Naruto: Clan Simulation and Bloodline Evolution from Scratch

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Ximen Zhen put away the scroll and looked toward the spot where Uzuki Yugao usually hid—but unsurprisingly, it was already empty.

Though he had always known that, in reality, he and Yugao were unlikely to have much interaction…

The thought that the woman who had confessed to him with such deep emotion and even kissed him in the simulation had now become little more than a stranger—still left him with a trace of melancholy.

Well, it was something he had already expected. Thinking about it further would be meaningless.

Still… when Yugao said she "understood his feelings," what exactly did she mean?

Most likely, she was referring to the fact that Ximen Zhen had noticed her presence and silently expressed gratitude for her help.

Perhaps it would be worth waiting to see if there was any follow-up from the Hokage's office.

With that, Ximen Zhen went about his daily routine.

Tenten arrived at his house early in the morning as well, bringing the cooperation agreement they had discussed. They each signed their names on the contract.

Ximen Zhen was slightly surprised that Tenten had the authority to sign on her own.

But Tenten smiled confidently and said, "I've handled this matter from beginning to end, so naturally, I'll take full responsibility."

What she didn't say aloud was that she was worried—worried that while she was away on missions, someone from her family or staff might cause friction with Ximen Zhen over profits.

Tenten didn't want petty disputes over small gains to ruin their relationship—after all, she saw something much greater in Ximen Zhen's future.

The two then headed outside the village for training. However, they returned to the village by 10 a.m. and split up at the gate—each with more to accomplish.

After a thorough wash at home, Ximen Zhen took out a brush and began writing on the scrolls he had purchased the day before.

Meanwhile, Tenten went off to carry out her tasks according to their plan. The two had agreed to meet at the BBQ restaurant at 11 a.m.

At 11 sharp, Ximen Zhen arrived at the restaurant, arms full of scrolls.

Compared to the previous day, the place was buzzing with activity.

Even from outside, Ximen Zhen could hear the noise and chatter—it seemed the guests he invited had already arrived.

As he stepped inside, the room fell silent for a moment. All eyes turned to him.

It wasn't because he was particularly charismatic—it was simply because he was the organizer of today's gathering.

"Yo, there you are!" Shikamaru was the first to speak. Though he wasn't close to Ximen Zhen, the food was free, and Choji had already eaten a mountain of BBQ—so he figured he should at least say something.

"Good afternoon, Ximen!" Choji mumbled, his mouth still full. Then, noticing the towering stack of plates next to him, he looked a little embarrassed. After swallowing, he added, "Don't worry—I'll pay for my share!"

"No need. I'm a shareholder in this restaurant now. At cost price, I can afford to treat everyone to a meal. Just eat to your heart's content."

"All I ask is that after you eat, leave your name and suggestions on this scroll. That way, we can improve the restaurant's flavor and service."

Choji's eyes lit up at those words, and he nodded eagerly. As he was about to dump another plate of meat onto the grill, Ino, seated nearby, couldn't help but speak up:

"Hey, you! Eat some vegetables too!"

"We just added veggies, mushrooms, fish, and other items to the menu. How can you give a proper review if you don't try everything?"

Choji didn't dare go against Ino and reluctantly began grilling the non-meat options.

Meanwhile, Ximen Zhen's gaze shifted to another table. He walked over and bowed deeply.

Might Guy raised his eyebrows in surprise, while Lee and Neji quickly stood up to make room, recognizing that Ximen Zhen was thanking their teacher.

"Sir Guy, it was you and your students who saved me the last time. I've been looking for a chance to properly express my gratitude."

"Thank you for honoring us today. I'd like to offer you a toast later—if you'll permit it."

Guy laughed heartily. "I heard you and Tenten are already good friends. That makes you one of us. No need for all the formality!"

"As for the toast, don't worry about that. I heard from Tenten that you're working on developing some new ninja tools. How about equipping my two students first when they're ready?"

Neji and Lee typically didn't rely on ninja tools, but Ximen Zhen's fragmented kunai was an exception. Used properly, it was incredibly effective.

Guy wanted his students to have first access for their own safety.

"Of course!"

Ximen Zhen turned to Neji and Lee. "You're Tenten's teammates, which means you're my friends too. From now on, I'll cover all your fragmented kunai supplies."

Lee scratched his head, about to refuse, but Neji spoke first:

"In that case, we'll accept your generosity."

After bidding them farewell, Ximen Zhen called for Ino and Tenten and left the restaurant.

Back inside, Lee looked puzzled. "Neji, why'd we accept his offer? Isn't it inappropriate for us to take gifts from a civilian?"

Neji glanced at Guy. The latter simply kept eating, not saying a word, but clearly listening.

Neji, seemingly given permission, said calmly, "He's close with Tenten. We're not accepting from him—we're accepting from her."

"If we protect Tenten during missions, then we're not indebted."

"And more importantly… Guy-sensei sees great potential in him, doesn't he?"

Neji looked around the restaurant in awe. "If we hadn't seen it with our own eyes, would you believe that not long ago he was a scrawny, impoverished civilian?"

Lee seemed to understand now. Clenching his fists, he shouted, "Guy-sensei is using Ximen as an example! Strength doesn't lie in the body—it lies in the soul!"

"As long as we have an indomitable will, even the youth of civilians is boundless, right?!"

"Exactly, Lee! You've finally awakened!"

Guy struck a flamboyant pose, pointing his chopsticks at Lee. "After we finish eating, we'll do ten laps around the village on our hands—we can't let this sinful BBQ raise our body fat!"

"Understood, Guy-sensei!"

"Lee!"

"Guy-sensei!"

Neji sighed, a dark line appearing on his forehead as he watched the teary-eyed, passionate exchange between master and student. He cast an apologetic glance at the other table where Shikamaru and Choji sat.

Shikamaru smiled and nodded, but he was less concerned about the noise than he was about Ximen Zhen's activities.

Eventually, his curiosity got the better of him, and he stepped outside the restaurant—only to be stunned by the scroll hanging on the wall.

"Shouyoku & Zhen present: Family, Social, and Banquet Packages now available. 20% off all meals this week. Seniors over 60 and children under 11 eat free!"

"Sign up for a membership now and pre-load funds: Charge 1,000 ryo and get 100 ryo bonus. The more you charge, the more you get!"

"Congratulations to Chunin Shimura Taiji! After ten consecutive days of dining here and spending over 50,000 ryo (on tab), he has been named this month's Top Customer!"

"Today's Limited-Time Special: Mushroom and Vegetable Platters starting at 50% off. Buy one, get one free—stackable with other discounts!"

But what shocked Shikamaru wasn't just the deals.

What truly stunned him was the massive crowd gathered outside the BBQ restaurant—people packed in layer upon layer, stretching far into the street.

(End of Chapter)