*ALL CREDIT GOES TO THEIR RESPECTIVE OWNERS.
I DO NOT OWN NARUTO…MASASHI KISHIMOTO DOES. I COME CLOSE, BUT HE HAS THE RIGHTS.*
So I follow my new friend Shikamaru to a little BBQ joint called Lil' Mt. Mboykaku after class. The whole class waited for iruke for like, ten minutes then we all snuck out. Anyway, we step through the curtain, and open the front door and there stands…..A beast of a kid. I wasn't sure what too make of him. he wore a green jacket and had whist looked like undies on his hair and two flushed cheeks, and he was HUGE. He looked like he could eat me up without a moment's thought. Even so, what shocked me was that Shika ran up to this kid and just hugged him abashedly then gave a fist bump. My jaw hit the floor…Maybe I can turn back, I don't mind not having friends if that guy just doesn't eat me…
Shikamaru gives me a funny look. shakes his head, and motions me forward. Gulping, I hesistantly take baby steps towards the two…step by step I get more nevous. Shika shakes his head one more time. "Naruto, buddy, c'mon WE don't have all day!" Like a train conductor, he motions me forward like a jet. As if I were nothing more than a puppet, I jog to them….Shika, quiet for a moment, then said, "Naruto, this is my best bud Choji. Bro, this is our new sick prank grandmaster, Naruto Uzumaki"
"Nice to meet ya…hi." He offered his hand.
I wave at him feebly.
"Naruto, buddy, it's OK. come here." We walk away to the side close to the door and the gum ball machine. "He is NOT going to hurt you. I know he looks big and bad, but I swear he's an awesome guy…Trust me, OK? If he's strong, let him know…he doesn't see it."
"He is just so strong….man, I…." With that, he just takes me by the shoulders and walks us back to this Choji character. Before we get there, I ask," Can I call you Shika….?"
"Yeah, sure we are friends, right?"
"Yeah, we are. You're right. I guess we are." I scratch the back of my head.
Choji is there, grabbing a bag of chips from his blue bag he caried with him.
"Everything OK guys, Naruto?"
"Yeah, yeah..he's fine. Let's go eat already." Shikamaru says.
"You said it, Shik, I'm starving."
"You know it.'
We go and head toward the green booths. Choji is right behind me. I try not to freak out over how tall he is over me. I take several deep breaths. I sit in the inside with Shika on the outside and Choji facing towards the door. Shika started," So, yeah, man, you should of seen what Naruto did today. Remember Tazama?" "You don't mean…" Choji retorted with his mouth agape in anticipation. "Yep, Naruto here" patting me on the back," He embarrassed that asshat in front of everyone." Choji just stared sat me in shock. A few moments passed. I tried to look at him, but it was too much. I flinched and held up my arms protectively. "How did you….what the….What happened, Naruto?" Choji politely asked, while briefly looking away, obviously embarrassed. "Oh…" I started with a lump in my throat," Oh, the bastard did something…" I looked down and balled my fists."He gummed up nose as I was waking up in class. I swear…he must be a teacher's pet or something." I mumbled. " I heard loud laughter—from both of my new friends. I gave them a questioning look. Shika hollered and then breathed out, "Yeah, that's what I thought too." Choji piped in, after a last hearty laugh. My face hurt I was smiling so much. "I knew it…He spends so much time with Teach and then takes my lunch money." Then I saw him do what I normally do…sulk. I was in shock. I had to do something…this guy is now my friend….believe it.
Shika put a hand on my shoulder, saying, "You along with everybody else, Chojj. He's probably doing to to make sure he goes on missions this year. What my dad told me is that this is like his fourth year held back and his last chance to be a ninja." We all cracked up laughing…Choji said," Ya know, Shika, that's not nice…even if true…What happened?I gotta know?" Now feeling bolder, nonchalantly I said," I I mad him go SPLAT! on the floor after lunch." Classic! I wish I could think like that!" Choji bellowed out with a roaring laugh. We laughed again…By this time, Shika ordered stuff for us and some mouthwatering smells were coming our way. "A cute Kiri-looking girl brought us ribs, fried rice, steamed rice, vegetable pancakes, and sushi as well as the finest soy sauce. I was given an orange soda, Shika got a chocolate milk and Choji got a dark intense smelling fruity soda.
As the meal progressed, I just listened to the friends reminisce and eat quietly. I spent the whole time figuring out what to say to Choji…Shika was right…he might be big but he had a soft heart. I wanted to make him feel better. "Chojj, if he ever tries to pick on you again, let me know…I'll put a paint bomb in a fake wallet for ya!" Giving him a classic Uzumaki grin. ""Oh, hop, I like the way you think…Hive five!" We clapped palms. Is this was what friendship is? This is awesome…goats get me some more of this! Shika, though younger and kinda shorter than me, with his long limbs and him shaking his head the way he did that day, reminded me of a thirty-year-old bachelor. I grinned. After that, we all parted ways….after some hearty and unasked for hugs from Choji.
