A/N: Hello my pretties, it is time for another chapter. I know I have a lot of explaining to do because it's been over a year since I have updated. Let's just say I have been going through a lot and I haven't gotten a chance to update until now. I'd like to apologize to all my subscribers because I know that they have been waiting an awfully long time for this and I will make sure that this is the best chapter yet! Anyways, before I start I would like to address a comment made by one of my reviewers about it taking a while to get to the naruhina. I want all of you to know that I am intentionally writing the fanfic like this because this isn't just a naruhina story since there will be other pairings features as well and I believe they all deserve just as much attention as naruhina. I hope that clears everything up. Now on with the story!

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I most likely never will

Chapter 10: Choji is Beast

Where is he? Shikamaru knows that I can't start without him! The chubby eating contestant though worriedly. Shikamaru was never late to one if his eating competitions. His tardiness was unusual.

He's probably still stuck in that meeting with his father and that Sasuke guy. Choji chuckled to himself because he knows how much Shikamaru detests having meetings with the Uchiha. He claimed it was because he was a prick that had a pole stuck up his ass. However, Choji knew that the real reason the Nara didn't like Sasuke is that he is an expert negotiator and he often talked Shika into crazy schemes that seemed risky but in the end, they always worked out.

Six months ago, Sasuke persuaded that he and Shika build up a small department store business called 'The Cat's Meow'. It started out as a small collection on the outskirts of Tokyo and had very little customers. Shikamaru thought that it would be preposterous to invest in a company that wasn't bringing in much income. Sasuke thought it showed promise and convinced Shikamaru into working out a contract with the store's owner who goes by the name 'Granny Cat' which led to the relocation of the business into downtown Tokyo where it immediately became a major hot spot and began reeling in more revenue. Three months later, The Cat's Meow had tripled in size and was selling everything from monogrammed towels to the latest Apple devices. Currently, it is one of the biggest department stores in Tokyo and is estimated to be worth over $400,000,000. To say that they made a wise investment was an understatement because together they own 45% of the franchise which did well to line their pockets with extra cash. Ever since then, every time Shikamaru doesn't want to partake in a risky business deal, Sasuke reminds him of the venture they did almost half a year ago and that is usually all that's needed to make Shika surrender which irritates him every time. Choji smiled to himself, he knows better than anybody that the lazy Nara doesn't like to be outdone by anyone especially a cocky Uchiha.

Choji was so well into his thoughts that he didn't hear Genma trying to get his attention.

"Choji, Earth to Choji! I just received a phone call from the front desk; Shikamaru is here let's get this show on the road! The crowd is starting to get antsy." Despite his efforts, Choji was still deadlocked into his reverie.

"Great he's daydreaming again. Don't tell me I'm going to have to break out the smelling salts." Genma sighed as he put his right hand over eyes. He was just about to call off the match when he felt a light tap on his left shoulder. He quickly turned around and his face was filled with relief when he saw the pineapple headed entrepreneur grinning back at him.

"Don't worry Genma, I've got this." The handsome Nara said with a reassuring smile.

"Shika, I was about to be at my wit's end. Now that you're here, I will go tell everyone that the match is about to start." Genma said as he went to go tell the spectators that the match will start in only a few moments.

Shikamaru casually walked over to Choji and gave him a playful smack on the back which defiantly got his attention.

"Shikamaru, you are finally here! What took you so long?"

"Sorry, pal the meeting with Capitan Asshole took a little longer than expected. I'm sorry that I made you wait."

"Never mind all that Shika." Choji put a warm hand on his shoulder. "The fact that you are here is all that matters."

"Um excuse me, I'd hate to break up this touching bromance moment but can we begin please?" An irritated Genma barked. "There are a lot of people with high bets on this match, and I don't think they would appreciate being disappointed.

"Alright, alright Genma you can start the match now." With that Shikamaru took a seat behind Choji. As soon he sat down, 13 waiters came out carrying about 5 plates each and set each of them down on the long table buffet style. Each of the plates were a variety of different foods from Colombian style to Chinese. There was even a huge king crab placed at the center of the table looking ever so delectable. A delicious aroma floated throughout the room which made everyone start to salivate a little. Even the pretty blonde that Choji saw walk in looked over hungrily at the five-course meal. As soon as he made eye contact with here she gave him a little wink and smiled. He blushed and nodded back as he stood up proudly. Having decided that he wasn't going to wait for Genma anymore, he sharply whistled to gather everyone's attention including his opponent.

"Okay everyone gathers around this match won't take very long." The brunette then sat down as he nodded for his hot-headed opponent to do the same. As the flaming haired man sat down he spat out, "You're so as hell right! This match won't take long at all after I eat you out of house and home."

"The only thing you are going to be eating is your words after I'm done with you." Choji growled. He really didn't like this man's attitude. He could tell that he was going to say something else rude until the red-headed girl that was with him smacked him on the head and told him to shut up and focus on building up an appetite. She said something about having bet a lot on the match and if he lost she would never let him hear the end of it.

This match is going to be way too easy. Choji thought. I'll go easy on him today just to make it look like he has somewhat of a chance.

Choji crossed his hands over his chest and smiled confidently over at his challenger who just sneered in return. The tenseness in the air rose about 65% as many people started to get uncomfortable except Shikamaru since he was used to it. Choji always took his challenges seriously even if they were an easy win. That's just the way Choji was. While the two hefty competitors were having their little staring contest, Genma stood at the middle of the table right in front of the king crab and started making introductions.

"Hello everyone, welcome to the annual Konoha Barbeque Pit eating contest! Today our very own head chef Choji Akimichi will be challenging to head chef of The Sound Four Diner, Mr. Jirobo. Now without further ado let the match begin.

There might as well have been a gunshot fired because as soon as Genma spoke his last word the two competitors were off.

-15 Minutes Later-

Everything was a mess. Plates that had once held piled of scrumptious sustenance were now licked clean as the two barbarians devoured every morsel they could get their hands on. It was a tough race. But not even Jirobo could not match Choji's ravenous appetite. It seemed like every time he finished one plate he would only continue to eat more as his fellow line cooks brought more out. After the first 10 minutes he was already done with the food on his side and started to reach for the king crab in the middle. Poor Jirobo couldn't keep up and he started to get nauseous after the first course. I didn't help that his little redhead bitchy friend kept yelling profanities in his ear every minute. By the time he finished his last plate of barbeque, he collapsed onto the floor. Choji didn't even notice until Shikamaru slapped him on the back and told him he could stop.

"What?' Choji said dazed. He was on his fifth crab leg and they were just starting to get good.

"You can stop stuffing your face now; it looks like your opponent had a bit of a falling out." Shikamaru pointed a finger over to where Jirobo passed out.

Before anyone said anything else, Genma stood on top of the table and declared Choji the winner. The crowd roared as the majority of them went over to Choji to give him high-fives and pats on the back. A handful of those who had betted on Choji losing went over to Jirobo and started to trash talk him as they gave him malicious looks and threw dirty napkins on top of him. His ginger companion was not looking all too happy either as she stood over him. All she could do was shake her head and reach into his pants pocket to grab his keys and wallet.

"Whatever fuck this loser. I'm going to find Kidomaru, maybe he'll provide me with some decent entertainment." By that, she meant going to a bar together and get so drunk that she'd forget this horrible experience. Tayuya smirked to herself, if that wouldn't make her forget then a night filled with passion would. Either way she'd walk away content and that's all she cared about. As she stepped over Jirobo's body she walked over to Genma and gave him a piece of paper with a number on it. He immediately thought it was from her and started to blush.

"It's not for you dumbass." Tayuya said getting frustrated with the stupid man. "Fatty over there is going to be knocked out for quite a while so you might wanna call this number." With that brief explanation, she turned on her heel and started to walk away.

"Wait whose number is this?" Genma shouted frantically.

"It belongs to a man named Sakon and that's all you need to know." The redhead started to make her way through the crowd and bumped into a platinum blonde as she made her way to the exit not even bothering to apologize. Said cutely puffed out her cheeks but brushed it off as she made her way to the once multi-course meal table. She passed a still confused Genma and ignored Shikamaru's questionable glare as she started to talk to the husky winner immediately putting on her best smile.

"Oh my God you are simply amazing. I've never seen anybody eat like that ever in my life, you must be pro at this sort of stuff huh?" stated a very coy Ino.

"Well, I guess you could say that. I mostly just do this for a hobby. My real passion is cooking although you probably already know that because after all I am a chef and I love to eat." Choji put his hands on his hips and laughed heartily.

Ino developed a sweat drop on the back of her head but kept a friendly smile. Oh I can defiantly tell.

While Choji was busy laughing the attractive blonde glanced over to look at his good-looking friend who was giving her a suspicious look.

"Well hello there." Ino chirped still trying to sound friendly, "Who might you be?"

"I should be asking you the same question." Shikamaru gave her a scornful look, he could tell that something was up with the girl but he couldn't tell exactly what. Then Choji scolded Shikamaru for being so rude.

"Oh don't mind my friend; he can be a little cranky at times. By the way Miss, what is your name?"

Blondey didn't seem the littlest bit disturbed. "Oh that's quite alright, my name is Kimiko Asagawa and I just recently moved to Tokyo. I saw some flyers around town for the eating contest and I came to watch when I heard you're a legend around these parts."

Choji blushed and started bashfully rubbing the back of his head. "Oh I wouldn't say that, I am an amateur at best."

"Oh please, you are so much more than that." Ino batted her eyelashes flirtatiously. "You are kind of cute too."

With that remark, the head chef's face turned that brightest shade of red. Ino already knew that she had him.

"I heard that you were catering to a birthday party on Saturday at Club Shuriken. I was hoping that I could meet you there if it wouldn't be too much trouble of course."

Choji was so flabbergasted that he didn't know what to say until Shikamaru lightly kicked him.

"I'd be happy to meet you there!" He blurted out very loudly which got some people to stare.

Ino giggled cutely. "Okay so it's a date then." She walked up to him and gave him a kiss on his cheek and whispered softly but seductively in his ear, "See you later cutie." With that, she sashayed away giving Choji a good look at her rear as she exited to the room. Choji watched her every move until she was out of sight. He lightly touched his cheek where Kimiko had kissed him and sighed.

"Shikamaru, I think I'm in love." Choji turned to his lifelong best pal and gave him a dopey look that could be only read as love-struck.

"I don't think you are in love, more like insane. Come on let's get this place cleaned up." He gave Choji one last look and then went to help the servants clear the tables hoping that it would help get that blonde chick off his mind. With one last look in the direction that Kimiko walked in, Choji sighed and went to look for a cleaning rag.

Outside of Konoha Barbeque Pit

That was easier than I thought it'd be. Ino thought as she got into her car. It's too bad that I have to play him like this; he actually looks like a sweet guy. Oh well, he may be as dumb as an ox, but he will pay out like a cash cow. The conniving blonde then hailed a taxi and gave him the address to the coffee shop right around the corner of the FFF townhouse. As the driver drove off, she began contemplating all of the naughty things that she would get to do with Mr. Akimichi.

Whew! That was a long chapter. Please R&R if you want more chappies!