why wait until he wakes up?"
Ayaka blinked. "Because we need his consent."
"I'm his older brother. That's enough. Just take it now."
"Are you sure…?"
"He's always been scared of needles," Kazuya said calmly. "Better if he doesn't see it."
A complete lie.
In truth, he just didn't want Hikaru to grow suspicious of the village.
Some things… were better left unknown.
Ayaka hesitated, then nodded.
She took out a large syringe.
When Kazuya saw the size of it, his heart ached.
Sorry, little brother.
Just this once.
The needle pierced Hikaru's arm.
Hikaru frowned in his unconscious state.
A sharp smell filled his nose.
Then
Hunger.
Overwhelming hunger.
"So hungry… where am I…?"
"You're awake, Hikaru," Minato said quickly. "This is the medical room. You've been out for three hours."
"Did you carry me here? Thanks, Minato."
"No… your brother did."
Hikaru paused.
"…He's actually reliable sometimes."
A rare moment of appreciation.
But it lasted less than a second.
Because right now, there was only one thing on his mind.
Food.
Meat.
He yanked out the IV, stood up, and staggered forward like a zombie.
"Hikaru, the doctor said you need rest!"
Minato tried to stop him.
But Hikaru couldn't hear anything.
He just kept walking.
Then
He smelled it.
Meat.
His dull eyes suddenly lit up.
"Meat…!"
In front of him stood a sign:
Akimichi BBQ Q
Hikaru smiled.
If there was one group he trusted when it came to food
It was the Akimichi Clan.
Because in this world, no one respected food more than they did.
At the entrance, another sign read:
BBQ Challenge: Eat 50 kg of meat alone and your meal is free. Once per month.
Hikaru grinned wider.
No more hesitation.
He walked in.
Minato followed behind, silently praying.
He's exhausted…
Let him splurge just this once.
Just… please don't eat too much.
They sat down.
Hikaru slammed the table.
"Bring me 50 jin of pork belly!"
Minato nearly fell off his chair.
That's 25 kilograms!
Do we even have that kind of money?!
"Hikaru… we can't afford this…" Minato whispered desperately.
"No problem," Hikaru waved him off. "Check the sign. It's free if you finish it."
Minato froze.
Who gave you that confidence?!
A tall, strong woman approached them, smiling gently.
"Kids, wasting food isn't allowed. Where are your parents?"
"Hello, big sis," Hikaru said sweetly. "It's just us. I want meat."
She laughed.
"What a smooth talker. I'll start you with one jin. Finish it first, then we'll see."
"Deal."
Hikaru didn't argue.
He was starving.
Upstairs.
Kazuya and Ayaka were sitting together.
"Try this," Kazuya said, placing meat onto her plate. "Pork belly is best at medium doneness."
He smiled nonstop.
This date cost me my brother's blood.
I have to make it count.
Then
He heard a familiar voice downstairs.
He lifted the curtain slightly.
Saw Hikaru.
…And immediately dropped it.
Why is he here?
This place is expensive…
Kazuya sighed.
Looks like I failed as a brother.
Then he made a decision.
I don't know him.
Downstairs.
The meat sizzled.
Hikaru stared at it like a predator.
The moment it was done
He didn't eat everything.
Instead, he gave half to Minato.
"Try it."
Minato froze.
Even now… he's still sharing with me…
Hikaru… you're too kind.
"Thank you!"
He took a bite.
"It's amazing! You should eat too!"
Hikaru didn't hold back anymore.
He shoved half a kilogram into his mouth in one go.
Minato stared, completely stunned.
"…Amazing."