Chapter 8: An Encounter with NarutoLook, look who's here!
It's Naruto Uzumaki!
Konohagakure isn't exactly small. Although Ichiraku Ramen is one of the places where Naruto most frequently appears, actually running into him still feels like hitting a rare encounter…
Well, not bad luck at all.
Chinatsu paused briefly, then lifted the shop curtain and stepped inside.
At this point in time, Ichiraku Ramen was still a simple street-side stall, far from the symbolic landmark it would later become.
In the future, it would be known as Konoha's number one ramen shop.
Not only because of its connection to the future Hokage, Naruto, nor solely because of its taste—but because no matter how many disasters struck the village, Ichiraku Ramen always remained intact.
Even during catastrophic events that leveled large parts of the village, this small shop somehow stood untouched.
Because of that, some people jokingly referred to the owner as some hidden, unfathomable existence…
Chinatsu couldn't help but chuckle at the thought.
Her laughter immediately drew attention from inside.
Naruto and the shop owner both turned their heads.
"Ah, a new customer? Haven't seen you before," said the owner of Ichiraku, Teuchi, wiping his hands as he smiled warmly. "What would you like? Everything here is delicious!"
Naruto, already halfway through his bowl, turned enthusiastically.
"Big sister! I recommend this one! It's super good—though… a bit expensive…"
"Hey, Naruto, I told you—it's not expensive," Teuchi laughed. "And this bowl is on the house."
"Hehe… yeah, not expensive at all…"
Naruto scratched his head awkwardly and went back to eating, clearly aware that what he considered "expensive" was just normal pricing.
Chinatsu watched him quietly.
The way he lowered his head, eating with such intensity…
It stirred something in her chest.
Naruto—
The son of Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage, and Kushina Uzumaki.
A child who should have grown up surrounded by admiration and care.
Instead—
He lived alone.
Shunned by the village.
Because sealed within him was the Nine-Tailed Fox, the very creature that had once brought devastation to Konoha.
Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi ensured Naruto received a stipend, it was barely enough for a child with no guidance.
He survived mostly on cheap instant noodles, with Ichiraku ramen being a rare luxury.
There was no family home left to him, no warmth—just a small, empty apartment.
Chinatsu pressed her lips together.
She had always felt this was wrong.
Even if it was meant to protect Naruto's identity, his childhood had been unnecessarily harsh.
And now—
Seeing him finish every last drop of broth with such pure satisfaction…
It only made it worse.
"…Miss? Is something wrong?"
Teuchi's voice pulled her back.
Chinatsu didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she calmly took out her wallet and placed a thick stack of bills on the counter.
"Excuse me… how many bowls of ramen would this cover?"
"This… this amount?" Teuchi's usually relaxed expression cracked in surprise. "At least… a hundred bowls…"
Chinatsu nodded slightly.
Then she turned to Naruto.
Naruto, who had just finished eating, noticed her gaze and immediately lowered his head.
"Th-thanks for the meal, old man! It was really good… If I had money, I'd come more often…"
He hopped down from his seat, clearly preparing to leave.
"Wait."
Naruto froze.
"…Are you still hungry?"
"Huh?"
He turned back, pointing at himself in disbelief.
"Me?"
It wasn't strange.
Adults in the village rarely spoke to him—let alone offered kindness.
"Yes. You."
Chinatsu's tone was calm.
"You didn't eat enough, did you?"
Naruto hesitated.
"…I…"
"Eat as much as you want today. It's my treat."
She waved her hand casually, as if it were nothing.
Teuchi immediately understood and turned toward the kitchen.
Soon, steaming bowls of ramen began appearing one after another.
The rich aroma filled the air instantly.
Naruto stared at them, eyes wide, saliva practically forming at the corners of his mouth.
"…Really…?"
"Really."
Chinatsu rested her chin on her hand, smiling slightly.
"It's just food. Don't hold back."
Naruto's gaze flickered between her and the ramen.
Then—
Grrrr…
His stomach growled loudly.
That decided it.
Without another word, he rushed back to his seat, grabbed his chopsticks, and began devouring the ramen at full speed.
He was starving.
Watching him eat like that, Chinatsu finally relaxed.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
Then—
Her own stomach growled.
"…Right."
She had come here to eat too.
And Sasuke would probably start worrying if she took too long.
Chinatsu could already imagine Sasuke Uchiha's expression.
Without further delay, she picked up her chopsticks.
The rich aroma of Ichiraku ramen filled her senses completely.
As expected…
It truly lived up to its reputation.
"Then… I'll start eating."
Following local custom, she spoke the polite phrase before meals—
And then immediately abandoned any attempt at maintaining a refined image as she began eating alongside Naruto.