Otsutsuki Ichiraku? Let's See What's Going On

After the four members of Team 7 left, Ichiraku Ramen Shop did not immediately enter its peak hours, but customers gradually began to trickle in.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtain, casting warm patches of light across the counter. The aroma of tonkotsu broth in the air grew richer and more enticing.

Shigure skillfully tied on his apron and began his work for the day as an "outstanding employee of Ichiraku Ramen Shop."

It had to be said, the effects of the [Basic Physical Enhancement Lv1] he had exchanged from the [Dream Master System] last night were immediate.

He could clearly feel that his once somewhat frail young body seemed to have been infused with brand-new vitality overnight.

Back when he had first transmigrated, during that first year, helping knead dough or toss woks had been out of the question.

Just washing the mountain of bowls and dishes every day had exhausted him. After working for a while, he would be panting for breath, his back aching and his waist sore. At night, lying in bed, he had felt as though his bones did not even belong to him.

Back then, nearly all matters big and small in the shop had relied on Uncle Teuchi and Sister Ayame.

He had felt guilty about it and tried to train harder so he could share more of the workload. Unfortunately, this body's foundation had simply been too poor, and his efforts had produced negligible results. Once, when he stubbornly tried to help carry sacks of flour in the kitchen, he had nearly strained his back, frightening Sister Ayame so badly that she had forbidden him from touching anything heavy for several days.

But today was completely different.

Shigure felt as though he had endless strength throughout his entire body.

Whether it was kneading dough, easily carrying a broth barrel weighing dozens of pounds onto the stove, or rapidly chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients, adding noodles, and fishing them out... he completed every task with ease, even feeling as though he had strength to spare.

Not only was he not tired, he actually felt like... the more he worked, the more energized he became?

Is this the effect of Lv1? If I leveled it up to Lv10... wouldn't I be able to start dancing on the spot?

Not only did he efficiently finish his own duties, he even had enough energy left to help Uncle Teuchi simmer the broth and prepare the char siu.

"Hmm? Shigure, you brat... you're pretty quick today, aren't you?"

After the lunchtime rush, the shop became a little quieter.

As Uncle Teuchi wiped away his sweat, he looked in surprise at Shigure, who had practically finished tidying the entire kitchen, and could not help teasing him. "Not bad, not bad. Have you been secretly training lately?"

"Hehe..." Naturally, Shigure could not tell anyone about the system. A shy yet slightly smug smile appeared on his face as he scratched his head. "I have been secretly training lately. I figured I could help out a little more... and it looks like the results are pretty good."

"Oh?"

Uncle Teuchi was first taken aback, then an immensely gratified smile appeared on his face.

He had always treated Shigure as his own son. He knew that although the boy seemed a little restless at times, he was actually very sensible at heart.

What a... good kid.

Uncle Teuchi stepped forward and firmly patted Shigure's slightly thin shoulder with his large hand, his eyes full of approval and affection. "Good lad, so you know how to look out for your old man and your sister now."

He laughed heartily and said generously, "But training alone won't do. You need to keep up your nutrition too. How about this? Tonight, your old man will make you something good and help you build yourself up!"

"Really? That's great! Thanks, Dad."

The moment Shigure heard there would be an extra meal, his eyes immediately lit up.

Just as the atmosphere was warm and cheerful, the curtain at the entrance was lifted, and a lovely figure walked in.

"I'm back! Dad, Shigure!"

It was Sister Ayame.

She was carrying a large bamboo basket that looked quite heavy, with fine beads of sweat still on her forehead.

Seeing Teuchi and Shigure smiling at each other inside the shop, she asked curiously, "Huh? What's got you two so happy?"

"Sister Ayame, you're back." Shigure immediately tossed aside the rag in his hand and went over to her. "Dad said we're having an extra meal tonight."

As he spoke, he naturally reached out for the basket of vegetables in Ayame's arms. "Let me carry that for you, Sis. You look exhausted."

"You?"

Ayame gave him a doubtful look and instinctively held onto the basket. "Can you even lift it? Don't go trying to act tough and throw your back out again!"

Clearly, his previous performance had left her traumatized.

"Don't worry, Sis." Shigure confidently patted his flexed arm. "This little weight is nothing."

"Hahaha, that's right." Uncle Teuchi laughed and chimed in from the side. "Ayame, just relax. Shigure is much sturdier now. He's already a real man."

Still half-doubtful, Ayame let go.

Shigure grinned and effortlessly took the vegetable basket, which weighed at least thirty or forty pounds, then steadily carried it into the storeroom in the back.

After coming out, he lifted the curtain again. Sure enough, a small cart loaded with vegetables was parked outside, with around a dozen heavy crates of various ingredients stacked on it.

Under Ayame's astonished gaze, Shigure walked over to the cart, took a deep breath, grabbed two of the largest wooden crates with both hands, and suddenly exerted force.

"Up!"

Those two heavy wooden crates were actually lifted straight off the cart bed by him.

"Wow..."

Ayame could not help covering her mouth, her beautiful eyes filled with shock. "Shigure... when... when did you get so strong?"

Uncle Teuchi also looked smug and proud. With his arms folded, he said, "See? I told you. The kid's grown up."

With steady steps, Shigure carried the crates back into the kitchen and set them down.

Back and forth, it did not take him long to swiftly move all those dozen or so heavy crates of vegetables and ingredients from the cart into the kitchen storeroom.

Throughout the entire process, he barely even panted.

As Ayame looked at Shigure's busy yet energetic back and the confident, sunny smile on his face, her heart filled with emotion.

Yes... this child had truly grown up.

He was no longer the little one from three years ago who had needed her and their father to take care of him in every way.

She was sincerely happy for Shigure.

After carrying the last crate of ingredients into the storeroom, Shigure looked at Uncle Teuchi, who was still busy, and Sister Ayame, who was preparing to come help. Warmth welled up in his heart.

Ah... Uncle Teuchi and Sister Ayame have cared for me so wholeheartedly for three years. No wonder they can treat Naruto without any prejudice.

Their three years together had allowed him to deeply experience the father and daughter's simple kindness.

Though their lives were ordinary, they always treated the people around them with the greatest goodwill, including an orphan of unknown origins like him, and the demon fox rejected by the entire village.

However...

After three years of indirect observation and probing, Shigure had basically confirmed it.

Uncle Teuchi truly was not some Otsutsuki Ichiraku.

Nor was he Six Paths Teuchi.