Naruto, are you all so good at self-seduction

"Hey, Kurenai, Anko!"

Uzuki Yuugao tapped the seat next to her, waving at the two girls, feeling uneasy amid the large group of men. She was relieved that her friends had arrived.

What's Asuma thinking, inviting everyone to a casual dinner like this…

"Kurenai?"

Asuma's voice made Yuugao flinch slightly.

She ignored Anko and quickly walked over to sit beside Yuugao.

Anko felt a bit strange at the sudden shift and ended up taking the remaining spot between Asuma and Kurenai.

Asuma noticed the separation caused by Anko and felt a pang of regret; he had intentionally arranged the seating.

Oboro was quietly enjoying his grilled meat, indifferent to the reactions of those present.

"Cough, cough. Now that everyone is here, let me say a few words," Asuma said, clearing his throat, drawing laughter from the crowd.

"I know I was a bit selfish to arrange this gathering without informing everyone beforehand."

Anko propped her chin on her hand, resting on the low table. The yakiniku layout had two rows, each surrounding the grill.

Though surprised to see Oboro, she maintained her composure.

"Just now, I was almost killed there, and it was Oboro who saved me."

Everyone looked astonished, turning their gazes toward Anko and Ebisu.

They had heard a similar story before.

"I know there were some misunderstandings previously. I hope we can clear the air and get along moving forward."

Kakashi, listening with a growing awareness, realized that there must have been some conflict between Oboro and the others, and Asuma was using this opportunity for reconciliation.

It wasn't really that difficult to understand what Asuma was trying to achieve.

However...

Kakashi glanced at Oboro, who continued to eat calmly, then surveyed the expressions of everyone else.

Some cared deeply about this situation while others seemed indifferent.

"It wasn't a misunderstanding," Shiranui Genma suddenly spoke up, causing Asuma's heart to skip a beat.

"That was indeed our fault, right, Jidou, Aoyama, Reito?"

The three nodded in agreement.

"I know you mean well, Asuma, but we must be clear about how things unfolded. We can't brush it off as a misunderstanding," Genma continued.

Asuma offered an awkward smile.

"Oboro, I'm sorry. What we four did was quite excessive." Genma spoke earnestly, removing a senbon from his mouth to address Oboro.

Oboro paused his eating, slowly setting down his chopsticks, his expression placid.

"You don't need to apologize," he said.

"I never cared to begin with."

Kakashi noticed Oboro's unchanged demeanor and sensed deeper implications in his words.

There was no mention of forgiveness…

This guy is cold to the core.

Asuma seized the moment, "Alright, let's put this behind us."

The tension in the room seemed to lift slightly, smiles breaking across the faces of everyone present.

"Speaking of which, Oboro, you really are a strong one. I've never seen someone use the Gold Binding Technique so effectively," Genma said, trying to engage Oboro in conversation.

"Yeah, I've never seen you perform seals at all," Aoyama added in support.

"Just a bit of practice," Oboro replied nonchalantly.

"Oboro, why don't we set a time to spar?" Guy chimed in, getting excited.

"I don't have time."

"Eh?" Guy looked stunned.

"ANBU?" Yuugao asked in surprise, "I'm in the ANBU as well! What squad are you in?"

Oboro glanced at Yuugao before he could respond.

"It's a special unit; you wouldn't know of it," Kakashi intervened, attempting to save Oboro from scrutiny.

Anko quietly watched from the sidelines, grappling with emotions as she observed Oboro being surrounded by attention.

She felt that she should have spoken up when Genma and the others apologized earlier, but what could she say? It would likely only lead to her taking the blame, and she struggled to find the right words. Oboro had a tendency to put others in awkward positions.

Looking down at the grill where the meat was sizzling, she noticed she had lost her appetite.

"Kurenai, are you feeling unwell?"

Yugao asked with concern.

"No... I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

Yugao pressed further.

The attention in the room shifted back to the grill, and Asuma laughed to ease the mood. "Speaking of which, we have quite the formidable illusion master here."

"Your illusion skills are really impressive, Kurenai! I hear your genjutsu skill is on par with that of a Jounin. You might want to exchange ideas with Oboro if you both get the chance."

"Maybe," Oboro remarked slightly as if dismissing the notion.

"Oboro?" Asuma called again when he received no response.

"I'm still far from that level. It's not worth comparing."

"Just a Chunin?" Kakashi expressed disbelief.

"You're still just a Chunin?" Kakashi repeated in astonishment.

"Yep."

"I think you should try for the Jounin exam," Kakashi suggested.

"Yeah, with Oboro's strength, that shouldn't be a problem."

"If all else fails, you'd definitely handle the Special Jounin exam," Asuma added with encouraging confidence.

Anko busily wiped up a spill in front of her.

"What's up with you?"

"Shall I walk you back afterward?"

"I'm fine, really."

As the dinner carried on, the initial focus eventually faded from Oboro, and the group's energy naturally shifted as individuals began to converse amongst themselves.

Oboro didn't actively participate in their discussions, quietly consuming his meal.

Eventually, as the gathering came to an end, everyone parted on good terms. Regardless of how things would unfold moving forward, they had managed to clear the air.

Though Oboro personally disagreed with this conclusion.

"You seem to dislike these sorts of gatherings," Kakashi remarked as Oboro handed Asuma some coins to pay for the meal.

"No, I was just seriously eating," Oboro replied.

"…"

Kakashi let out a chuckle, recognizing how Asuma had arranged for Oboro to step into this social sphere, and how the others were attempting to embrace him.

Still, Kakashi feared that it might not yield any results.

Setting aside the question of age gaps or shared interests, Oboro genuinely lacked interest in socializing.

Kakashi didn't quite grasp why Oboro had even come to this dinner gathering, nor how Asuma had managed to persuade him.

"Hey, Kakashi! Now that you've eaten, how about joining us for some practice?" Guy enthusiastically clasped an arm around Kakashi's shoulder.

"Not feeling it; I'm going back to sleep." Kakashi replied lethargically, greeting everyone as he exited the restaurant.

"Hey, Kakashi! You can't be so lazy!" Guy protested, rushing after him.

Asuma walked over to Oboro, asking, "Not a fan of gatherings, huh?"

"Not really," Oboro answered flatly.

"Well, I'll invite you out again sometime."

"Sure."

Asuma was momentarily surprised by the affirmative response, a grin spreading across his face as he waved goodbye.

This Oboro is a bit interesting…

As Oboro turned to leave, he felt a person close in beside him with quick steps.

"Um, Oboro."

He looked sideways, surprised to see Anko there.

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