[A meal together]

All throughout the day messenger hawks were flying off from Konoha to different parts of Hi no Kuni, all ninjas were receiving an instruction to make way back home, the Konoha main gate was a busy site, countless shinobi were reporting the status of the mission and officially checking in.

I looked around at the scene early next morning, I got a full night's sleep after a long time and instead of lazily roaming around I preferred to stretch my wings a little.

'they sure have grown haven't they...'

Among many teams, I noticed some familiar faces walking out, Hinata-chan has grown a lot, standing at 5' 10'', long blue indigo hair that reached her lower back, after abandoning her bulky cream jacket and growing up these last few years she sure drew a lot of male eyes.

'I don't know how Kurenai-sensei managed to make her drop her bulky attire but thank Kami-sama-'

While I was ogling her DD-cup breasts it seems Kurenai-sensei realized someone was watching her team and I was just standing on the opposite building. I jumped down from the building and landed in front of them as she finished checking with the guards.

"Yo-" I flashed a brief wave, "Long time no see, Kurenai-sensei, Hinata-chan, Shino-san!" I spoke with a soft smile on my face.

Kurenai-sensei flashed me a brief smile, "Tobi-kun, it's been soo long, you sure do disappear on your sensei a lot don't you?"

"It's good to see you Tobi-kun," Hinata-chan said as she smiled and waved politely, she has come a long way from the stuttering girl I first met.

"I hope you are well Tobi-san" Shino hasn't changed much other than growing taller and now wearing a longer jacket? I don't even know what it is called.

"Yes, Yes, Kurenai-sensei, blame the hardworking shinobi for doing his job-" I waved off her complaint and said, "- What are you guys up to? I was hoping we could have lunch together..."

Kurenai-sensei's eyes narrowed for a moment and I sensed she was feeling a little depressed, but she smiled and said, "The treats on you then Tobi-kun, I know you are rolling in money ne?"

I rolled my eyes and said, "I already gave you my promotion treat sensei, stop munching of your juniors, any way you guys up for some BBQ?"

I looked back at them as both of them happily nodded? well at least Hinata did but Shino's motions indicated likewise. Turning to Kurenai-sensei I threw a barb back as we made our way through the streets of Konoha.

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Since Hinata and Shino have always been quite, the lion's share of keeping the conversation going has always been up to me and sensei, we were conversing like normal in the restaurant as our meat was sizzling when Hinata-chan spoke up.

"-Ano, are we really going to war Tobi-kun?" Her shoulders were tense and I could feel the unease in her emotions.

I sighed and nodded, lightly flicking the steak over as I said, "Yes, Hinata-chan, it seems trouble's stirring again. Don't you worry though Team 8's gonna be fine okay-" I gave her a light smile as she nodded and I felt my smile widen when another voice popped up nearby and Hinata's eyes widened.

"Damn right you guys will! as will team 7... right Sakura-chan, Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei..."

Standing beside our table stood some new arrival, Naruto has apparently outgrown his orange outfit and switched to a more practical colour, Sakura has grown another cup or two since I last saw her making my thoughts go off into a spiral.

'Is Tsunade-sama teaching some breast augmentation technique? how the hell are the girls developing so quickly? and will Ino-chan being her apprentice show more pronounced growth?'

While I was off in my daydreams about Ino, my senses told me that she was standing quite close to our table as well. I came out of my thoughts and listened to Asuma sensei saying, "-seems like all of us had the same idea eh? how about sharing a meal together?"

He calmly sat beside Kurenai-sensei and everyone started shifting to make space. Both Team 7 and Team 10 looked around for places to sit and I felt Ino-chan plop beside me. She had a bored look on her face as she was giving me a sideways glance. My gaze dipped down to confirm my boob theory and indeed there was a large bulge of mass on her chest that was hidden behind a purple blouse.

I could feel her emotions switch to satisfaction so I swiftly averted my eyes and look at her, "How are you Ino-san?"

Ever since the day on top of the mountain, we have been cordial towards one another, I accidentally slipped a formal suffix to her name and I could see her frowning as she turned to face me, "Stop being rude Tobi-kun, we have known each other for years now haven't we?" She brushed out a fringe covering her right eye as she stared at me.

I smiled and nodded, "Of course Ino-chan, it just has been a while..." I leaned against the wall and tilted towards her a little as she did the same until our shoulders were touching.

I exhaled a long breath and listened back to the conversation going around us...

"-totally kick your ass time, Sakura-chan you should totally see this new jutsu I learned-"

"-Shut up Dobe, anyway Tobi I need to talk to you about-"

"-hehe-"

'-this feels kind of nice...'

I nodded to Sasuke indicating later as Kakashi-san was giggling while reading his Icha-Icha, his portion of the meat was surprisingly empty, Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei and Hinata-chan were looking at me and Ino and smiling. I blushed a little before glaring at both of them promising a world of pain if they commented on anything.

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After the BBQ everyone stood up and started dispersing in groups, Team 7 left with Sasuke surprisingly leaving without indicating that he wanted to talk, bickering with Naruto, Shikamaru and Chouji stayed in the restaurant as Chouji wanted seconds...or thirds? and Shika was just lazy, Asuma-sensei and Kurenai-sensei were giving me a look which I choose to ignore as I stood up and left the restaurant.

I could feel Ino following me, "Will you leave just like that?" She was feeling upset so I shook my head and extended my hand towards her, "Come on, there is someone I want you to meet!"

He happily nodded and after a bounce or two grabbed my hand burring my forearms in her chest.

'hmm, soft'

"I think it's too early to meet your parents Tobi-kun, and I think you should meet mine first..." I ignored the smirk on her face and activated shunshin.

The scenery changed and I arrived in front of an apartment, "Coming in Yugao-nee"

I opened the door after knocking two times and I sensed a familiar bundle of joy was walking towards me, "Tobi-nii!"