Ichiraku Ramen.
Noon was the busiest time of day. The shop was packed, and the moment Naruto lifted the curtain, a wave of heat and the rich aroma of broth hit him in the face—instantly making his stomach feel even emptier.
He hopped up onto his usual tall stool at the counter and hollered with practiced familiarity, "Uncle Teuchi, three bowls to start! Extra chashu!"
"Coming right up!" Teuchi's hearty voice rang out from behind the stove.
Beside him, Ayame smiled sweetly. "Naruto, you're here pretty early today."
Naruto scratched his head with a dumb grin. "Hehe, 'cause someone's buying! Of course I'm gonna eat a few more bowls!"
"Don't listen to him, Ayame-neesan." Sakura sat down next to Naruto, smiling helplessly. "No matter who's paying, he eats this much anyway."
"That's true." Ayame covered her mouth, giggling.
She turned back to help her father prepare noodles, her slender figure in an apron radiating a peaceful warmth.
Just then, a clear, gentle voice cut in. "What good thing happened? You're in a great mood today, Naruto."
Naruto turned around and saw a familiar face peeking out from inside the shop: a boy around fourteen, neat and handsome, smiling at them.
"Brother Shigure!"
Naruto's grin widened at the sight of an old acquaintance. "Hehe, of course I'm happy today! 'Cause—"
He deliberately lowered his voice and dragged out the suspense, then suddenly straightened up and punched the air, announcing proudly, "I'm about to master a super awesome jutsu! When I do, you're gonna be shocked!"
Shigure blinked, then raised an eyebrow, amused. "Oh? A super awesome jutsu? Sounds impressive. What is it? You gonna tell me?"
Naruto puffed out his chest, full of swagger. "Hehe, secret for now! But the power's totally insane! Just wait—I'll make you drop your jaw!"
His bright blue eyes burned with excitement and determination. You'd never guess he'd been frustrated and sulking at the training ground earlier.
Shigure looked at the confident blond kid and couldn't help smiling for real. "Yeah? Then I'll be looking forward to it."
"Hmph. More bragging." Sakura folded her arms, merciless as ever. "Naruto, your chakra control is so bad you'll probably blow yourself up before you learn anything."
"I won't!" Naruto shot back, face reddening. "This time's different! Just you wait, Sakura!"
Seeing the two about to bicker again, Kakashi coughed lightly. "Ahem. Naruto, don't talk training while eating."
Naruto grumbled and shut up.
He really was starving, and arguing would just waste precious ramen time anyway.
Three steaming bowls were set in front of them.
The fragrant broth and glossy noodles made Naruto's eyes go wide. With a cheer, he dug in, chopsticks flying so fast the noodles were almost a blur. In no time, the first bowl was gone.
"Another one!" he shouted, holding up the empty bowl and licking a bit of broth from his lips.
"Coming up!"
Soon another brimming bowl landed in front of him, and Naruto buried his face in it again.
Shigure and Ayame watched him inhale ramen and nearly laughed out loud. Sasuke gave Naruto a cold glance, thinking quietly.
Then Kakashi spoke casually, "Naruto, that jutsu you mentioned… did someone teach it to you?"
Naruto's mouth was stuffed with noodles. "Glk—glk… huh? Someone… no. I'm practicing it myself."
Kakashi's eye flickered, and his gaze slid to the ball at Naruto's side.
To be in the second stage already, this soon… that was far too fast.
Not long after, Naruto finished three huge bowls and leaned back with a satisfied belch.
"Ahh… I'm full!"
Only then did he remember something and turn to Kakashi. "Oh yeah, Kakashi-sensei, what's our mission this afternoon?"
Kakashi lazily flipped open Icha Icha Paradise. "Same kind of mission as yesterday."
"What—?!" Naruto almost fell off his stool. "More stuff like fixing someone's yard or finding lost cats?"
Kakashi glanced at him. "What else? As genin, these basic commissions are part of training."
"Tch…" Naruto drooped, dragging out his complaint. "So lame… I'd rather practice my jutsu…"
"Naruto! Stop whining!" Sakura smacked him on the head. "We're ninja. Even errands have to be done seriously."
Naruto rubbed his head and muttered, "Yeah, yeah, I know… I was just saying…"
Kakashi chuckled quietly, closed his book, and stood. "Alright, everyone. We're heading out. The client's a bit far."
They got up, Kakashi paid, and Naruto waddled out happily, rubbing his belly. He waved at Teuchi, Ayame, and Shigure. "Bye, boss! Ayame-neesan! Brother Shigure! Thanks for the treat!"
"Be careful out there, Naruto," Teuchi called warmly. "Come again next time."
"Yeah! For sure!" Naruto grinned and gave a big thumbs-up.
After they left, Shigure's friendly smile slowly faded.
"Things are getting more and more interesting…"
-------
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