The very next morning, Squad 10 gathered at Konoha's main gate, packs ready, heads still spinning from yesterday's revelation. Tsunade stood at the front like a glamorous general, arms crossed, haori fluttering dramatically in the breeze. Shizune was double-checking medical supplies while muttering, "Chef Shinichi… I still can't picture it." Kurenai adjusted her straight sword at her waist, looking equal parts amused and curious.
Shinichi arrived last, carrying a simple travel bag and wearing his usual calm expression – but today he had added a crisp white apron folded neatly over his arm like a battle flag. "Ready when you are, Tsunade-sensei."
Tsunade grinned that same exaggerated VIP smile. "Of course, Chef-sama! Your safety is our top priority! No bandits, no ghosts, no weeds – just smooth sailing to the capital!"
The road to the Fire Capital was long but scenic – rolling hills, cherry blossom groves, and the occasional merchant caravan waving at the Konoha shinobi. At first, the squad tried to act professional. Key word: tried.
By midday, Shizune's stomach growled loud enough to scare a flock of birds. "Sensei… we've been walking for hours. Can we stop for lunch? Maybe… maybe Shinichi could show us a sample of his cooking skills?"
Tsunade's eyes lit up. "Now that's an idea! Client privilege! Whip something up, brat – er, Chef Shinichi!"
Shinichi didn't hesitate. He found a clearing, unpacked a portable cooking set (who knew he carried one?), and within minutes had a small fire going. The [Glutton] trait kicked in – his hands moved with ridiculous precision, chopping vegetables at blinding speed, seasoning with perfect pinches, and stirring a simple miso soup that smelled like heaven.
Shizune's eyes turned into sparkly stars. "It smells amazing! How are you so good at this?!"
Kurenai leaned in, sniffing. "The balance of flavors… it's like you can read the ingredients' souls."
Tsunade took one sip and actually moaned in delight – a rare, unguarded sound. "Okay, fine. You're hired as squad chef too. This beats ration bars by a mile!"
Shinichi just smiled modestly, but inside he was logging every reaction. Public perception of 'Shinichi Higashino, culinary genius' – rising. One bowl at a time.
As they ate, the questions poured out.
"So… when did you become a guest chef at Ajino Takumi?" Kurenai asked between bites.
Shinichi shrugged. "A while back. I enjoy cooking. It's… efficient. And the competition sounded like a good challenge."
Shizune nearly choked on her soup. "A good challenge?! The Daimyo himself is hosting! The winner gets the title 'Land of Fire Master Chef' and royal kitchen access! This is huge!"
Tsunade wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Kid's got guts. I like it. Just don't burn the capital down with your 'genius' flames while you're at it."
The rest of the day's travel turned into a comedy of errors worthy of any Rock Lee episode. A group of low-level bandits tried to ambush them on a forest path – only for Shinichi to casually flick a kunai that pinned their leader's sleeve to a tree while he kept walking. Tsunade punched the ground once, creating a mini crater that sent the rest running. Shizune healed a scraped knee on a civilian they passed. Kurenai cast a gentle genjutsu to make the bandits think they were surrounded by angry cats (Shizune's idea).
By evening they reached a small roadside inn. The owner recognized Shinichi's name from the competition flyers already plastered everywhere. "Wait – the Shinichi Higashino?! The one who crushed the Chunin Exams and now cooks?! Please, let me treat you! A free meal for the squad!"
Word spread like wildfire among the inn's guests. Soon everyone was whispering:
"Is that the genius who broke the White Fang sword? Now he's a chef too?!"
"He's got that calm aura… but I heard he can make Rasengan and perfect ramen!"
"Land of Fire's next Master Chef, right here!"
Shinichi accepted the praise with polite nods, but each compliment fed his trait system like fuel to a fire. [Glutton] hummed happily. [Charisma] glowed a little brighter. [Quick-Witted] sharpened. He could practically feel the public perception shifting – "Shinichi Higashino" was no longer just "that strong Chunin." Now he was "the multi-talented genius who protects and feeds the people."
Later that night, around the campfire outside the inn, the squad relaxed. Shizune was half-asleep against Kurenai's shoulder. Tsunade nursed a (non-alcoholic, she promised) drink.
Shinichi stared into the flames, thinking about his bold idea from weeks ago. If the Sage of Six Paths anchored Ninshū into the world's foundation… I can anchor my name through food, festivals, and daily life. The competition is just the beginning. Soon, people will taste my dishes and remember me. Not as a weapon – but as part of their culture.
Kurenai noticed his quiet focus. "You're really serious about this, aren't you? Not just the mission… the competition itself."
Shinichi nodded once. "It's more than cooking. It's about leaving a mark that lasts."
Tsunade snorted, but her smile was genuine. "Brat's aiming high. I respect it. Just don't forget – Squad 10's got your back. Even if it means tasting every experimental dish you make."
Shizune mumbled sleepily, "As long as it's not haunted river weeds…"
The group laughed – light, easy, full of that youthful ninja camaraderie the spin-off loved so much. Tomorrow they'd reach the capital. The real show would begin.
But for tonight, under the stars, Squad 10 felt less like a protection detail and more like a team ready to watch their genius teammate cook his way into legend.