Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen.
Hagoromo took the lead, pushing aside the curtain at the entrance and calling out:
"Uncle Teuchi, two bowls of miso chashu ramen!"
Uncle Teuchi, who was kneading dough, looked over when he heard him and replied, "Coming right up! Have a seat!"
Hagoromo was taken aback as he entered. This should have been the busiest time for Ichiraku Ramen, yet today it was a little empty.
He looked around and spotted Naruto sitting in a corner. Only then did he understand why.
Hagoromo waved to Iruka, who was following behind him, and went straight over to sit beside Naruto.
Naruto, who was working his way through a bowl of ramen bigger than his whole face, noticed the movement beside him and froze. He hurriedly put down his chopsticks and started to leave.
"Stay seated and keep eating."
The gentle voice made Naruto pause. He then looked at the person speaking.
Hagoromo had a hand on Naruto's shoulder and a warm smile on his face.
"Teacher Hagoromo!"
Naruto cried, his face lighting up with surprise.
Hagoromo nodded, pointed to the half bowl of ramen remaining and said, "It's not good to waste food. You need to finish it."
Naruto looked at the ramen in his bowl with some hesitation, then glanced at Iruka, who was sitting beside Hagoromo.
Ayame, who was about to hand Hagoromo and Iruka their two bowls of ramen, saw Naruto's reaction and spoke up as well:
"Naruto, I've told you many times. You don't have to think about running away whenever someone comes in. Just eat your noodles."
Hearing Ayame's words and seeing Hagoromo's approving expression, Naruto finally smiled and said loudly, "Okay!"
With that, he picked up his chopsticks and resumed eating in big mouthfuls.
Iruka, still a little confused, was just about to ask what was going on, but when he saw Hagoromo shake his head slightly, he held back his curiosity.
Hagoromo pulled a pair of chopsticks from the holder on the counter, picked several thick slices of chashu from his own bowl and put them in Naruto's, saying as he did so:
"Eat well, and you'll grow tall."
Without paying attention to Naruto's expression, he then started eating.
The only sounds left in Ichiraku Ramen were the overlapping slurps of noodles. Uncle Teuchi, now free, held a cup of water and watched them eat with a broad smile.
"Thank you, Teacher! I'm full!"
Having finished, Naruto jumped down from the tall stool in one movement, then thanked Hagoromo.
"No need. Get home quickly. You have school tomorrow."
Hagoromo reached out and ruffled Naruto's golden hair, smiling as he spoke.
"Yes, I won't be late!"
After saying that, Naruto thanked Hagoromo and Ayame, who was clearing the counter, then turned and ran out.
Iruka, who had also finished his ramen, was holding a cup of oolong tea with several ice cubes floating in it.
"Hagoromo, what was that about just now?"
Still preoccupied with his earlier question, Iruka asked Hagoromo, who was sitting beside him drinking water from a cup.
Hagoromo gave Iruka an exasperated glance before slowly answering:
"What else could it be? An overly kind child didn't want the owner of the ramen shop who looks after him to lose business because of him, that's all."
Uncle Teuchi, who had been rubbing his shoulder, stopped when he heard this and chuckled.
"That's Hagoromo for you. This child is a very gentle person."
Hearing even Teuchi say that, Iruka fell silent.
After all, what Naruto had handed Ayame before leaving wasn't money, but a simple slip of paper.
Noticing that Iruka kept staring at the coupon in her hand, Ayame waved and said:
"Sir, is something the matter?"
Hearing her question, Iruka realized his behavior had been a little abrupt and hurriedly waved his hands.
"No, no, I was just a little curious about what you're holding."
Uncle Teuchi took the coupon from Ayame's hand, then picked up the tin box on the counter and placed it in front of Iruka.
"That child doesn't have much money, so I often give him coupons like these."
"So he can come eat without worrying."
Afterward, Uncle Teuchi scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. He had drawn the coupons himself, and they looked rather comical.
Iruka put down his cup and looked at the embarrassed Teuchi, then at the tin box full of coupons in front of him.
He felt as though something had struck him in the heart, and he stared blankly.
Beside him, Hagoromo reached out and picked up one of the coupons. Perhaps this was also why, no matter what grievances and harsh treatment Naruto suffered,
he still didn't turn to the dark side later on.
After all, Konoha had a haven that belonged to Naruto alone.
Even if it was only a bowl of ramen he came to eat once in a long while.
Hagoromo took out the wallet he carried and put the hand-drawn coupon inside.
Then he pulled out a handful of bills and handed them to Uncle Teuchi.
Seeing the money Hagoromo was offering, Uncle Teuchi hurriedly waved his hands and said:
"Hagoromo, what you two ate doesn't cost nearly this much."
After all, the money in Hagoromo's hand was enough for him to eat at Ichiraku Ramen for at least a whole month straight.
"If Naruto comes by again, just use the rest of the money to take care of him."
"After all, I'm his teacher too."
With that, Hagoromo put the money directly on the counter.
"Let's go, Iruka."
Calling to the still somewhat dazed Iruka, Hagoromo turned and headed out the door.
His feet stepped onto the bustling street. It was night now, and vendors had begun setting up their stalls.
Feeling the evening breeze against his face, Hagoromo considered how he should talk to Naruto tomorrow.
After all, he was now acting under orders, and for the sake of his own strength,
there were still some steps he needed to move along more quickly.
"Hagoromo, I'll head home now."
Iruka, who had been following behind Hagoromo, only spoke up then.
Hagoromo turned and saw that Iruka looked utterly lost. He nodded without saying much.
Having received an answer, Iruka turned and headed home, though his retreating figure looked especially burdened.