Konoha: The Honored One

All the special Jōnins and Elite Jōnins in the room didn't even try to interrupt the lively back-and-forth between Gojo and Kurenai over barbecue. Their conversation had an energy that demanded its own space, like watching a peculiar storm unfold.

Between bites of sizzling grilled meat, Kurenai finally leaned forward, her expression calm but inquisitive. "Gojo, isn't it a bit… ambitious? Pushing your team into the Chūnin Exams with only five D-rank missions under their belt?"

Gojo, ever the embodiment of nonchalance, swirled his lollipop before swapping it for another piece of meat. "Ambitious? Nah. Efficient. Hokage-sama saw the wisdom of my approach."

Kurenai raised an eyebrow, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. "Wisdom or coercion?"

"Details," Gojo dismissed with a wave of his hand. "I prefer to call it motivational leadership. A little beard tug, a reassuring pat on the back, and voila! The paperwork's signed."

"Beard tug? You didn't actually—"

"Look," Gojo interrupted, leaning back and giving her a cocky grin. "The third Hokage understands that my team doesn't need a long resume. They've got me. That's practically cheating."

Kurenai sighed, reaching for her drink. "You're unbelievable. But you know, not every team can survive on a sensei who casually beats S-rank ninja for breakfast. Some of us have to nurture our students. Slowly."

"Nurture?" Gojo snorted, flipping a piece of meat onto her plate. "You spoil them rotten. They'll never grow if you keep coddling them. Trust me, a little terror builds character."

"Oh, really?" Kurenai challenged, resting her chin on her palm. "What's your brilliant solution? Push them off a cliff and see if they grow wings?"

"Not a bad idea," Gojo mused, his tone infuriatingly serious. "Picture this: Shino and Kiba, dodging explosions while you sit back in the shadows, eating popcorn. Genius, right?"

Kurenai's face remained stoic, though a twitch in her eyebrow betrayed her thoughts. "And this is why the village regrets letting you teach."

"Hey, you wound me," Gojo replied dramatically, clutching his chest. "I'm molding the next generation here. And by the way, since I'm broke, you've got the bill covered, right?"

Kurenai nearly choked on her drink. "Excuse me? You're bragging and mooching in the same breath?"

"It's not mooching," Gojo corrected. "It's creating opportunities. Like testing your cooking skills. I'm even willing to taste-test a home-cooked meal."

The subtle blush on Kurenai's cheeks was a victory Gojo wasn't about to let slip by. She crossed her arms, muttering, "Don't get the wrong idea. It's just… practice."

Gojo raised his hands in mock surrender, his ever-present grin widening. "Sure, sure. Purely professional. Not even a hint of tsundere energy here."

She shot him a glare, but the corner of her mouth twitched in amusement. This was just how things went with Gojo—equal parts exasperating and entertaining.

Meanwhile, over at the training grounds, Naruto stared at Sakura with wide-eyed amazement. "Whoa, Sakura! You actually pulled off the Rasengan! That's so cool!"

Sakura puffed out her chest slightly, clearly proud. "Hard work pays off, Naruto. You should try it sometime."

"Pfft." Sasuke stood off to the side, arms crossed, his face darkening. "If she can do it…" His Sharingan flared briefly as he clenched his fists. "I refuse to be outdone by an... amateur."

Sakura's smile faltered. "Uh, thanks, I guess?"

Naruto, never one to back down, jabbed a finger at Sasuke. "Hey, you jerk! Don't talk about Sakura like that! She's trying to help us all get stronger!"

"Oh, the 'dead last' wants to lecture me?" Sasuke retorted, his voice dripping with disdain. "Pathetic."

"Why you—!" Naruto grabbed Sasuke's collar, ready to escalate things further.

Sakura's hands flew up in alarm. "Guys, come on! We're a team—"

Before the brewing storm could erupt, Gojo appeared out of thin air, hands in his pockets and an amused smile plastered across his face. "Ah, youth. Nothing warms my heart more than watching students fight for dominance."

Sakura glared at him. "Is that seriously what you're going to say right now?"

"Of course," Gojo said, his tone utterly unrepentant. "Competition breeds improvement. I expect nothing less from you three. Just don't forget to make it entertaining for me, alright?"

Naruto and Sasuke huffed but let go of each other, the tension between them still palpable but slightly cooled. Gojo gave a satisfied nod. This was the dynamic he thrived on.

"Now," Gojo continued, clapping his hands together, "back to training. I want to see sparks flying—literally, if possible."

Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a quick glance before begrudgingly diving back into their Rasengan practice. Sakura sighed, shaking her head but secretly pleased to have her progress acknowledged.

Later, back at the barbecue restaurant, Kurenai was lost in thought as she watched Gojo banter with the staff about his "running tab." His carefree attitude was as frustrating as it was oddly endearing.

"Don't be discouraged, Kurenai," Gojo said suddenly, snapping her out of her reverie. "Women chasing men? It's all about persistence."

Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"

"I mean, I get it," Gojo continued, clearly enjoying himself. "I'm a tough catch. But keep at it, and who knows?"

Kurenai's hand twitched toward her drink, debating whether throwing it at him was worth the wasted beverage. Instead, she opted for a calm but pointed smile. "Oh, don't worry, Gojo. When I catch you, it'll be because you walked right into my trap."

Gojo's grin faltered for just a moment before he chuckled. "Touché, Kurenai. Touché."

As Gojo vanished with his signature flair, leaving her with the bill yet again, Kurenai couldn't help but smile. The man might be insufferable, but there was something undeniably magnetic about him.

"One day, Gojo," she murmured to herself, eyes glinting with determination. "One day."