Ichiraku Ramen.
"Uncle Ichiraku! I'm here!"
Naruto lifted the curtain, looking incredibly excited.
Teuchi wore a kindly expression and chuckled. "Naruto, you're here. What would you like to eat today?"
Naruto grinned. "Uncle Ichiraku, I want the Grand Slam today!"
Teuchi paused for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "All right, I'll go make it for you."
Although Naruto was poor, he had never eaten without paying, and Teuchi did not pry too much into the matter.
"Ayame, long time no see!" Naruto waved at Ayame as well.
Ayame, who was busy working, gave Naruto a smile. "Long time no see, Naruto."
Before long, a steaming-hot Grand Slam was placed before Naruto.
The bowl was even bigger than Naruto's head, piled high with all kinds of toppings that made anyone's appetite surge at a glance.
"Here, Naruto. The pork cutlets are a little small, so I added an extra piece for you."
Naruto held his chopsticks and pressed his palms together. "Then thank you, Uncle Ichiraku!"
"Let's eat!"
"Slurp..."
"Slurp..."
Naruto noisily slurped up the noodles, wolfing them down!
Seeing Naruto eat with such enjoyment, Teuchi smiled as well.
To a chef, this was recognition.
In just ten minutes, Naruto had finished the enormous Grand Slam.
"Burp..."
Naruto let out a full belch and pressed his palms together.
"That was delicious! Thanks for the meal! Uncle Ichiraku's ramen is the best!"
Teuchi laughed heartily. "Just come by more often."
Naruto nodded repeatedly, then took out two hundred and handed it to Ayame.
"Ayame, goodbye, Uncle Ichiraku!"
Watching Naruto walk away, Ayame turned to Teuchi and asked, "Dad, Naruto seems different somehow."
Teuchi nodded slightly. "Yeah. It's a good thing, anyway."
Naruto walked cheerfully toward home.
He was about to find out what Mother looked like, and he was