Chapter 21: Give Me A Golden Smile
In the blink of an eye, two days had passed.
Ryusei Yamamoto arrived at Yuki Komiya's estate bearing a carefully chosen gift. The Komiya residence was an expansive manor, nearly half the size of the Senju Clan's ancestral grounds.
"Brother Ryusei, you're here," Yuki greeted him warmly, standing at the entrance. She wore a flowing white kimono adorned with morning glory patterns, exuding a serene elegance.
Ryusei handed over the gift, smiling as he said, "Yuki, you look stunning today."
Yuki accepted the gift graciously, passing it to a maid before inviting him in. "Thank you, Brother Ryusei. Please, come inside and make yourself comfortable."
As Ryusei entered, he found the courtyard lively with his classmates, already seated and enjoying tea and snacks.
"Brother, finally!" Shuang Yamashita called out, waving energetically. "This place is amazing! The Komiya family sure knows how to live big."
Shuang, who usually donned his striking battle gear, was in casual clothes today, looking more relaxed than usual.
Ryusei nodded in agreement. "It's impressive. But I don't see Yuki's parents anywhere."
"They're away on business in the capital," answered Qingquan Yamanaka, a blonde kunoichi with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Didn't Yuki tell you?"
"No," Ryusei admitted after a moment's thought. "We've only been discussing training lately."
"No surprise there," remarked Kagami Uchiha, stepping into the room. His appearance, however, drew immediate concern as bruises decorated his face.
"What happened to your face?"
A chorus of voices erupted from the girls present.
"Are you okay?"
"Does it hurt? Let me heal it for you."
"Who did this to you? Tell us, and we'll make them pay!"
Kagami awkwardly dodged their attentions, scratching the back of his neck. "It's nothing. I just… fell."
Sarutobi Hiruzen inspected Kagami's injuries closely, smirking as he said, "Fell, huh? One cheek bruised on the left, the other on the right—quite the symmetrical fall. Care to show me where gravity hit you so perfectly?"
Embarrassed, Kagami shot a glance at Ryusei, his resentment thinly veiled.
Hiruzen caught the look and gasped theatrically. "Wait a second—it was you!"
Ryusei quickly clamped a hand over Hiruzen's mouth. "Are you trying to get me killed? Say that here, and every girl in the room will have my head!"
Hiruzen chuckled and shook off Ryusei's grip. "What can I say? You beat both Kagami and Danzo, the stars of our class. You've earned my respect, but poor Kagami… I can't help but laugh every time I see his face."
Danzo Shimura suddenly appeared behind them, his quiet voice startling Hiruzen. "What's so funny about my face?"
Hiruzen froze, flustered. "N-Nothing at all! Your face is, uh, very… distinguished!"
Danzo snorted. Turning to Ryusei, he said, "I won't lose to you next time."
Ryusei gazed at the sky, adopting an exaggeratedly solemn tone. "Those defeated by me can only watch my back. Being invincible… is a lonely road."
This pompous declaration darkened the expressions of Kagami, Hiruzen, and Danzo, especially the latter, whose scowl grew as menacing as a storm cloud.
Laughing, Ryusei clapped Danzo on the shoulder. "I'm kidding! Don't take it to heart. But admit it, my delivery was spot-on."
"Enough talk," Hiruzen said with mock intensity. "You've sparred with Kagami, Danzo, and Natsuki. It's time you face me!"
Danzo, recalling how Ryusei had refrained from striking his face during their bout, couldn't help but silently appreciate his restraint.
Ryusei dismissed the challenge casually. "Another time. There's plenty of opportunity in the future."
"Alright, everyone, let's eat!" Yuki announced, her maids beginning to serve the meal.
As the aroma of expertly prepared food filled the air, Tifeng Akimichi's nose twitched. "Wait a second… Is that the cooking of Master Chef Liu Angxing?"
Yuki beamed. "That's right. He prepared the dishes himself."
Overwhelmed with excitement, Tifeng practically jumped out of his seat. "This is the greatest honor of my life!"
Chef Liu stepped out from the kitchen, bowing humbly. "My goal is to bring happiness through food. I'm delighted to see your enthusiasm."
Tifeng clung to Liu's leg dramatically. "Master, please teach me! I want to be your disciple!"
Liu smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid I can't take any disciples right now."
Tifeng collapsed in mock despair, while the others laughed at his antics.
The highlight of the meal was a mysterious dish presented with dramatic flair. Four maids carried a large wooden board, concealed beneath a white gauze that emitted eerie laughter.
"This," Liu announced as he unveiled it, "is the 'Golden Smile Bun.' A delicacy crafted with love and precision!"
The sight of a green dragon-shaped pastry with small, shaking buns drew gasps from the crowd.
"Why is it laughing? Is it alive?" Qingquan asked, clutching her friend nervously.
"Relax," Natsuki Hyuga said, her Byakugan activated. "It's not alive."
The explanation came from Liu. "The laughter is caused by steam locked inside. As the buns are fried, the fillings shift and create vibrations, producing the sound."
Reassured, the students eagerly dug in. "It's incredible!" Tifeng declared, his mouth full. "The crispy texture is perfect, yet it's not greasy at all!"
After the feast, everyone was too full to move, sprawled across the tatami in bliss.
"That was the best meal of my life," Tifeng murmured, patting his stomach contentedly.
The evening concluded with the opening of gifts. Most of the presents were accessories or trinkets, but when Yuki unwrapped Ryusei's gift, she revealed a black gothic Lolita dress complete with cat ears and a tail.
Blushing, Yuki was encouraged by the girls to try it on. When she emerged, her delicate frame clad in the outfit, she was instantly smothered in adoration.
"Whoever gave this has great taste!"
"Brother Ryusei gave it to me," Yuki managed to say between giggles.
All eyes turned to Ryusei, whose confident smirk barely hid the nervous bead of sweat running down his temple.
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