Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed helplessly.
He knew Danzō Shimura was a dangerous player—
But without action, the situation would only deteriorate further.
"Very well. Proceed cautiously."
His tone carried resignation.
Danzō smiled faintly, cold light flashing in his eye.
To him—
Whether the Uchiha or the Hidden Cloud Village—
They were merely pieces on a board.
He alone was the one moving them.
Ichiraku Ramen.
Kushina Uzumaki's eyes sparkled as she scanned the menu.
"Shuoye! Let's get the spiciest one! I want to try it!"
She pointed excitedly, practically bouncing in her seat.
Shuoye smiled faintly, though a trace of helplessness flickered in his heart.
His gaze drifted past Kushina—
Toward the street outside.
Several shinobi were engaged in heated discussion.
One title surfaced repeatedly—
"The Yellow Flash."
Shuoye narrowed his eyes.
So—
Minato Namikaze's succession as Fourth Hokage was likely approaching.
In this life, due to his own butterfly effect, Minato's ascension had been delayed compared to what Shuoye remembered.
Just as he was lost in thought—
"Shuoye!"
He turned sharply.
Yuhi Kurenai approached with a warm smile.
Beside her stood Mitarashi Anko, wearing a slightly puzzled yet friendly expression.
Both had once received guidance from Shuoye.
Teacher and friend—
Something like that.
"Shuoye, you're here too."
Kurenai's eyes brightened.
The air instantly grew delicate.
Kushina's aura shifted—
Like a volcano on the brink of eruption.
"Ah… Kurenai. You're here for ramen too?"
Shuoye attempted to smooth the atmosphere.
"Just had some free time."
Kurenai replied casually.
"How have you been lately?"
"Fine. Just handling a few matters."
Shuoye answered lightly—
Careful not to glance at Kushina too long.
At that very moment—
Kushina pinched the soft flesh at his waist.
Hard.
He nearly flinched.
Then—
The door slammed open.
Sarutobi Asuma stormed in, anger radiating from him.
"Shuoye! Stay away from Kurenai!"
His voice trembled with jealousy.
He had liked Kurenai since childhood.
And now—
She was sitting so close to Shuoye over a bowl of ramen?
Was that necessary?!
How was he supposed to tolerate that?!
Shuoye glanced at him calmly.
Unimpressed.
Through Asuma, he almost saw the shadow of Hiruzen Sarutobi—
Father and son.
Equally self-righteous.
A faint, knowing smile curved his lips.
Before the tension could explode—
Mitarashi Anko spoke up sharply.
"Asuma, this has nothing to do with you!"
Her tone was firm.
Asuma nearly exploded.
"Kurenai is mine! How dare you!"
He pointed at Shuoye like a roaring lion.
Shuoye chuckled softly.
As expected.
Like father, like son.
"You laughing at something?" Asuma snapped.
"Nothing."
Shuoye turned to Kushina.
"Finished?"
She nodded brightly.
"Yes!"
"Then let's go."
His tone was relaxed—
As if Asuma did not exist.
Asuma's pride shattered.
Former Hokage's son—
Who had ever treated him like this?
Rage overtook reason.
Without warning—
He lunged forward.
His fist shot toward Shuoye like an arrow loosed from a bow.
"Asuma, don't—!"
Kurenai cried out.
But Shuoye's reaction surpassed expectation.
The moment Asuma moved—
Shuoye's eyes sharpened.
He pivoted smoothly.
The punch missed.
In the same breath—
A swift spinning kick slammed into Asuma's chest.
Thud.
Asuma choked as if struck by a charging beast.
His body flew backward—
Crashing through tables and chairs.
Wood splintered.
Bowls shattered.
Ramen broth splashed into the air.
Silence fell.
Then—
Chaos.