The familiar noren curtain lifted, and the rich aroma of bone broth immediately washed over him. Through the rising steam, Naruto stepped into the ramen shop he had visited countless times with practiced ease.
"Uncle, I'm here!" Naruto shouted energetically. "Two bowls of Miso Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen, please!"
He stepped aside, making room for the black-haired girl standing behind him at the entrance.
"Come on, Satsuki." Naruto smiled as he pulled out a chair. "Thanks for going out of your way to walk me home. To thank you, let me treat you to a bowl of ramen! Uncle Ichiraku's cooking is the best in Konoha!"
The tips of Satsuki's ears reddened slightly. She sat down with feigned composure. "...Since you insist on treating me, I suppose I can reluctantly eat with you."
Uncle Ichiraku poked his head out from the kitchen, his face breaking into a broad smile. "Oh! Naruto and little Satsuki! Two bowls of Miso Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen, right? They'll be ready in a moment!"
Amid the hazy steam, a brown-haired girl was busy at the counter. Ayame, Uncle Ichiraku's daughter, looked up at the sound and gave the two regulars a gentle smile.
After they sat down, while the ramen had yet to arrive, Naruto rested his chin in both hands on the wooden table and studied Satsuki across from him with great interest.
"So, Satsuki?" Naruto's voice carried undisguised anticipation. "Your first day at the Ninja Academy wasn't bad, right?"
Hearing the question, Satsuki tilted her head and thought for a moment. "...Honestly, not really." She wore a slightly disdainful expression. "Father taught me all those basic Chakra theories three years ago."
But soon, her eyes brightened again. "Though sparring with you this afternoon was pretty good." She raised her chin slightly, her tone carrying a