Chapter 11
"Shino, you've indeed mastered one-handed seals. Just keep practicing from now on. Oh, and make sure both your left and right hands are equally skilled. Also, try switching other jutsus to one-handed seals to get familiar with them. In battle, it'll definitely come in handy."
Natsuki gave a few reminders while tossing the prepped pig's feet into a pot to stew, not forgetting to add tangerine peel, and having soybeans ready too.
Actually, lotus root would've been even better, but that stuff's ridiculously expensive. Even if he bought some, it wouldn't be enough—especially with Chōji coming. Better to go with soybeans instead.
Seeing this, Shino promptly helped with washing vegetables.
Not long after, Shikamaru showed up carrying a huge chunk of venison, along with a grill and spices. A real lifesaver.
Chōji didn't bring much in the way of snacks, but he did bring a big slab of beef. Salivating, he said, "I told my parents I was eating at a friend's house, and they insisted I bring some beef. Hehe, since Shikamaru brought the grill, let's roast it all together!"
"What a pain... I'll do the grilling then."
That was just Shikamaru being Shikamaru—always grumbling, but when it came to friends, never cutting corners.
Natsuki quickly offered, "Leave me some of the beef. I'll make a few dishes with a different flavor."
Naturally, neither Shikamaru nor Chōji refused. It was Natsuki's treat, after all. Whatever he wanted to do, they were just the support crew, waiting to eat.
At that moment, Natsuki was busying away alone in the kitchen, while Shino, Shikamaru, and Chōji set up for grilling outside.
Shikamaru casually asked, "Shino, this isn't your first time visiting Natsuki's place, right?"