Chapter 179: A New Identity
"Boss, four catties of the finest beef. And two jugs of sake," Kawakaze said as he entered a barbecue restaurant. Work was important, but one couldn't neglect a good meal.
The beef in Kumogakure was renowned for its tenderness, and the sake was equally famous—this was a chance he couldn't pass up.
"Okay, have a seat inside, and I'll bring it to you when it's ready," the shirtless owner replied, standing in front of the grill. His dark skin glistened with beads of sweat.
"Forget the sake," Orochimaru interjected, frowning. This was Kumogakure, not Konoha.
"Just a little bit," Kawakaze said, leaning closer to Orochimaru's ear. "Not drinking will make us stand out."
Orochimaru glanced around and saw that every man in the restaurant was from Kumogakure—and all of them were drinking.
"I'm not feeling well today, but if you want to drink, I'll drink with you even if it kills me," Orochimaru said, covering any gaps in their story. He glanced briefly at the owner, who was still busy.
Unexpectedly, the owner caught Orochimaru's look and smiled ambiguously, giving him a wink and shaking his biceps for good measure.
"I have something very nourishing here. Want to try it?" the owner offered.
"What is it?" Kawakaze asked instinctively.
The owner gave Kawakaze's muscular frame a quick glance and shook his head. "You don't need it."