Ch. 61Noodles
Chapter Summary: “Ramen”
- After leaving Might Duy’s home, Hanfu remains extremely cautious, refusing to celebrate or inspect the mysterious scroll he hid beneath the hallway. Remembering how arrogant villains often lose after believing they have already won, he deliberately suppresses his curiosity and avoids making any careless move.
- For three days, nothing happens, though Hanfu becomes increasingly anxious and loses sleep worrying that an animal might steal the scroll. By the fourth day, his obsession distracts him during class, earning him repeated criticism from Kashima Isamu.
- Iruka notices Hanfu’s troubled state and asks whether it is connected to his recent after-school activities. Hanfu cannot explain the truth, and his evasiveness only increases Iruka’s concern. Iruka consults Anko, Inuzuka Sa, and the others, and they decide to cheer Hanfu up with a shopping trip and ramen.
- Hanfu becomes excited at the mention of ramen because he expects the legendary Ichiraku Ramen. The group—including Hanfu, Iruka, Anko, Inuzuka Sa, Shiromaru, Izumo, and Kotetsu—heads to the expensive Futagi Ramen instead.
- The group can afford only small bowls of the cheapest miso ramen. Their conversation highlights their personalities: Anko and Inuzuka Sa prefer red bean desserts, while Iruka, Izumo, and Kotetsu favor ramen. Anko acts as the practical treasurer, and Shiromaru enthusiastically responds to Inuzuka Sa.
- Inside the shop, Hanfu notices that one of the young noodle-pullers looks familiar. Iruka identifies him as Teuchi, an apprentice of the shop’s owner, Fujino Matsu. Hanfu realizes that Ichiraku Ramen has not yet been founded and that Teuchi is still working for someone else.
- Remembering that the early history of Ichiraku involved Minato’s mission to the Rōran Ruins and the Ryūmyaku, Hanfu suddenly recognizes a possible connection to his own plans. The chapter ends as his interest and excitement are reignited by the thought of the Ryūmyaku.
Character Development and Interactions
- Hanfu: Displays exceptional restraint and caution but becomes increasingly sleep-deprived and distracted by the scroll. His discovery of Teuchi and the Ryūmyaku gives him a new strategic lead.
- Iruka: Acts as a caring and attentive friend, organizing the ramen outing to improve Hanfu’s mood. His enthusiasm for Futagi Ramen contrasts humorously with Hanfu’s expectations.
- Anko and Inuzuka Sa: Reveal their strong preference for red bean-based foods and contribute to the group’s playful banter. Anko also manages the group’s limited funds.
- Teuchi: Appears as a young apprentice rather than the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, establishing an early point in his history.
- Group dynamics: The friends show concern for Hanfu, tease one another about food preferences, and provide a lively, supportive contrast to Hanfu’s secretive anxiety.
Significant Themes
- Caution versus arrogance: Hanfu’s refusal to relax reflects his determination not to repeat the mistakes of overconfident villains.
- Hidden opportunities in familiar history: The ramen shop visit unexpectedly reveals information about Teuchi and the future Ichiraku Ramen.
- Friendship and emotional support: Hanfu’s friends recognize his distress and try to help despite not knowing its true cause.
- Foreshadowing and strategic discovery: The mention of the Ryūmyaku at the end introduces a potentially important new direction for Hanfu’s plans.