The three of them made their way through the bustling streets and arrived in front of the ramen shop the Otsutsuki Clan had opened on Earth.
The shop was small, but its decor was exquisite. Strings of red lanterns hung by the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze and giving off a warm, peaceful atmosphere.
The aroma of ramen wafting from inside mingled with the lively atmosphere of the street, whetting everyone's appetite.
"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen Shop!" A server hurried over to greet them, looking delighted as she saw Liuli and the two little ones.
Clearly, she knew Liuli and the two children.
"Isn't this little Naruto? Back for another bowl of ramen?" The server spotted Naruto at once, and a warm smile spread across her face.
Naruto scratched his head and smiled sheepishly. "Yeah, ma'am. It's been a while. I brought some friends along today to try your cooking." He pointed to Liuli and Sasuke beside him and introduced them. "This is my big sister Liuli, and this is Sasuke, my friend."
The server looked at Naruto in surprise and exclaimed, "Goodness, Naruto has friends now? You've been working hard, little Naruto! Welcome, welcome. Come on in." She ushered the three of them inside.
The interior was warm and comfortable. Posters and pictures of all kinds of ramen hung on the walls, each seeming to radiate a delicious aroma. There were several wooden tables and chairs.
Liuli smiled and nodded her thanks, then led Naruto and Sasuke inside.
The rich scent of ramen filled the shop, making their mouths water. They found seats by a window. The slanting evening sun streamed in, warm and bright on their faces.
"What flavor of ramen would you like?" Liuli asked softly, her gaze shifting between the two boys.
"I want the spiciest one!" Naruto answered without hesitation, his eyes shining with the spirit of challenge.
"I want one even spicier!" Sasuke replied, not to be outdone. A confident smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
Liuli looked at them, a trace of helplessness in her eyes, though she found their exchange rather amusing.
Why did they have to compete over everything, even a bowl of noodles...
She smiled and ordered two bowls of extra-spicy ramen from the server.
Before long, two steaming bowls of ramen, swimming in red chili oil, were set before them.
Naruto eagerly picked up his chopsticks, grabbed a mouthful of noodles, blew on them hard, and slurped them down.
His eyes immediately went round, and his face took on an expression of pain and satisfaction all at once.
"Wow, that's spicy!" he cried, but he couldn't bring himself to put down his chopsticks and kept eating.
Sasuke, meanwhile, took his time savoring the ramen. His face showed no hint of discomfort—instead, he wore a faint smile of enjoyment.
He chewed the noodles slowly, savoring the heat as it spread through his mouth, as though it were a special kind of pleasure.
Watching the two of them eat made Liuli laugh. Naruto and Sasuke were always trying to outdo each other, but when it came to good food, they turned into children, showing their truest selves.
"You two really never grow up, do you?" Liuli said with a gentle shake of her head.
Her gaze moved between Naruto and Sasuke, full of exasperation.
At once, Naruto jumped up and waved his hand with exaggerated maturity. "Who says that? I'm going to be the man who becomes Hokage!"
He widened his eyes, looking utterly unconvinced.
Sasuke shot him a cool glance, a teasing smile at the corner of his mouth. "Hokage? Don't forget, I'm going to surpass you." His voice was calm, but his words were filled with conviction.
Watching the two of them square off, Liuli couldn't help laughing.
No matter how much they grew, these two seemed to hold on to the same childlike innocence and fiery spirit deep down.
"Alright, alright. Stop arguing, you two," she said with a laugh, cutting them off. "Actually, I don't think I'll ever grow up, either."
Naruto and Sasuke both looked surprised.
They hadn't expected their usually calm and composed big sister Liuli to say something like that.
"Big sister Liuli, do you feel like a kid too?" Naruto asked curiously.
Liuli nodded with a smile. "I do. I think there's still a child inside me, curious about the world and full of hope."
Sasuke looked at his sister thoughtfully. He hadn't expected her to show her childish side, either.
"Then let's order an even spicier bowl of ramen!" Liuli suddenly declared, her eyes gleaming with challenge.
At her words, Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a glance. Excitement and anticipation shone in both their eyes.
They had come to the ramen shop just to try its signature dish, but big sister Liuli had now suggested an even spicier challenge.
"Sure! I'm not afraid of spicy food!" Naruto responded first, confidence written all over his face.
Sasuke didn't say anything, but the determined gleam in his eyes showed that he had accepted the challenge too.
The owner of Ichiraku Ramen Shop, Teuchi, saw how excited the three of them were and couldn't help laughing. He walked over and greeted them warmly. "Hey, Naruto, Sasuke, and Miss Liuli! You're here! What would you like today?"
"Mr. Otsutsuki, three bowls of your spiciest ramen, please!" Liuli said without hesitation. Her words were full of resolve and anticipation, as if the spiciest ramen had already become her goal for the evening.
"Mr. Otsutsuki?" Teuchi froze at the name, then seemed to realize something. "Miss Liuli, what are you calling me? I'm Teuchi. You must have gotten me mixed up with someone else."
Liuli blinked, momentarily taken aback, then realized she might really have gotten it wrong!
She gave an awkward laugh and pretended to explain. "Oh, sorry, I must have mixed you up with someone. Uncle Teuchi, you're the owner here, right?"
Teuchi smiled and nodded. "That's right. I own this ramen shop. What would you like? I have all kinds of ramen, so there's bound to be something you'll enjoy."
"By the way, Uncle Teuchi, are you really part of the Otsutsuki Clan?" Naruto suddenly cut in. He took a bite of ramen and looked thoroughly content, clearly loving the food. His question, however, made Teuchi freeze again.
"The Otsutsuki Clan?" Teuchi frowned, seemingly unfamiliar with the name. He set down the cloth in his hand and looked at Naruto in confusion. "Naruto, what are you talking about? I'm just a ramen shop owner. How could I have anything to do with the Otsutsuki Clan?"
There was a note of helplessness in his voice. Clearly, he didn't understand where the question had come from. Naruto, however, didn't seem ready to let it go. He scratched his head, looking puzzled. "Isn't that right? But I remember hearing Teacher Liuli say you were descended from the Otsutsuki Clan or something..."
Before he could finish, Liuli interrupted him. She blinked, a mischievous smile on her face. "Come on, Teuchi. Stop pretending. I know you're part of the Otsutsuki Clan!"
At that, Teuchi finally understood. He stared at Liuli with wide eyes, as if he couldn't believe what he'd just heard.
Sasuke looked curious too, clearly intrigued by the topic.
Seeing their reactions, Liuli couldn't help laughing. She patted Teuchi on the shoulder and said, "Uncle Teuchi, don't be nervous. We're just joking."
Only then did Teuchi let out a breath. He shook his head helplessly. "You kids are such troublemakers. I'm just an ordinary ramen shop owner. What could I possibly have to do with the Otsutsuki Clan?"
Liuli, though, didn't seem ready to drop the subject. She blinked and continued, "Uncle Teuchi, you really don't want to admit it? I've heard the legends about the Otsutsuki Clan. They're a clan with mysterious powers!"
Teuchi gave a wry laugh. "Miss Liuli, stop teasing me. I'm just an ordinary person. What mysterious powers could I possibly have?"
That answer still didn't satisfy Liuli. She pressed on. "What about your cooking, then? Why is your ramen always so delicious? Isn't that a kind of mysterious power?"
Teuchi was at a loss for words. He paused, then smiled and shook his head. "Miss Liuli, you're quite the talker. My cooking is only good because I love ramen and put my heart into it. What does that have to do with mysterious powers?"
Liuli still didn't seem willing to give up. She blinked and continued, "Uncle Teuchi, don't be so modest. I know you must have some special secret. You just don't want to tell us."
Liuli's words left Teuchi looking both amused and exasperated. He shook his head helplessly. "Miss Liuli, you've got it all wrong. I'm just an ordinary ramen shop owner. I don't have any special secrets or powers."
"So, is Uncle Teuchi part of the Otsutsuki Clan or not?" Naruto asked, scratching his head and furrowing his brow. He was clearly getting confused by the whole thing.
His thoughts felt like a tangled mess, and he couldn't make sense of any of it.
"Little Naruto, honestly! How can you not tell when people are joking?" Liuli said, laughing at his serious expression.
She reached out a slender finger and lightly tapped Naruto's forehead. "Uncle Teuchi and I were only joking. Why did you take it seriously?"
Naruto finally understood. He patted his head and laughed awkwardly. "So that's what it was! I really thought Uncle Teuchi was part of the Otsutsuki Clan!"
Sasuke couldn't help laughing too. He'd realized Liuli was teasing Naruto from the start; he just hadn't expected Naruto to keep asking about it so earnestly.
"Alright, alright, stop laughing," Liuli said, waving her hand to quiet them. Then she turned to Teuchi. "Uncle Teuchi, since Naruto likes ramen so much, why don't you make him a few more bowls? It's on me!"
At that, Teuchi smiled. "Thank you, Miss Liuli!"
He turned and headed for the kitchen, where he began preparing ramen for Naruto.
Before long, several steaming bowls of ramen were set on the table. Naruto's eyes lit up at the sight.
He eagerly picked up his chopsticks and dug in.
"Delicious! This is so good!" Naruto praised between bites. "Uncle Teuchi's cooking just keeps getting better!"
Teuchi wore a proud smile as he listened to Naruto's praise. He knew his ramen was always popular, but hearing how much Naruto enjoyed it still made him very happy.
Liuli watched Naruto's satisfied expression and felt a warmth in her heart.
She knew Naruto was a kind, straightforward boy. He could be a little careless sometimes, but he was very lovable. She was glad he and Sasuke had become friends.
Sasuke ate his ramen in silence, enjoying the easygoing moment.
A faint smile touched his lips. He seemed to be enjoying his sister's joking around.
"Want some more, Naruto? Your teacher's treating!" Liuli declared with a grand wave of her hand.
Seeing Naruto's lingering appetite made her smile.
This little guy really was a glutton!
"Burp!" Naruto had just finished his last bite of ramen. Hearing Liuli, he froze for a moment.
He rubbed his round belly, looking uncertain.
"Th-that doesn't seem right..." Naruto stammered. "We only met today, and you've already treated me to so much ramen. How can I ask you to trouble yourself any more?"
Liuli laughed at his conflicted expression. She walked over and gently patted his shoulder. "Naruto, you don't have to be so polite. I'm treating you because I think you're interesting and cute. Besides, I love ramen too!"
Hearing that, Naruto felt warmth well up inside him.
He thought Liuli was a wonderful person—not only was she beautiful, but she was generous too. So he stopped hesitating and nodded. "Th-then, thank you, Teacher!"
Liuli laughed at his excited expression. Then she turned to Uncle Teuchi. "Uncle Teuchi, bring us a few more bowls of ramen!"
Uncle Teuchi looked at Liuli and Naruto with a kindly smile.
He knew both children were rising stars of Konoha, and he liked them very much.
So he got busy at once, preparing more ramen for them.
Before long, several steaming bowls of ramen were set on the table. Naruto's eyes lit up at the sight.
He eagerly picked up his chopsticks and dug in.
Liuli watched Naruto's satisfied expression and felt happy too.
She really enjoyed spending time with Naruto. The little guy always brought her joy and surprises.
A little while later, Naruto had polished off another big bowl of ramen and let out a satisfied burp.
He rubbed his swollen belly. He looked just like someone who was ten months pregnant.
"Want some more, Naruto?" Liuli asked again, unable to resist his adorable expression.
Naruto froze at her question, then scratched his head sheepishly. "Huh? Th-that doesn't seem right, Teacher. I've already eaten so much."
Liuli smiled and shook her head at his hesitation. "It's fine. I have money. And seeing how much you enjoy it makes me happy too."
Hearing that, Naruto felt touched. He thought it over, then nodded. "Alright, then. One last bowl!"
Then he shouted toward the kitchen, "Uncle Otsutsuki! Order up!"
Naruto said it mischievously.
Uncle Teuchi heard Naruto from the kitchen and shook his head. He was clearly used to Naruto's jokes, and got back to work. Before long, a whole bunch of steaming bowls of ramen were carried over to Naruto.
Naruto's eyes shone with excitement at the sight of them.
He picked up his chopsticks and eagerly started eating. Liuli sat beside him, smiling as she watched Naruto and enjoyed the lovely moment.
A little later, Naruto had cleared away all the ramen in front of him and let out a satisfied burp. "Burp!"
He rubbed his round belly, a sheepish smile crossing his face.
"Want some more?" Liuli asked yet again, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Naruto hesitated, scratched his head, and said awkwardly, "Teacher... I... I really feel bad asking you to treat me again. You've already bought me so much ramen. I..."
Liuli smiled and cut him off. "Naruto, you don't have to be so polite. I said I'd treat you, so I'll follow through. And seeing how happy you are while eating makes me feel satisfied too."
At her words, warmth welled up inside Naruto. He knew Liuli truly cared about him, so he stopped hesitating and nodded with a smile. "Th-then, thank you, Teacher!"
So they ordered a few more bowls of ramen and continued enjoying the lovely moment.
Naruto finished another bowl of ramen, then hurriedly said to Liuli, "Big sister Liuli, no... little Naruto is already stuffed!"
He rubbed his round belly, smiling awkwardly. Liuli looked at him and couldn't help laughing.
"Naruto, you can really eat. I'm worried your stomach might burst," Liuli teased.
Naruto chuckled and rubbed his head. "Big sister Liuli, I don't know what it is. Once I start eating ramen, I just can't stop."
Liuli smiled and shook her head, thinking that the little guy really was a glutton. Seeing how satisfied Naruto looked made her happy too.
Sitting beside Naruto, Sasuke looked at his bulging belly, which made him look as if he were ten months pregnant, and couldn't help feeling surprised.
Is this guy pregnant?... Sasuke's mouth twitched.
He'd always had a perfectly normal appetite, and had never been able to eat as much as Naruto.
Sasuke couldn't help asking, "Naruto, how can you eat so much? Won't your stomach burst?"
Naruto chewed his ramen and answered indistinctly, "Hehe, I don't know. It just tastes good, so I can't stop."
Liuli couldn't help laughing at how adorable Naruto was. She gently patted Sasuke on the shoulder. "Sasuke, don't worry about him. Naruto's always been like this. A big appetite is a blessing."
Sasuke shook his head helplessly, thinking that Naruto really was a glutton. Still, watching Naruto enjoy his food so much made him a little envious.
After all, in a world full of pressure and challenges, being able to enjoy good food without a care was a rare kind of happiness.
After finishing a bowl of ramen, Naruto looked at Liuli hopefully again. Liuli smiled and asked, "Naruto, do you want more?"
Naruto nodded without hesitation. "I do!"
Liuli ordered a few more bowls, and Naruto started wolfing them down again. Watching him eat, Sasuke furrowed his brow. He thought Naruto would get into trouble if he kept eating like this.
So Sasuke warned him, "Naruto, take it easy. Don't eat too much or you might really make yourself sick."
Naruto pursed his lips, displeased. "Sasuke, why do you keep saying that? Big sister Liuli said a big appetite is a blessing! Besides, the more I eat, the stronger I'll become!"
Sasuke sighed, thinking that Naruto really was stubborn. He shook his head helplessly and said nothing more.
Liuli watched the two of them interact, secretly amused. She knew Sasuke cared about Naruto; he just had a blunt way of showing it.
Naruto, meanwhile, was the sort of easygoing person who didn't really understand how others felt.
So Liuli stepped in to smooth things over. "Alright, alright, don't argue. Naruto, keep eating, but take care of yourself. Sasuke, stop looking so serious all the time. Try smiling more."
At Liuli's words, the two boys paused, then smiled at the same time.
Sasuke even managed a rare smile. He seemed happy, though his gaze kept drifting toward Naruto's belly, as if he didn't know what to make of it.
Naruto was beaming. He hadn't been this happy in a long time—especially not while eating so much ramen!
Inside the sealed space, the Nine-Tails' eyes gleamed in the gloom. Its gaze rested on Naruto, full of amusement and curiosity.
Seeing Naruto's bulging belly, which made him look as if he were ten months pregnant, it snorted, a playful smile tugging at its mouth.
"Hmph. That brat's eaten so much he looks pregnant," the Nine-Tails said, its deep, powerful voice echoing through the sealed space.
Confusion and puzzlement showed in its eyes. It had never seen anyone eat as much as Naruto.
Liuli's gaze had indeed shifted to little Naruto's belly. It seemed she could see through his skin and peer into the sealed space within.
Curiosity and concern showed in her eyes, as if she wanted to discover its secrets.
The Nine-Tails sensed Liuli's gaze and was startled. This woman really isn't simple. She's looking right at me. Damn the Uchiha Clan.
Though the Nine-Tails had powerful senses, it had never imagined anyone could see it through Naruto's body.
It felt uneasy, and at the same time became a little curious about Liuli.
The Nine-Tails' gaze met Liuli's in the empty space. Though they exchanged no words, both could sense the other's presence.
The Nine-Tails sensed the concern and curiosity in Liuli's eyes, while Liuli seemed able to see into its heart and feel its loneliness.
Deep within the sealing space, the Nine-Tails' voice suddenly grew low and magnetic. It lifted its eyes, which shimmered with an eerie light, and gazed at Liuli with intense curiosity.
"Woman, you've begun to interest me," the Nine-Tails said slowly. Each word seemed to hold some mysterious power.
Its voice echoed through the sealing space, as if trying to pierce the invisible barrier and discover Liuli's true identity.
The Nine-Tails had never encountered anyone like Liuli. She seemed able to see through everything, even into its innermost thoughts. The feeling both surprised and excited it, and it began to yearn to learn more about her.
A powerful curiosity welled up in Liuli. She stood there, her eyes glinting with mischief.
She glanced at Naruto, who was wolfing down his food, then at the proud Nine-Tails inside his belly. A bold idea came to her.
Should I use Six Paths Sasuke's power to control the Nine-Tails for fun? Susanoo wrapped around the Nine-Tails would be pretty cool.
Liuli murmured under her breath, a playful smile appearing on her face. She had always been curious about the Nine-Tails in the sealing space and wanted to investigate.
Now, she had Six Paths Sasuke's power at her disposal, which meant her crazy idea might actually be possible.
Under Liuli's gaze, little Naruto's belly seemed to tremble faintly. The Nine-Tails seemed to sense an intense scrutiny.
Inside the sealing space, the Nine-Tails felt that powerful gaze. A hint of wariness and confusion flashed in its eyes.
It wondered to itself, Is this woman plotting something against me?
As a powerful demon fox, the Nine-Tails had long grown used to all kinds of attention.
But this time, Liuli's gaze felt distinctly different, as if it could pierce every illusion and reach straight into its heart.
Being seen through made the Nine-Tails uneasy, but it also sparked a keen interest in Liuli.
The Nine-Tails began studying Liuli closely, trying to glean more from her eyes and bearing.
It found her gaze clear and resolute, as if she could see the true nature of all things. Her bearing was unusual, too: gentle and delicate, yet also firm and decisive.
Who is this woman? How does she have such powerful perception? The Nine-Tails was full of questions.
Sasuke noticed Liuli staring at Naruto's pregnant belly. His brow furrowed slightly as he asked curiously, "Sis, why do you keep looking at Naruto's belly? Is there something special in there?"
Liuli came back to herself and smiled. She blinked, then said mischievously, "Sasuke, did you know? There's a little fox living inside Naruto's belly. It's very cute!"
Sasuke immediately became interested. He leaned closer and carefully studied Naruto's belly, as if he could really see the little fox.
He asked curiously, "Really? How come I can't see it? Where's the little fox?"
Liuli couldn't help laughing. She patted Sasuke on the head and said with a smile, "Sasuke, you can't see the little fox. You have to feel it with your heart. But once it's born, you'll be able to play with it."
Sasuke scratched his head, looking a little disappointed. "Huh? We have to wait until it's born? How long will that take?"
Liuli thought for a moment, then said mysteriously, "Well, that depends on what the little fox wants. But don't worry. I'll teach you how to play with it."
Sasuke's eyes lit up. Excitedly, he asked, "Really? You'll really teach me, Sis?"
Liuli nodded with a smile. "Of course. When have I ever lied to you? Once the little fox is born, we can all play together, okay?"
Sasuke jumped up happily and nodded again and again. "Okay! Okay! I want to play with the little fox!"
The sealing space was shrouded in darkness. Only the Nine-Tails' crimson eyes glimmered with fury. It roared angrily, its voice echoing through the space as if it would tear the cramped confines apart.
That woman! What nerve! How dare she act so brazenly! The Nine-Tails seethed. When had the mighty Nine-Tails ever had to put up with such treatment? It had thought being sealed inside Naruto's belly was already the worst thing that could happen. It hadn't expected someone to plot against it, toying with it for fun!
The Nine-Tails recalled Liuli staring at Naruto's belly, and its anger burned even hotter. It knew she was thinking of ways to tease and toy with it.
It couldn't help feeling a pang of sorrow. The mighty Nine-Tails had really fallen this far.
But the Nine-Tails also knew there was nothing it could do to fight back right now. Sealed in this cramped space, it couldn't move, let alone break free.
All it could do was swallow its anger and wait for the day the seal was undone.
The Nine-Tails sat quietly in the darkness, its eyes filled with resentment and fury.
"Woman, you've certainly succeeded in catching my eye." The Nine-Tails' voice echoed through the sealing space, every word carrying a profound and unwavering weight.
Its eyes turned toward the smiling Liuli, their sharp glint as if trying to see through her.
Liuli smiled softly, her smile warm and bright as the spring sunshine.
"Naruto, are you full?" Liuli asked with a smile, gently patting Naruto's little belly with her delicate hand. Her voice was soft and warm, like a spring breeze brushing across a lake, bringing comfort and calm.
Naruto gazed at Liuli with wide eyes and a thoroughly satisfied expression. He nodded, a few grains of rice still clinging to the corner of his mouth, making him especially adorable. "I'm full, Teacher!"
He answered loudly, his voice brimming with happiness and contentment.
Seeing how cute Naruto looked, Liuli felt warmth well up inside her.
She knew that for Naruto, a full meal meant more than just a satisfied stomach. It was also comfort for the heart and a chance to share affection.
She gently patted Naruto's head and said with a smile, "Good. You're still growing, Naruto, so make sure you eat plenty. That way, you'll grow stronger."
Naruto nodded emphatically, determination shining in his eyes. He knew he wanted to become stronger not only for himself, but also to protect those around him and safeguard the precious warmth he had found.
"I'll remember, Teacher!" Naruto exclaimed, getting to his feet. He stood up straight, though his little belly still hung adorably over his waist. His face beamed with contentment and pride, as if he had just enjoyed a delicious feast.
Seeing how cute Naruto looked, Liuli couldn't help laughing. "Haha, kawaii ne, little Naruto." She reached out and gently patted him on the head, her eyes full of affection.
Naruto felt the warmth of Liuli's gentle touch, and a warm feeling welled up inside him. He knew Teacher Liuli didn't just teach him; she cared for him like a mother, too.
He looked up into Liuli's warm, bright eyes, his heart full of gratitude and respect.
"Teacher, I'll work hard at my studies!" Naruto said earnestly, his voice full of resolve and confidence.
Liuli smiled and nodded. She knew Naruto was a clever and hardworking child. As long as he received enough care and guidance, he would surely thrive.
Just then, Sasuke came over as well. Though he didn't show his feelings as openly as Naruto, his eyes also shone with determination.
He knew that Big Sister Liuli was an important guide on their path to growing up. They would work hard together and keep improving.
"Sasuke, let's go home. Naruto, you come along, too," Liuli said to Sasuke, her voice gentle but firm.
Before you continue