NARUTO- CH-118. How about roses?

'He can't beat his brother, so he's courting death.'

"Where's Dad?" Shiki asked.

"He's on a mission. I don't know when he'll be back," Shino replied, snapping out of her thoughts.

Shiki extended his hand, revealing five Exploding Bugs crawling across his palm.

Shino looked at his empty palm with a puzzled expression.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

'Is he asking me for money? No, that can't be right.'

Shino thought for a moment about Hinata often giving Shiki pocket money. He admired how Shiki managed to "eat soft and hard food alike."

"Use perception ninjutsu," Shiki instructed before pausing. "Oh, right. You haven't learned it yet. Use your parasites instead."

"Okay."

Parasites emerged from Shino's skin, which made Ino instinctively hide behind Shiki.

For her, the sight was a bit much to handle.

Ino peeked out cautiously and muttered, 'Why doesn't Shiki-kun look like that?'

Whenever he used bugs, they only appeared in his palm.

"What kind of bug is this?" Shino asked after sensing the Exploding Bugs with her parasites.

"Sign a contract with them first," Shiki said without directly answering.

Shino's curiosity only deepened, but he didn't press further and began establishing contact with the Exploding Bugs.

"Ino," Shiki called without turning his head. "I'll go cook."

"I'll help you!" Ino said enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up.

Without waiting for Shiki's response, she darted to the kitchen.

"Shiki-kun, here's your apron." Ino handed him his apron with a bright smile.

"Put it on yourself," Shiki said, glancing at her kimono-style outfit.

Ino blinked in surprise but quickly tied the apron around her waist. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she thought about how it was Shiki's apron.

"Wash the vegetables," Shiki instructed, taking out radishes and tomatoes from the refrigerator.

"Ah, carrots…" Ino hesitated, looking embarrassed.

"Good kids don't get to be picky eaters," Shiki said, taking off his sunglasses.

Ino bit her lip and nodded reluctantly. She felt like she had no choice.

"What kind of meat do you like?" Shiki asked, smiling faintly as he noticed her internal struggle.

"Pork belly!" Ino said with sudden excitement.

"Perfect." Shiki nodded, already planning the meal.

Ino went to the sink and turned on the faucet, glancing back at Shiki as he expertly cut the meat, 'He's so handsome! Even more so because he can cook.'

"The water's overflowing, Ino," Shiki said, snapping her out of her thoughts.

"Oh! Sorry!" Ino quickly turned off the faucet, her face flushing with embarrassment.

She focused on washing the vegetables, determined not to look at him again. When she finished, she stood nearby, unsure of what else to do but happy to watch him cook.

Ino thought of Hinata and snorted quietly to herself, 'I've already won too much.'

Soon, the meal was ready. Twice-cooked pork, carrot soup, and scrambled eggs with tomatoes.

Ino eyed the stir-fried dish she'd never seen before. She picked up her chopsticks, took a piece of meat, and placed it in her mouth.

Her eyes widened as she chewed, "It's delicious!" She exclaimed with delight.

'Is it really that good?' Shiki thought, briefly reminded of overdramatic Korean dramas.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Shiki said, putting down his chopsticks. He stood and went to the door, "Shino, come eat."

Shino, who was engrossed in testing the Exploding Bugs, looked up.

Although Shiki hadn't explained their exact purpose, Shino had figured out some uses. The bugs were invisible to the naked eye, almost like bacteria. He realized they could combine with his parasitic bugs to devastating effect.

Shiki listened as Shino described his plans. His only thought was that Shino might truly become an insect control expert. The combination of parasitic bugs and Exploding Bugs was terrifying.

"Shino, wash the dishes." Shiki said as he stood up again, "I'll take Ino home."

Shino nodded silently.

___

Outside the Yamanaka Flower Shop, Ino lingered by the door, "Shiki-kun, thank you for today." She said, her voice tinged with reluctance.

"It's nothing." Shiki replied casually.

"I'll go in, then. See you tomorrow." Ino hesitated before turning to leave.

"Shiki?"

A cheerful voice interrupted as Mrs. Yamanaka stepped outside with a warm smile.

"Auntie." Shiki greeted politely.

"Why don't you come in? Is this how you treat guests, Ino?" She asked, glancing at her daughter with mock reproach.

"I-I…" Ino stammered, her face flushing. She quickly ran to her mother's side, "Mom, don't worry about it!"

"You can't be so careless." Mrs. Yamanaka said, shaking her head in disappointment.

"Huh?" Ino blinked, confused.

"Ino's causing you trouble, isn't she, Shiki?" Mrs. Yamanaka said with a knowing smile, "Let me thank you with a bouquet of flowers."

"Uh…?" Shiki blinked as the mother and daughter disappeared into the shop.

"How about roses?" Mrs. Yamanaka suggested slyly.

"No!" Ino blurted out instinctively, her face turning red.

"I see." Mrs. Yamanaka said with a teasing grin, immediately understanding her daughter's reaction.

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