Chapter 32: The Fear of Insects

BBQ Q is a well-known restaurant in Konoha, famous for its high prices and top-quality ingredients. Even ninjas had to be mindful of their wallets when eating there. But for Tetsuya, this wasn't a problem. He wasn't like Chōji, who could bankrupt a Jōnin with just two meals. The steady income from his work at Konoha Hospital had filled his coffers well.

"Boss, just one," Tetsuya said as he entered.

"Right away," the waiter replied, leading Tetsuya inside. Suddenly, someone called his name.

"Yo! Tetsuya, over here!"

Tetsuya turned to see Inuzuka Kiba sitting with Aburame Shino and a woman with distinctive red facial markings.

"Go ahead, I'll join them," Tetsuya told the waiter, walking over to his friends.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Tetsuya said, greeting Akamaru, who was perched on Kiba's head.

Akamaru barked twice in response.

"Come join us," Kiba said, pulling out a chair. "This is my sister, Inuzuka Hana."

"Kamiyo Tetsuya, I've heard a lot about you," Hana said, smiling warmly. "Thank you for helping my uncle."

Tetsuya thought for a moment. "Inuzuka Lie, right? I treated a ninja from your clan once."

"Yes, that's him," Hana confirmed. Shino remained silent, while Kiba looked puzzled.

"Sis, what are you talking about? When did Tetsuya have dealings with Uncle Lie?"

Hana explained, and Kiba's eyes widened. "I didn't know your medical ninjutsu was that good!"

Tetsuya shrugged and sat down. "Enough about that, I'm starving."

They chatted while eating, and the atmosphere grew lively. Hana ordered two bottles of shochu, making Tetsuya a bit envious. Despite his age, he hadn't been able to try alcohol since vendors wouldn't sell to minors.

Looking at Akamaru, Tetsuya asked a question that had been on his mind for a while. "Kiba, Akamaru is four years old now, right?"

"Yeah, he was born during my Academy days. Why?"

"I've noticed Akamaru hasn't changed much over the years," Tetsuya observed.

Kiba chuckled. "That's because of our clan's secret technique. We feed our ninja dogs medicinal herbs to strengthen them, which slows their growth. This feeding continues until their bodies can't take it anymore. Akamaru is the best ninja dog of his generation. He'll grow significantly in the coming years."

Tetsuya nodded, understanding now why Akamaru would eventually grow so large. He had always wondered about it in his previous life. "Do you have any more ninja dogs? I'd like one that's obedient and cute."

Kiba looked at his sister for approval.

"I'll take care of it," Hana said confidently. "I'll choose a good ninja dog for you, Tetsuya."

"Thank you, Hana," Tetsuya replied gratefully. Having a dog would make his home feel less lonely.

After dinner, Tetsuya attempted to pay, but Hana beat him to it, insisting that children shouldn't be treated as guests. As they parted ways, Tetsuya felt grateful for his friends.

Walking with Shino and Kiba, Hana asked her brother, "Shino, you rarely talk to Tetsuya. Do you have any issues with him?"

Shino adjusted his sunglasses, even in the dark, and shook his head. "No, I have a very good impression of Tetsuya. He's a friend worth having."

"Then why?" Kiba was puzzled.

Shino sighed. "Our clan's secret arts involve insects. Insects are highly intuitive. Every time I meet Tetsuya, the bugs in my body sense danger and prevent me from getting close. If I force it, they might attack."

"Dangerous?" Kiba echoed.

Shino nodded. "The aura he emits is stronger than any of our teachers. Even my father, the clan head, doesn't have such a terrifying presence. That's why I stay silent around him."

Kiba and Hana were shocked. They hadn't expected this reason.

As they walked in silence, Shino glanced back in the direction Tetsuya had gone, deep in thought about his friend's hidden power.