Returning to the Naruto World, Setsuna took a deep breath, feeling an immense sense of familiarity. "The Naruto World really feels safer after all."
Although the Toriko World was wonderful, and he had the backing of two powerful figures, danger was unreasonable. Just look at Teppei, Jiro's grandson.
His grandfather and grandmother were both invincible powerhouses, yet even with such a strong background, he could still be plotted against by forces behind the scenes.
Even if he had Don Don Slime as external support, summoning that support came with a cost.
Furthermore, the plot was about to go into overdrive soon. Those powerful beings could destroy worlds on a whim, and his own small frame couldn't even withstand the aftermath.
A wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. It was better to return early.
He used to think the Naruto World was too dangerous, but now it seemed like a warm and safe harbor.
Setsuna stretched lazily and headed towards Ichiraku Ramen.
The time he returned was early morning, just as dawn was breaking. A long line had already formed in front of Ichiraku Ramen.
It had to be said that even a younger Teuchi's culinary skills were absolutely top-notch in Konoha.
Coupled with the affordable prices, this place was undoubtedly the breakfast choice for most Konoha residents.
Fortunately, Teuchi worked quickly. After queuing for twenty minutes, it was Setsuna's turn.
Setsuna said with great seriousness, "Teuchi-san, one bowl of Tonkotsu Miso Chashu Ramen, please. You must give it your absolute best."
Faced with Setsuna's request, Teuchi was a bit bewildered but nodded gravely. "Yes, I will definitely make the best ramen."
Under Setsuna's expectant gaze, a bowl of golden-toned Tonkotsu Ramen was served.
The ramen's surface had a layer of amber-colored oil, the broth was thick like melted gold, and the rising steam carried the rich, mellow aroma of pork bones.
"I'm going to start eating," Setsuna reminded Don Slime.
The first step was to taste the original broth. The rich flavor of tonkotsu bloomed on the taste buds. Next, he lifted the noodles, with the sweetness of the wheat and the fragrance of the alkaline water danced between his teeth.
Finally, he put the chashu wrapped in egg yolk into his mouth. The rich, fatty oil melted between his lips and teeth, forming a trio with the savory saltiness of the soy sauce and the wheaty aroma of the noodles.
Even judging by the standards raised by his experiences in the Toriko World, this was undoubtedly a delicious dish.
The only flaw was that the ingredients might be a bit ordinary.
Setsuna didn't wait for Don Slime's response and finished the ramen with a graceful yet swift motion, practically 'drinking' it.
Especially the last mouthful at the bottom of the bowl… that was the essence of the ramen. Mixing all the remaining bits with the broth and swallowing it in one go felt like consuming the very soul of the entire bowl.
"Truly, the more ordinary the ingredients, the more they showcase true culinary skill," Setsuna praised and then asked, "Slime, what do you think?"
"Bastard, don't casually drop the 'Don' from my name!" Don Slime loudly accused, then fell into thought.
"Hmm, I actually have no record of this flavor. How to describe it... it's just ordinarily delicious. The ingredients are very ordinary, but after some kind of wonderful combination, they actually produce a miraculous deliciousness."
Don Slime evaluated from the perspective of a gourmet, completely unconcerned about the bet's outcome.
Setsuna inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, 'As expected of 'Otsutsuki Ichiraku', he even managed to earn a somewhat positive review from the lofty Don Slime.'
"Setsuna kid, you win. Quickly tell me, where did you find this ramen? I've actually never eaten it before."
"That's because we are no longer in the original universe. You can extend your perception and observe for yourself," Setsuna revealed the answer, lifting the restrictions on his Gourmet Cells.
Don Slime perceived the outside world through the Gourmet Cells, looking rather puzzled. "What color universe is this?"
Setsuna said calmly, "This isn't one of the five-colored universes you know. It's another universe within the multiverse."
Even with Don Slime's vast experience, he was shocked speechless. It took him a while to come back to his senses and ask, "Are you telling the truth?"
Setsuna smiled, "Aren't you the self-proclaimed Cosmic Emperor? Can't you even determine that much?"
"No, I'm just too shocked." Don Slime first fell silent, then suddenly burst into manic laughter.
"To think you have such an opportunity! Haha, I acknowledge you, Setsuna kid... No, I won't call you 'kid' anymore. Setsuna, let us conquer the various universes together and eat the ultimate delicacies of each one!"
In response to Don Slime's fervent cries, Setsuna only sighed, "Although I don't want to shatter your illusions, I must tell you that the combined upper limit of all the delicious food in other universes might not necessarily surpass that of your home universe."
Don Slime didn't seem to mind, "When you reach my level, you'll understand that enjoying delicious food is actually about savoring life itself. Every dish is a condensed moment in time, carrying the breath of the land, the dedication of the artisan, and the anticipation of the diner. What I look forward to is precisely the gourmet heritage of each universe."
"You really know how to spin pretty words," Setsuna said, somewhat speechless, 'Who was the one throwing a tantrum earlier because the food didn't suit his taste?'
"Don't just stand there! Quickly take me to enjoy other delicacies in this universe!" Don Slime urged loudly.
"No, it's already over." Setsuna paid and walked out of the ramen shop.
"Over?" Don Slime was confused.
"Yeah, there are no other delicacies," Setsuna nodded.
"No other delicacies?" Don Slime repeated mechanically.
"If I had to name some, would barbecue and mitarashi dango count?" Setsuna asked.
Don Slime fell silent. Barbecue heavily relied on the quality of the meat. Judging by the ingredient quality in the ramen he just had, it was hard to have high expectations for barbecue.
As for mitarashi dango... was that something a Cosmic Emperor should eat?
"So... you're saying I'll have to eat that ramen for every meal from now on?" Don Slime asked, utterly dejected.
"Of course not." Don Slime's spirits lifted, only to hear Setsuna continue, "I have to go on missions sometimes. I won't be in the village every day."
After a moment of silence, Don Slime freaked out. "I want to go back! Let me out!"
Setsuna laughed. "Weren't you just saying you savor life and time itself?"
"Is a life without gourmet food even a life? There's nothing to savor!"
Setsuna tried to soothe him, "Don't panic. We just need to wait a year, and then we can go to another universe. The next universe probably won't be as barren as this one."
"I hope so," Don Slime said listlessly.
"A bet is a bet. You have to listen to me now," Setsuna said with a smile.
"Fine, fine, I'll listen to you."
"The first thing I want you to do is learn this world's power system." Setsuna planned to have Don Slime wake him up if he fell under a Genjutsu, just like a Perfect Jinchuriki.