Mitsuki and Shinki were planning to sit next to Chocho. Shinki quickly noticed Mitsuki's intentions, so he politely pulled the chair next to the end of the table for Chocho to make sure only one person could sit next to her. "Chocho, would you like to take a seat here?" Chocho was impressed by how gentlemanly Shinki was. She did not realize that he was trying to block Mitsuki.
Boruto noticed what happened. He did not fully understand why these two guys were racing to sit next to Chocho. He assumed that it was a coincidence and discretely asked Mitsuki to sit next to him. "I think I'd prefer to sit here," Mitsuki replied and sat across from Chocho.
Shikadai and Boruto found the situation unusual and even considered it was a misunderstanding. Shinki and Mitsuki were somewhat reserved and not conflictive about mundane things, so the idea of them competing for a girl's attention was not conceivable.
Dinner went as expected; they chatted about the research that Shinki was doing and about Gaara's family. At some point in the meal, Chocho asked if someone could pass her the sauce. Shinki and Mitsuki immediately grabbed the sauce. There were two types of sauces, and each shinobi grabbed one, but Shinki was the first one to give the sauce to Chocho.
With a smile, Mitsuki said to Shinki, "That is very kind of you, but Chocho prefers this sauce."
Shinki did not reply; he just gave a fierce look to Mitsuki. Meanwhile, Chocho was confused about Mitsuki's attitude, but to de-escalate the situation, she said, "Actually, I like both sauces. Thank you, both of you! And Thank you, Ms. Hinata, the food is delicious."
Chocho tried the sauce that Shinki gave her to be polite, but it was very spicy. As soon as she took a bite, her taste buds started burning. When seeing her distress, Shinki and Mitsuki reached for the water pitcher to serve a glass for Chocho. Both of them had their hands on the pitcher at the same time, so they removed their hands and simultaneously said, "Go ahead." And then both of them grabbed the pitcher again.
Since Hinata saw that the boys were having a hard time agreeing on who would serve the glass of water, she quickly offered her glass to Chocho. "Oh, Chocho, darling, drink some water. Much better, right."
Both young men felt embarrassed and apologized at the table. Shikadai and Boruto were wondering what was happening with these two guys. Chocho thought to herself, 'Is Mistsuki jealous? What is going on with Shinki?'
Dinner went without incident until desert time. Boruto was helping his parents pass around dessert, which had whip cream on top. He was distracted listening to what Shikadai was saying and accidentally passed a plate too close to Chocho's face, and some whipped cream ended up on her nose.
"Boruto! What are you doing?" She complained.
Immediately, Mitsuki and Shinki presented napkins for Chocho to clean her face. Chocho took both napkins and politely thanked both of them. Although Chocho, in the past, had fantasized about the idea of two handsome men fighting over her, in reality, it was not fun. All the attention mortified her.
Naruto picked on the tension between Shinki and Mitsuki. He thought, 'If looks were Rasenguns, we would have been obliterated already by these two kids looking at each other.' To be entirely fair, both guys were not rude or said anything aggressive to each other; it was just in the eyes and the energy.
After a mostly lovely dinner, the guests prepare to say goodbye to the hosts. As he has done in the past, Mitsuki was planning on walking Chocho home. However, Shinki had the same idea. Together, both shinobi spoke.
"Would you like me to walk you home, Chocho?" Mitsuki asked.
"Shikadai and I can walk you home, Chocho," Shinki offered.
The attention from both shinobi put Chocho in an awkward position. Quickly, she decided that she was not going to go with either of them. "I am not leaving yet. I am going to stay a little longer to help clean up the dishes."
Shikadai was relieved because he didn't want to walk to Chocho's home.
Once again, both shinobi replied at the same time.
"I will be happy to help, as well." Shinki Stated.
"I can help clean the dishes." Mitsuki offered.
Chocho was getting tired of these two guys acting like that. They were both brilliant but did not take a hint. She was particularly upset at Mitsuki because he rejected her, but he was bothered if another guy gave her attention.
To end the situation, Chocho assertively said, "Too many people in the kitchen gets messy. Boruto and I will take care of the dishes. Right, Boruto?"
"If you guys want to help…" Boruto hated chores, so he was about to accept the help, but Chocho gave him a mean look that scared him to the core, so he continued, "...you can help another time because Chocho and I got the dishes tonight."
After the young shinobi left, a perplexed Boruto asked Chocho, "What is happening with those two?"
"I don't know. I know they both were trying to be nice to me, but it was awkward. I hope your parents didn't notice."
"Everyone with eyes noticed."
"Did Mitsuki or Shinki mention anything about me?"
"After the movies, Shinki asked if you were seeing anyone. And Mitsuki is just Mitsuki. I honestly thought you two were dating until we came back from the beach. You used to spend a lot of time together."
"Mitsuki is not interested in me in that way."
"Why do you think that?"
"He told me. Not with those words exactly, but he conveyed the idea."
"I don't know, Chocho. It did not look like it, not tonight or for the past years. Maybe he was not sure what he was saying. He did not grow up watching TV, so he doesn't know many things."
Boruto's words made Chocho reflect. He was right. Mitsuki's actions did not necessarily match his words. However, it was only an assumption.
Outside of the Uzumaki residency, Shinki and Mitsuki exchange those cold looks again. To break the tension, Shikadai said, "It was a good dinner. Good night now, Mitsuki!"
Mitsuki replied with a good night and gave a forced smile to Shinki, who was lightly glaring at him.
"I know Chocho is dear to you, but if your interest is only as friends, I suggest you let other people get closer to her. It is selfish, otherwise." Shinki firmly stated.
"I assume that by people you're referring to yourself."
"Yes. I am serious about Chocho."
"Once again, that is a conversation for you and Chocho to have. My friendship with Chocho does not involve you."
Shikadai was surprised by the conversation taking place and was concerned that it was getting more heated by the second. He thought Shinki had a point. If Mitsuki was not interested in Chocho romantically, he should not be interfering with other people who might. But he also knew Mitsuki had genuine feelings for Chocho. He was just trying to figure them out.
The tense conversation was interrupted by a new visitor, Sasuke Uchiha. He could feel the tension between those young yet very powerful shinobi. The thirst for battle was undeniable.
"What are you all doing here this late? Go home." as he entered the house.
"Yes, Master." The three shinobi replied and took their separate ways.
Shikadai was grateful for the interruption because he did not want to deal with his cousin and friend acting in that way. He could have expected that type of attitude from anyone except Mitsuki and Shinki.
On the way home, Shikadai asked his cousin, "What was that all about? It is not like you to act like that."
"I am aware. I have never been in this position."
"What's up with Chocho? Man, there are so many girls from the Sand Village that are throwing themselves at you. Why Chocho?"
"I guess Boruto was right. You are an overprotective brother."
"Of course, I am. Overprotective of you."
"Thank you for your concern. I will handle myself properly and apologize for putting you in an uncomfortable situation. But I don't apologize for going after an incredible woman such as Chocho."
Back at the Usumakis, Sasuke entered the house and asked Naruto, "Why were Orochimaru's brat and Gaara's brat about to duel in your front yard?"
"...umm," Naruto was about to answer when a voice interrupted them.
"Oh, it is Sarada's dad. Hi!" Chocho said with excitement. "He is so handsome," she whispered to Boruto.
"That is the reason," Naruto replied to Sasuke.
"A girl?" Sasuke said, disappointed with the new generation of shinobi.