Konoha's Genius is a bit Ordinary?

At the barbecue restaurant where Shinai used to work, a massive table was packed with people. The table was heaped with plates of grilled meat, and the cheerful chatter filled the room.

Before the feast could officially begin, Natsuro noticed Tsunade arriving with an apologetic Shizune in tow.

"Hey, you brat! Inviting all these people to a feast and not calling Shizune and me?" Tsunade complained as she approached Natsuro.

"Huh? Weren't you both still busy with work? Besides, it's enough for Shizune to come Tsunade-sama, there was no need for you to leave your office for this," Natsuro teased with a smirk.

"Hmph, that pile of documents is endless anyway. Can't I take a little break?" Tsunade rolled her eyes before greeting the others at the table.

Taking a seat beside Shinai, Tsunade observed the lively gathering with a mixture of emotions.

Almost all the heirs of Konoha's prominent clans were present at the table. This lineup alone was enough to make anyone take notice.

Natsuro, Tsunade mused, had managed to bring together an impressive group. Even if this was just a simple moving party, it wouldn't be surprising if some saw this gathering as something more significant.

Her gaze swept across the table: the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, Kiba and Shino from their respective clans, and even Hinata, who, despite not being the Hyuga heir, was still a notable presence.

Then there were Naruto, the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails and a key figure for Konoha, and Sasuke, the last of the Uchiha clan and an undeniable force.

The only one who didn't have an impressive family lineage was Sakura.

Still, with this group, Natsuro had inadvertently assembled a network that any village leader would envy.

Her eyes lingered on Naruto, who was sitting next to Hinata, a pairing Tsunade found pleasantly surprising. Hinata's shy demeanor around Naruto hadn't gone unnoticed, and the fact that Naruto hadn't objected to sitting next to her was a good sign.

Tsunade chuckled, noticing Sakura's determined presence beside Sasuke. Looks like all three of my students are sorting out their romantic lives. Though I wonder if Sakura stands a chance with Karin in the picture…

Meanwhile, Shinai sat beside Tsunade, starstruck and slightly nervous. "Tsunade-sama, thank you so much for always looking out for Natsuro…"

Tsunade waved it off casually. "Looking out for him? Hardly. That kid doesn't need anyone looking out for him. If anything, he's the one helping me." She glanced at Natsuro with a knowing smile, as if to say, So your mother's my fan, huh?

Natsuro merely returned her smile, choosing not to comment.

With Tsunade's arrival, the atmosphere grew even livelier, and the barbecue feast officially began.

Toward the end of the meal, everyone turned their attention to Hinata. While most of them had already finished eating, Choji included, Hinata was still steadily enjoying her food.

Tsunade and Shizune had left to return to work, and Shinai had already been sent back to the new house by Natsuro.

The group's gazes kept flicking to Hinata, who blushed under the attention. She considered stopping, but Naruto continued grilling more meat for her.

It wasn't just food, it was Naruto's cooking. She couldn't bear to miss the opportunity.

"Seriously, Choji, is this real? Did someone actually out-eat you at a barbecue?" Shikamaru asked, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Choji, now reclining with a satisfied belly rub, chuckled. "Hinata, you're amazing!" he said, giving her a thumbs-up in approval.

Shikamaru glanced around, seeing everyone still present. He decided to bring up something on his mind.

"Hey, Natsuro," he began, his tone casual but serious. "This isn't just about moving. If you ever need help, with anything, and we can pitch in, don't hesitate to ask."

"Shikamaru's right," Sasuke added, his usual stoicism softened. "If you need assistance, count me in."

"And me too!" Naruto chimed in enthusiastically, raising his hand.

As the group enjoyed the barbecue, Shino, who had been quiet for most of the evening, finally spoke up. "Yes, helping each other is what companions should do."

"Hmm? Did you just say something, Shino?" Kiba turned to his teammate, appearing slightly puzzled.

Shino's aura darkened immediately, and he shot Kiba a glare filled with silent indignation. Is my presence really so insignificant?

The rest of the group chimed in, expressing their willingness to lend a hand whenever needed.

Natsuro watched the scene unfold and turned his gaze toward Shikamaru, the instigator of the conversation. It was clear now that his recent actions hadn't gone unnoticed.

Moving houses right after being targeted and choosing to relocate next to the Fifth Hokage's residence, there was no way such a decision wouldn't raise questions.

"So this is the real reason you all came today?" Natsuro thought, smiling as he nodded. "I might take you up on that offer in the future."

Hearing Natsuro's response, everyone smiled. Even if they couldn't be much help, the important thing was that their support had been conveyed.

Not long after, Hinata finally finished eating. She blushed deeply as she told Naruto to stop grilling more food for her.

With that, the feast gradually came to an end.

However, Natsuro's eyebrow twitched as he glanced at the final bill. It was staggering. Just feeding Choji was already a challenge; adding Hinata's bottomless appetite had made it an outright ordeal.

"If every gathering were like this, I'd go bankrupt in no time," Natsuro thought. Fortunately, this was a one-time thing.

On the way home, Natsuro strolled leisurely with Ino by his side.

"If only things could stay like this forever," Ino mused, gazing at the starry sky.

"Please, if things stayed like this, I'd be broke," Natsuro quipped.

Ino blinked in surprise before remembering Choji and Hinata's monstrous appetites. She burst out laughing, unable to help herself.

Seeing her smile, Natsuro couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Finally, I've reached the point where I can see her as the Ino I knew she could become.

"Honestly, I had no idea Hinata could eat so much. I never noticed before," Ino said, still chuckling.

"And Naruto's behavior today wasn't bad either," she added, recalling how Naruto had diligently grilled meat for Hinata throughout the evening.

"Yeah, I didn't expect that either," Natsuro admitted. The usually oblivious Naruto had seemingly matured overnight.

Unbeknownst to them, Naruto had begun to understand Hinata's feelings during his intense training sessions in the backwoods.

Though slow on the uptake, Naruto had noticed that Sakura's heart was wholly dedicated to Sasuke. Meanwhile, Hinata's quiet but genuine care had left a lasting impression on him.

Naruto didn't dislike Hinata. In fact, he remembered the times she had supported him when no one else would. Though he had never had the chance to properly thank her, those memories remained.

Now that Naruto was aware of Hinata's feelings, coupled with his realization about Sakura, his attention had naturally shifted. While he might not fully reciprocate yet, the beginnings of a connection were forming.

With Hinata's dedication, it's only a matter of time before it all falls into place, Natsuro thought with a smile.

After a pleasant walk, Natsuro and Ino arrived at her house. They lingered at the doorway for a moment, sharing a few more tender words before Ino went inside.

Rather than walk home alone, Natsuro used the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to his new house.

He spent the rest of the evening helping Shinai familiarize herself with their new home. It was spacious, well-located, and comfortable. It was the perfect place to settle down.

Gazing at the house, Natsuro felt a sense of fulfillment. It felt like he had finally achieved something he had missed in his past life.

....

The next day, Natsuro arrived at the Uchiha clan's district.

As he stepped into the area, the sharp crackle of lightning filled the air, sounding like the chirping of birds.

Following the source of the sound, he soon found Sasuke in the middle of training, practicing his Chidori techniques.

He observed as Sasuke seamlessly performed Chidori Nagashi, Chidori Senbon, and Chidori Sharp Spear one after another with great proficiency. A smile crept onto Natsuro's face. He's really putting in the effort.

After Sasuke finished his practice, Natsuro finally called out to him.

"Starting your training this early?"

"Natsuro? When did you get here?" Sasuke's eyes lit up upon seeing him, but he quickly composed himself. "I have to check if there are any suitable missions at the Anbu later, so I won't have much time. I decided to train early."

"I just got here. Your Chidori and its variations are looking pretty good," Natsuro remarked.

Hearing the praise, Sasuke allowed himself a brief smile before his expression turned serious again.

"It's still far from enough. With just this level of skill, I can't kill him..."

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Currently on Chapter 266 - Sasuke vs. Itachi (Part 1)