Naruto: The Scientific Ninja

Chapter 40: The Glutton of Akimichi

The simple treatment was effective. Tekudō already had a high number of antibodies to the Water Bat No. 6 poison in his system, and after taking the antidote serum, the toxin was quickly neutralized. The paralysis subsided, and the sharp pain in his buttocks finally registered in his brain, causing him to shoot Sasuke a resentful glare.

Sasuke just chuckled to himself. That's what you get for being so cheeky, he thought. Let's see if you dare to challenge the sacred and inviolable majesty of your captain now.

"Alright, kids, today is a happy day! Extra food for everyone!"

"Woohoo~!" the three of them cheered instantly. At the mention of extra food, Tekudō immediately forgot the pain in his rear.

The squad fell into their familiar routine. Ryo and Chōmi began preparing the cooking station. Even the ninja hound Akimaru helped, gathering firewood. Sasuke went to the river, using his infrasonic radar to deliver targeted shocks to the Golden Gong Fish at the bottom. The fish, their brains and hearts instantly stopped, floated to the surface, where Tekudō collected them in a large wooden barrel. After this period of practice, while the attack power of his infrasonic technique was still not strong, it had improved. At least dealing with small, non-chakra-wielding animals was no problem.

"Looks like today's a good day," Sasuke said, his eyes lighting up as he scanned the riverbed. He had discovered a hidden treasure. The Land of Rivers was rich in produce, and among its aquatic treasures was the Yellow-Margined Box Turtle, a sacred, nourishing delicacy highly prized by noble lords. Hidden in the mud at the bottom of the river was a turtle as large as a millstone.

"Shock!" A silent infrasonic wave shot towards the turtle's head.

Huh? he thought, surprised. The turtle was only a little dizzy; it wasn't dead. He hit it with three more consecutive shocks before it was finally knocked unconscious. After pulling it out, he discovered why: a trace of chakra was beginning to fluctuate within its body. It was a half-summoning beast. No wonder it could resist the infrasonic waves.

Sasuke immediately dispatched the turtle with the skill of a master butcher, dissecting it and stripping it of its shell. He then unsealed a scroll from Tekudō's supplies, revealing a wooden box filled with jars of spices. After a long time preparing the turtle, a hearty lunch was finally ready.

"Captain, can we start?" Tekudō asked, rubbing his hands together, his eyes practically falling into the cooking pot.

But just as Sasuke was about to announce the start of the meal, his expression changed. "Tekudō, pack everything up! Seal it in the scrolls, quickly!"

Tekudō, knowing the importance of such an order, obeyed instantly. "Captain," he asked, his voice low and serious, "are the Sand ninja coming?"

Sasuke just shook his head. "Patrol!" he ordered.

What? Tekudō thought. Why are we patrolling now? It's been nearly a week since our last one.

Sasuke led the patrol quickly, moving them away from the "crime scene." Just a few minutes later, a rustling sound came from the woods behind them.

"Sasuke, you really made me search," a booming voice called out.

"Lord Torifune, what are you doing here?" Sasuke feigned flattery and rushed over to the large Akimichi, awaiting his leader's instructions.

"Sasuke," Torifune said, sniffing the air with a meaningful tone, "I smelled it from five miles away."

This fatty must be part Inuzuka, Sasuke complained internally.

Seeing that his hints weren't working, Torifune finally stated his purpose directly. "Sasuke, I'm getting a little tired of Maru's fish stew every day. I want to change my taste. What do you think we should do?"

"Oh? Lord Torifune, you dare to cook on the battlefield? Aren't you afraid of violating ninja regulations?" Sasuke asked, playing dumb.

"You..." Seeing Torifune's expression, Sasuke quickly changed his tune. "Oh, so Lord Torifune also enjoys this. It seems we're all in the same boat. I won't hide it any longer."

He waved his hand. "Tekudō, serve the food!"

"Alright!" Tekudō was overjoyed. This was a good opportunity to build a relationship with his superior. Violating the rules together was like visiting a brothel together. They were now close friends. With a puff of smoke, he unsealed the scroll, and the hearty lunch he had just packed away was once again laid out on the ground.