Naruto: Strength Through Teaching

Chapter 195: Delicious Aroma

As time passed, Jiraiya gradually caught the scent wafting from the kitchen.

"Seems like fried fish?" Jiraiya speculated on the dish Mutsuki was preparing based on the aroma.

"The fragrance is certainly captivating, but I wonder how it tastes," Jiraiya rubbed his stomach, realizing he was starting to feel hungry.

Fortunately, Mutsuki and Minato didn't keep him waiting too long. Just as Jiraiya was pondering what he should write in his novel, Mutsuki and Minato brought out the finished dishes.

Jiraiya's attention was instantly drawn to the uniquely shaped and appetizingly colored Squirrel Fish. Though he had encountered many distinctive cuisines during his travels in the ninja world, it was the first time he had seen fish prepared in such a way.

"What's the name of this dish? It seems like a lot of effort went into its presentation," Jiraiya asked curiously, glancing at the Squirrel Fish.

"This dish is called Squirrel Fish, and indeed, its presentation is the highlight," Mutsuki smiled as he introduced.

"Jiraiya sensei, although it doesn't look very complicated, it's actually quite challenging to make. Even after learning along with Kushina for some time, neither of us could make it like Mutsuki does, and the taste is also incomparable," Minato recounted the difficulties he and Kushina faced in learning to make Squirrel Fish. He chuckled with a hint of helplessness when recalling how Kushina handed him the task of cutting the flower garnish halfway through.

"Haha, sounds like something Kushina would do," Jiraiya chuckled.

"Let's eat first. These dishes should be eaten while hot," Mutsuki reminded them.

Some dishes taste completely different when hot compared to when they're cold.

Jiraiya didn't hesitate and directly picked up some fish with his chopsticks, popping it into his mouth. While doing so, he felt a bit regretful, as he felt like he was disrupting such a visually appealing dish.

But soon, any regret in Jiraiya's mind vanished. As he bit through the crispy outer layer, he encountered incredibly tender fish inside, complemented by a delightful sweet and sour sauce. This made Jiraiya's appetite soar, and after just one bite, he felt even hungrier.

After finishing the fish, Jiraiya felt as if he had momentarily transformed into a free-spirited dragon, soaring into the boundless sea. He felt liberated, no longer needing to search the world for the prophesied child who could change the world.

When he came back to his senses, Jiraiya realized that Minato's description in the letter was not exaggerated at all. The dish was indeed so delicious that it felt like being under a Genjutsu spell. In just an instant, Jiraiya experienced a rare feeling of extreme relaxation.

"The timing of frying the fish is impeccable, and the balance of the sauce's sweet and sour flavors is perfect. Whether it's a bit more sour or a bit sweeter, it wouldn't achieve the same effect," Jiraiya commented. Then, when he looked back at the Squirrel Fish, he suddenly noticed that half of the fish was already gone, and Minato was silently eating away.

"Minato, since when did you start eating so quickly?"

Now Jiraiya couldn't sit still. After Minato had eaten so much in just a few words, Jiraiya also stopped talking and quickly dug into his meal.

Not only the uniquely shaped Squirrel Fish but also the seemingly ordinary Braised Pork with Preserved Vegetables and Stir-Fried Chili Pork made Jiraiya unable to resist having bowl after bowl of rice.

"Mutsuki, this Stir-Fried Chili Pork tastes delicious, but why not add a bit more meat?" Jiraiya used a sharp gaze to scan through the abundance of chili, finally picking up a piece of meat and asking with a puzzled expression.