Last Week in Konoha: Night Three, Part One
He lay on his back, his hands gripping the bed posts. Choji loomed over him, looking down with lust and love in his eyes. Choji leaned down, and brought his lips to him. He moaned around Choji’s lips, overcome with passion. Choji slowly pushed himself in, breaking off the kiss to concentrate. After a moment, Choji began to pull back out. Then with no warning he slammed back in as hard as he could, a slam so hard it knocked the bed into the wall with a “BAM!” He moaned, he loved when Choji was rough with him, he begged to go harder, faster. He grabbed Choji’s head (BAM!) and smashed there lips together, (BAM!) kissing him deeply. (BAM!) He was so close, (BAM!) he only needed another moment. “Shikamaru!” Choji cried (BAM!) “Shikamaru, come on!” (BAM!) “Come on Shikamaru, open up!” (BAM! BAM! BAM!)
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Shikamaru opened his eyes, not that it helped him to see anything. He sat up on the couch he had fallen asleep on, and removed the slip of paper that had been taped to his forehead. It was a note from his mother.
Shikamaru, gone out for a few hours, knew you thought it would be a
“drag” to be woken up (again), see you later tonight.
Mom
It was then that he realized that Choji was pounding on the door and calling out to him. He got up, stretched, and yawning deeply, made his way to the front door. It only took him a moment to get the door, which Choji was practically knocking off its hinges. He unlocked the door and opened it, squinting into the dying light of day.
“Hey Choji, what’s up.” Shikamaru asked as he scratched the back of his head and yawned again. Choji started to open his mouth to say something, then burst out laughing, and pointed downward.
“Havin’ good dreams Shikamaru?” Choji asked between giggles.
“Huh?” Shikamaru looked down, and saw the tent set up in his pants. Sighing heavily, he turned around to fix it. He pulled his pants away from his hips and reached into his boxers. As he was adjusting, Choji stepped up behind him, and reached around Shikamaru to grab a hold of his hand which was still holding his erection. Choji began to manipulate Shikamaru’s hand, slowly squeezing and pulling. Shikamaru couldn’t suppress the moan this caused.
“How about I help you with that?” Choji whispered in his ear.
“Yes,” Shikamaru hissed, “but we should at least get inside and shut the door.” Choji removed his hand from Shikamaru’s pants and gave him a push inside, then turned to shut and lock the door. Shikamaru walked back to the living room, Choji following close behind.
“We gotta hurry, we’re supposed to meet Naruto and Ino in half an hour.” Choji said as he grabbed Shikamaru and spun him around so they were face to face. They stared deeply into each other’s eyes, then Shikamaru leaned in, and brought there lips together. They kissed deeply, and slowly sank onto the couch Shikamaru had been sleeping on earlier. Shikamaru lay on top of Choji, running his hands through his spiky hair. He broke off the kiss, and looked down at Choji, who was blushing and breathing heavily.
“What?” Choji asked after Shikamaru had stared at him for several seconds.
“I love you, Choji.” Shikamaru said, putting his head on Choji’s chest, hugging him closely.
“I love you too.” Choji picked up Shikamaru’s head, and brought there lips back together. This time the kiss was more passionate, more needy. Both of them were now painfully erect, and as they kissed they would grind there hips together, moaning loudly around each other’s lips and tongues. This time it was Choji who broke off the kiss. He pushed Shikamaru to a sitting position and got on his knees in front of him. Normally, he might have teased Shikamaru, made him beg for it, but not today. He pulled Shikamaru’s pants and boxers down to his knees, and took Shikamaru’s dick into his mouth.
“Oh God!” Shikamaru groaned, overcome with pleasure. Choji was doing everything he could to make Shikamaru come as quickly as possible. He took his left hand and began to gently massage his balls, and slid his right hand under Shikamaru’s shirt, and began rubbing and squeezing his nipple. Choji knew exactly how to send Shikamaru over the edge, and within only a few moments of sucking his cock, Shikamaru shot his load into Choji’s mouth.
“Oh, Choji!” Shikamaru grunted, and he grabbed Choji’s head as he let loose. Choji stopped moving and just let it fill his mouth. Shikamaru stopped after only three spurts, and collapsed into the couch, completely spent from such a powerful orgasm. Choji savored the taste of Shikamaru in his mouth for a few seconds, then swallowed and gave a content sigh. His knees and ankles began to protest his position, so he stood up to stretch. As soon as he had stood up, Shikamaru leaned forward and pulled Choji’s pants down to his knees. Choji wasn’t wearing any boxers today, which turned Shikamaru on even more. He brought his hand up and gently rubbed Choji’s balls, causing him to throw his head back and moan.
“Shikamaru….” Choji groaned. Shikamaru grinned, he loved hearing Choji moan his name. He took Choji’s cock in his had, squeezing and tugging on it slowly. Choji was leaking pre cum heavily, and Shikamaru brought his mouth to the tip and began nursing on it. Choji began whimpering in pleasure. Shikamaru slid his mouth down Choji’s length, rolling his tongue as he did so. He knew it would send Choji over the edge instantly.
“I’m cumming!” Choji grabbed Shikamaru’s head and began thrusting, grunting as his orgasm over took him. He shot into Shikamaru’s mouth five times before stopping. Just as Choji had done, Shikamaru savored the taste before swallowing. Choji took a hold of Shikamaru’s ponytail and stood Shikamaru up. He smashed their lips together, and thrust his tongue into Shikamaru’s mouth. Shikamaru’s brought his hands behind Choji, pulling him into a deep hug as they kissed. Choji began to feel himself recover and broke the kiss before they got too deep.
“Sorry to stop the fun Shikamaru, but we’re gonna have to hurry to meet Ino and Naruto.” Choji said, his face still only inches from Shikamaru.
“I guess you’re right.” Shikamaru sighed. He and Choji both pulled their pants back up, and started towards the door. Shikamaru stopped.
“Choji…”
“Yeah?” Choji turned to look at him.
“I know I say this a lot, but…I want to make sure you know, I love you.” Choji walked up to him and pulled him into a hug.
“I’ll never get tired of hearing that.” Choji whispered. He gave Shikamaru a quick kiss. “I want you to know, I love you too.” H pulled away from Shikamaru, and looked around, a little embarrassed from the emotional moment. “Are you ready?”
“Yeah, let me just grab my present.” Shikamaru picked up a wrapped box from the table. “What about you, got yours?”
“Yeah, right here.” Choji patted the left side of his vest, which made a thumping sound.
“Let’s go.” Shikamaru led Choji outside and locked the door behind him.
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Naruto stood outside of Yakiniku Q, waiting for the others to show up. He’d never been there before, so he definitely wanted to wait for Ino, Shikamaru and Choji before he went in. He looked up into the darkening sky, grateful that the storm clouds has passed and that he could see the stars beginning to come out. He looked down the street and saw Ino and Sakura coming.
“Sakura! Ino!” Naruto shouted and waved his arms, trying to get there attention. Ino and Sakura turned their attention to him and ran over.
“Hey Naruto.” Ino said, and she gave Naruto a hug, which Naruto thought was strange. Sakura also looked surprised, but said nothing.
“Hi Ino, how are you?” Naruto asked after she let go of him.
“I’m great, feelin’ just great. How about you?” Ino asked.
“I’m ok. Hey Sakura, did Ino invite you to join us tonight?”
“No, I’m on my way home from training with Lady Tsunade. We just ran into each other on the way.”
“Yeah, like I’d invite billboard brow to join me for anything.” Ino giggled at her favorite insult.
“Very funny, Ino-pig.” Sakura growled back. “CHAA!! Kick that bitch’s ass!!!” Inner Sakura screamed.
“Oh Sakura, you know I only tease because you’re my best friend.” Ino said, then hugged Sakura close.
“Ino….are you ok?” Sakura asked, she looked really surprised and just a little worried.
“Hmm…wha…I’m great, just great. How are you?” Ino wobbled suddenly, and if Shikamaru and Choji hadn’t shown up just then she would have fallen down.
“Damnit Ino, not again. I thought you were through with this.” Shikamaru sighed. Choji threw one of Ino arms over his shoulder and held her up.
“Through with what?” Ino asked, all innocence. At least it would have looked innocent if she drool weren’t sliding over her lips.
“The drinking.”
“Oh that. I only took a little drink of daddy’s sake….”
“A little goes a long way with you Ino. You know it’s unhealthy for someone your age, not to mention illegal.”
“I’ll be fine, rea….” Ino’s eyes bulged and she clamped her mouth shut. Choji rushed her over to a nearby trash can and she started to puke her guts out. While Ino was throwing up, Choji held her hair and rubbed her back, whispering calming words to her.
“What’s goin’ on Shikamaru?” Naruto asked, confused.
“Ah man….It all started about a week after Sasuke left. We noticed Ino was acting funny, but we just thought she was depressed. About a month and a half ago we were getting ready to leave for a mission, and Ino showed up barely able to stand. We told Lady Tsunade she was just sick, though I think she suspected the truth. After Choji and I got back from the mission, we confronted her about it. She said that she had never meant to lose control, it just sorta happened. She snuck a drink one night from her dads cup, and apparently went from there. We helped her as best we could, and we thought she was over it, she swore she hadn’t had any in over a week. I guess not.” Shikamaru looked over at Ino, who was still vomiting rather loudly. He gave a light sigh and had a look of disappointment on his face.
“She had stopped.” Sakura said, eyes downcast.
“How do you know?” Shikamaru asked.
“I was there the first night she had some. We’d planned to have a girls night, to help us get over Sasuke, but it just turned into a night of crying. I should have stopped her, but we were both so upset. She didn’t steal a sip from her dad, she drank most of a full cup after her dad passed out. I took a drink too, but I didn’t like it, so Ino drank most of it. I thought that was it, I never thought it was going to be a problem. We see each other at the Hokage’s mansion sometimes, she’s started learning medical jutsu from Lady Shizune. I knew something was wrong, but I didn’t know what. Then just like with you, she showed up for training one day stumbling and barely able to focus. I rushed her home, and was able to sober her up a little. We had a long talk, and I’ve been helping her to get over it ever since. She swore to me too that she was over the drinking, but something must have happened.” Sakura looked over at Ino, still bent over the trash can. She was no longer throwing up, but she was definitely shaken.
“Let’s take her inside. Sakura, will you take her into the bathroom and help her get cleaned up?” Choji brought her over and they walked into Yakiniku Q. There was a tall man with long crimson hair wiping down a table, he looked up when he heard them enter and made his way over.
“Excuse me, where’s the restroom?” Sakura asked.
“Down that way and on the left, little lady.” the man pointed with the stub of a cigarette he‘d just finished.
“Thank you.” Sakura took Ino from Choji and they made there way to the restroom..
“Is Ino ok?” the man asked.
“She’ll be fine. How are things Gojyo?” Shikamaru asked.
“Here, they’re pretty slow at the moment. As for myself, I got myself another hot date tonight when my shift ends. So a table for five I’m guessing?”
“Yeah, although I think only four of us will be eating.” Choji said.
“Well, with you here Choji, it’s still like five will be eating.” Gojyo smirked. He reached into his pocket and removed a pack of cigarette’s and brought one to his lips. He began to pat his other pockets, looking for a lighter, which he found in his back pocket and lit the cigarette.
“Ha ha, that joke never gets old Gojyo.” Choji growled.
“You know I’m only kiddin’, besides you guys are my favorite customers, not to mention our most frequent.” Gojyo led them to a large table and sat them down. He took a long drag from his cigarette, then exhaled.
“What’ll you boys have to drink?” Gojyo asked and took out a notepad.
******************Meanwhile***************************
“How do you feel now Ino?” Sakura asked. Ino was gargling with warm water, trying to get the taste of vomit from her mouth
“Better. I got out most of it when I threw up outside, now I’m more embarrassed than sick. I can’t believe Naruto saw me like that, he’ll probably make fun of me for it all night.” Ino looked into the mirror above the sink and her face sagged.
“No way, Naruto’s not like that, he would never tease over something as serious as this.”
“That’s good to know.” Ino splashed some cold water onto her face and gave her cheeks a couple of light slaps.
“So, what happened? I thought you had stopped.” Sakura asked, stepping up behind Ino. Ino sighed, and looked at Sakura’s reflection in the mirror.
“I had, I really had. It was almost two weeks. Then there was the punch from the party, and I remembered how good it could feel. I did my best to forget, but then I would see something that would make me think of Sasuke, and I’d feel that need again. I really tried, but I just wasn’t strong enough.” Ino looked on the brink of tears.
“Ino….” Sakura said. Ino turned around to look at Sakura. Sakura brought her hand back and slapped Ino. Ino brought her hand up to her stinging cheek, a look of shock on her face.
“Sakura…why?” Ino started to cry.
“Because you needed it. You weren’t strong enough?!? You’re one of the strongest and most stubborn people I know. How often would we fight over who would get Sasuke? How many times would you remind me how weak I was compared to you? Think about this…if Sasuke came back tomorrow, would he want a girl who did nothing but stumble and vomit all the time? No way. Get yourself together, or else I’m not gonna have any competition for Sasuke’s love when we bring him back.” She meant everything she said about Ino being strong, but she was exaggerating about her feelings for Sasuke, her heart belonged to Lee now. Ino looked stunned, and fell to her knees, tears falling from her eyes. Sakura knelt beside her and hugged her close.
“Sakura…..thank you.” Ino sobbed into her shoulder. Sakura just held her close and made calming noises, not rocking Ino for fear she might throw up again. After a few minutes Ino finally stopped crying, and stood up with Sakura’s help. She gave a sniff and wiped her face and nose with some paper towels. She gave herself a once over in the mirror, and aside from her eyes being a little puffy and her cheek a little red, she still looked good. She sighed heavily and turned to Sakura. “Ok, time to face the executioner.” Ino said, and stood up straight as she left the bathroom, Sakura behind her. They approached the table where everyone was sitting, and gave a small bow. “You guys, I’m sorry. I’ve ruined the whole evening, so I’m….”
“What do you mean ruined? Some of the best parties don’t even start until someone’s blown chunks. Heh-heh.” Naruto grinned, or at least he grinned until Sakura’s fist slammed into the back of his head.
“Naruto you creep…” Sakura began, then she heard Ino laughing. She looked at Ino, surprised. “I thought you didn’t want Naruto to tease you?”
“I didn’t think so, but once I heard that…I knew that it was his way of trying to cheer me up. He’s trying to act as if nothing were out of the ordinary, treating me like he normally would. I’d thank him if he were conscious.” Ino said, then giggled again. Sakura looked down and Naruto’s eyes were glazed over and there was a small pool of drool under his face. He looked so ridiculous that Sakura couldn’t help herself, she started giggling right along with Ino, which set of Choji and Shikamaru. In the midst of all the giggles, Naruto woke up, the entire left half of his face covered in drool, which made them all laugh even more. Ino sank to the floor, she was laughing so hard. She had forgotten how good it felt to laugh like that, it had been so long. She stood back up and walked over to Naruto and hugged him again, making sure her face was on his right side. “Thank you Naruto.”
“Uh…sure, you’re welcome Ino.” Naruto said, not really sure what had happened. It was then he realized the left half of his face was covered in slime, and so he rushed to the bathroom to clean up.
“So Ino…” Shikamaru began after he and Choji had stopped laughing.
“No, we’re not bringing it up again tonight, I already talked to Ino and the last thing she needs is for everyone to yell at her.” Sakura said, cutting off Shikamaru. Shikamaru looked at her and sighed.
“Good to hear. It’s such a drag having to be the responsible one. So now we just forget about it and enjoy the evening, agreed?”
“Agreed.” Choji, Sakura and Ino said. Ino smiled, grateful for such wonderful friends. As Naruto was returning from the bathroom, Gojyo returned to the table with a tray of drinks.
“Here you go. Tea for Shikamaru, Choji and Sakura. Water for Naruto, and a special drink for Ino.” He set a tea cup in front of Ino, it was full of a dark liquid she had never seen. After he set down the drinks, he took a long drag off of his cigarette, and exhaled away from the group.
“What is it?” Ino said, she picked it up and gave it a sniff.
“It’s a drink from the west we import. It’s good for curing hang…stomach problems, try a little and if it doesn’t help I’ll bring you some water.” Gojyo gave her a grin, and waited for her to try it. Ino lifted it and took a sip, and scrunched up her face.
“It’s kinda bitter.”
“Normally you would use cream and sugar to sweeten it, but for a ha…stomach problems it best to drink it black. How do you feel?”
“A little better. What’s this stuff called?” She took another sip, ready for the bitterness this time.
“It’s called coffee. Me and some friends learned of it when we took a trip through some of the surrounding countries a few years ago. Aside from helping with…stomach problems its also a really good morning drink, especially after a night of partying. Now that you’ve got your drinks, what can I get you to eat?” Gojyo took the cigarette out of his mouth and smashed it into an ashtray on the next table, then took out his pad and pencil again, ready to take there order.
“Go ahead and order whatever you like, dinner’s on me tonight.” Naruto said, and he received cheers from the others, especially Choji.
“You’re gonna regret those words Naruto.” Shikamaru thought, chuckling to himself.
“Give us the all you can eat deluxe platter, with plenty of beef!” Choji cried.
“I’d like mackerel on there too.” Shikamaru added.
“And chicken.” Sakura added.
“Ok, anything else?” Gojyo asked, scribbling it all down.
“Can I get a Choregi Salad (lettuce, cucumbers topped with sesame seeds and shredded scallions), light on the dressing?” Ino asked
“Sure thing. Is that all?” Gojyo asked.
“This may sound stupid, but you wouldn’t happen to have ramen would you?” Naruto asked, a glint of hope in his eye.
“As a matter of fact we do.” Gojyo said.
“Really?!? What kind?” Naruto drooled at the thought of ramen (he hadn’t had ramen since early that morning).
“Let’s see…” Gojyo took the pencil and rubbed the eraser end against his head as he thought. “There’s Tantan Ramen, which is noodles topped with minced meat and spinach in a spicy soup, and there’s Gomanegi Ramen, noodles in our special shio broth topped with egg, sesame seeds, and spring onions. So which will it be?” Gojyo returned pencil to paper, ready to write.
“Bring me one of each.” Naruto said.
“Ok, is that all?” Gojyo looked around the table, ready for more orders. No one spoke up. “Ok, I’ll go let the guys in the kitchen know and we can get your food out as quickly as possible.” He turned away from them, and lit another cigarette before making his way to the kitchen.
“So Sakura, how’s training with grandma Tsunade going?” Naruto asked.
“Today was less…horrifying than others.” Sakura said
“Horrifying?” Shikamaru asked, showing some interest.
“Aside from basic first aid, I’ve also been learning combat techniques, medicine preparation, and all sorts of other things. Some days are harder than others. Last week I was working with Shizune on an autopsy, then Ino and I were working together gathering medicinal herbs and buds, earlier this week Lady Tsunade was teaching me her own style of Taijutsu, and today I began learning how mend broken bones. I can deal with most of the other stuff, by Lady Tsunade doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to combat training, she’s really scary when she gets going.”
“Yeah, Pervy Sage has told me a few horror stories.” Naruto chuckled at the memory.
“How’s your training with Shizune going Ino?” Choji asked. Before Ino could answer, Gojyo returned and set two small grills on the table, and got those ready for the meat. One sat in front of Choji, the other sat in the center of the table for everyone’s use. After he left, Ino answered.
“It’s going ok I guess. I’m not learning as much as Sakura is, but I’m doing ok.” Ino said, looking into her cup.
“Ok? Tsunade and Shizune both say you have the makings of a first class medical ninja. They both say you have a gift for analyzing poisons and concocting antidotes, and your knowledge of medicinal plants almost surpasses Lady Shizune‘s. I’ve got a long way to go before I can catch up to you in those areas.” Sakura said, smiling at Ino.
“Do they really say that?” Ino’ eyes brightened.
“Although I suppose it’s only natural that you know more about plants, you’ve grown up around them your whole life.”
“ Yeah, growing up with a plant obsessed family does help.” Ino chuckled, then gave a start. “Oh! Speaking of gifts, should we give them to him now or after the meal?” Ino asked, and looked between Shikamaru and Choji.
“Let’s let him decide. Naruto would you rather get your going away present’s now or after dinner?” Shikamaru asked.
“NOW!!!” Naruto roared, and pumped a fist in the air for emphasis.
“All right. Who wants to go first?” Shikamaru asked.
“I will.” Choji said. He reached into his vest and pulled out a small plainly wrapped square. “Here Naruto, hope you like it.” Choji passed the present to Naruto. Naruto wasted no time in ripping the paper to shreds. The present was a small leather bound book. Naruto flipped through it, and saw lots of handwritten notes within.
“What is it?” Naruto asked.
“It’s a travel cook book. It’s full of recipes that are easy to make while on the road. I came up with a lot of them, and refined a few other’s I’d learned. I’m sure it’ll come in handy.”
“Wow, you put a lot of effort into this. Thanks Choji, I know I’ll get a lot of use out of it, since Pervy Sage can’t cook.” Naruto got up and walked around the table to hug Choji, and thanked him again.
“Me next!” Ino shouted and shoved a larger version of Choji’s present at Naruto. Once again, he made short work of the paper, revealing another book. Naruto flipped through this one and found page after page of flowers and plants…and pictures of flowers and plants…and descriptions of flowers and plants. Naruto gave Ino a questioning look. “I know what you’re thinking. What good could a book on flowers do? I gave you that book to go with the book that Lady Shizune gave you. I even went through and highlighted several very important medicinal plants and where and how to find them. I also have a favor to ask.” Ino brought her hands together and gave Naruto a pleading look.
“What?”
“I’ve also highlighted several extremely rare flowers that can’t be found in the Land of Fire, or any of the surrounding countries. If you come across any of them, do you think maybe you could collect some seeds, or even a clipping, as long as you had a way of getting it to us really quick. It would really give Yamanaka Flowers an edge over the other flower shops in the village.”
“If I find any, I’ll be sure to save them for you.” Naruto said, then gave Ino a hug and thanked her.
“Here’s mine.” Shikamaru said, and handed a large box to Naruto. He ripped the paper apart and opened the box. Inside was something that looked very much like a small suitcase. Naruto undid the straps holding it closed and opened it slowly. Inside were a lot of small oddly shaped tiles and book which read “The dobe’s guide to Shogi.” Naruto gave Shikamaru a glare upon reading the title, but Shikamaru just chuckled.
“That’s the same book Asuma sensei gave me when he taught me shogi, so don’t give me any dirty looks. That book is pretty useful, especially for someone who has no idea how to play, like you. After the basic instructions on how the pieces move and how the game is played, it goes on to present you with strategies, from basic to expert level. Once I finished that book, Asuma sensei was never able to beat me. I’m sure it’ll come in handy, especially if you and Lord Jiraiya are on a carriage or boat ride for long periods of time. The tiles have magnets on the back of them so that they won’t move around on there own.” To demonstrate this, he picked up the opened case and turned it sideways, not one of the pieces moved. “I figure maybe it can help you to develop your mind a little, or just be a fun diversion between training.” Shikamaru shrugged.
“Thanks Shikamaru, I can’t wait to try it out. Hey, it’s also big enough to hold Choji and Ino’s books too, that’s awesome.” Naruto put all the book inside the case and closed it, then thanked them again. Suddenly they heard shouting coming from the kitchen.
“Damnit Goku, stop eating all the food, we have to have some for the customers!!” They could hear Gojyo yelling.
“But I’m starving!!” they heard someone else wail back. A third man stuck his head out the door and looked at Naruto’s group.
“It’s gonna be a few more minutes, sorry. You know how those two can get.” He said quietly, then gave them a grin.
“Don’t worry Hakkai, we’ve got hours.” Shikamaru said lazily.
“Hours!?!” Choji and Naruto cried in unison, “I’m hungry now!!” A crash came from the kitchen, and they heard the one called Goku cry out in pain.
“Let that be a lesson to you. You eat once we’ve served the customers, not before. Got it?” a new softer voice said, “Now come upstairs with me, I’ll keep you out of trouble for a while. Please get the food out to them, Gojyo, Hakkai.”
“Can do.” they heard Hakkai say.
“Whatever, as long as you keep that pain in the ass outta here.” Gojyo said haughtily.
“Come along Goku.”
“Ok Sanzo.” they heard Goku say.
“Is it always like this here?” Naruto asked, grinning.
“Nah, it’s only like this on slow nights. Most of the time they’re too busy to fight.” Ino said, not looking terribly interested in what was going on in the kitchen. The kitchen door burst open and Gojyo and Hakkai came out carrying trays of food. They sat down two bowls of ramen in front of Naruto, a salad in front of Ino, large platter of raw meat in front if Shikamaru and Sakura, and a medium sized platter of meat next to Choji.
“Please, enjoy.” Hakkai said.
“Choji, I swear if you over eat again, I’m not gonna summon a medic.” with that Gojyo returned to the kitchen, Hakkai following after.
“Let’s dig in!” Naruto cried.
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This seemed like a good place to end the first half of the night.