Chương 26: Dinner at Guy's Place

Team Choza arrived at Guy's house at night. The small house was simple but clean. As soon as they stepped inside, two almost identical people stood up and bowed at the same time. They both shouted together in perfect sync, "We welcome you, our dear guests, to our dinner! Please come in! Come in!"

'Why do I feel like I am entering a devil's lair?' Shunsui thought, feeling a strange chill run down his spine. The way the father and son moved and spoke at exactly the same time was both impressive and slightly terrifying. It looked like two versions of the same energetic person had been copied and pasted into one room. Duy looked just like an older version of Guy. He had the same bowl-cut hairstyle, the same thick eyebrows, and the same bright green jumpsuit. Even his teeth sparkled when he smiled.

The only difference was a few wrinkles around his eyes and a slightly more mature face.

"It is good to see you again, Duy-san. Thank you for inviting us for dinner," Choza said politely, bowing his head.

"Thank you for taking care of my son, Choza-san," Duy replied with a deep bow. Duy then looked at Shunsui. His eyes suddenly widened when they landed on the tiny growth of hair on Shunsui's chest, which was slightly visible because his pink kimono was open at the front as usual.

"Oh! So young and already so manly!! Yosh! That is true youth!" Duy shouted, pointing at Shunsui's chest.

"Haha, Father! I told you that Shunsui is very youthful!" Guy said proudly, puffing out his own chest. Shunsui felt his face grow hot. He rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment while using his other hand to pull his kimono a little closer to cover his chest.

"Please stop staring... this is uncomfortable." Duy laughed loudly.

"Do not be shy, young man! Hair on the chest is a sign of a strong spirit! You are already blooming with the flowers of manhood! Keep it up! Youth must never be hidden!" Choza tried not to laugh, but his shoulders were shaking. Genma looked away, pretending to be very interested in the ceiling. Shunsui wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He had never felt so embarrassed in both of his lives. A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"So he is your rival?" Duy asked Guy, still looking at Shunsui with sparkling eyes.

"No!" Guy answered immediately, his face becoming serious.

"My rival is only one person. He is the one who stroked my youth. He is my true and only rival... his name is Kakashi." Guy's face turned bright red as he spoke about his mysterious rival. His fists clenched tightly at his sides.

"Every time I see him, my heart burns hotter! He is always so cool and calm, but I know deep inside he feels the same fire! One day I will defeat him and prove the power of hard work over genius! That is my eternal goal! The springtime of youth demands that I chase him forever!" Shunsui watched Guy's passionate speech with a blank face.

'Is this what is called shinobi's gay love?' he thought. The way Guy talked about Kakashi, the blushing, the burning passion, the declarations. It was honestly a little too intense. Shunsui had read enough stories in his previous life to recognize this kind of one-sided rivalry that looked suspiciously like something else. He decided it was better not to say anything out loud.

"Well, I will take you to meet him soon," Guy said, still red-faced.

"Now come in! Come in! Let us have dinner!" They moved to the small dining room. Both father and son clumsily brought out the food. Plates were placed on the table with loud clatters. Some dishes almost slipped from Guy's hands, but he caught them at the last second with youthful reflexes. Shunsui could see a lot of vegetables on the table. When he asked why there were so many, Guy answered proudly, "Vegetables are good for health! They build strong muscles and clean the blood! Youth needs proper fuel!"

The food itself was okay. Not too good, not too bad. Some dishes were too salty, while others were too bland. It was clear that the father and son did not have guests often. They had tried their best, but their cooking skills were still basic. Choza, however, happily ate everything as if it was the most delicious meal in the world. He kept praising every dish loudly.

"This stir-fried vegetables are excellent!" Choza said with his mouth full.

"The seasoning is perfect!" Guy beamed.

"Thank you, sensei! We worked very hard!" Duy nodded enthusiastically.

"My son has the passion of a thousand suns when he cooks!" Shunsui picked at his food quietly. He ate slowly, trying not to make any rude faces. Genma ate without complaint, though his expression remained neutral. Choza continued to eat with great enthusiasm, asking for seconds and thirds. As Guy left the room to bring desserts, Duy turned to Choza with a serious expression.

"Choza-san, would it be possible for Guy to dedicate some time for personal training whenever he is in the village? I know you are a good sensei, but I want to pass on to him something." Choza instantly realized what Duy was talking about. His face became slightly worried.

"You want to teach him that already? Are you sure he is ready?"

"You are his sensei. You tell me, Choza-san." Choza thought for a few seconds.

"I was nowhere near Guy's physical attributes when I was even a couple of years older than him." Duy smiled proudly.

"My boy is quite youthful, you see. Hahaha!" Shunsui thought quietly, 'Huh, so Guy is going to start learning the Eight Gates.' After Guy returned with desserts, they ate the sweet dishes together. The conversation stayed light. Choza told a few funny stories from his own genin days. Guy laughed loudly at every joke. Genma listened quietly. Shunsui mostly stayed silent, enjoying the warmth of the small house. When it was time to leave, everyone stood up.

"Thank you for the dinner, Duy-san," Choza said with a bow.

"The food was delicious."

"Thank you for coming," Duy replied.

"Please take care of my son."

"I will," Choza promised. Guy waved enthusiastically.

"See you tomorrow, everyone! We will train with even more youth!" Shunsui gave a small nod.

"Thank you for the meal." Genma bowed politely.

"Good night." As they stepped out into the cool night air, Choza patted Shunsui's shoulder.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow we continue training."