Ichiraku Ramen had already expanded its shop, but Konoha grew more prosperous by the day.
Even setting aside traveling merchants and the like, the officials who came to Konoha to report in, along with the samurai guarding them, were enough to take Ichiraku Ramen's business to new heights.
"One seafood ramen and one extra-large tonkotsu ramen. Naruto, what do you want?" Uchiha Shunichi began ordering quite naturally.
As Konoha's Hokage, he had grown accustomed to interacting with the villagers. Although he disdained putting on an act, he was somewhat surprised to find that he held a fairly high place in their hearts.
Sure enough, the Uchiha Clan's former situation could not have been due solely to their personalities. How would civilians, whose abilities were worlds apart from those of ninja, have dared to shun the Uchiha Clan for no reason?
Sarutobi and Danzo had certainly been skilled at manipulating public opinion.
It was just a shame that he had never discovered the subordinates who carried out those things for them. Otherwise, the situation probably would have been easier to handle.
"Shunichi, are you treating us?" Naruto asked excitedly. In his mind, being Hokage hardly made someone an exalted figure.
"Hokage... Lord Hokage..." Hinata seemed a little embarrassed and quietly tugged at Naruto.
"Yeah, that's right. It's my treat today, so eat as much as you like! And Hinata, there's no need to be nervous. We used to be classmates, and this isn't a formal occasion. Just call me by my name," Uchiha Shunichi said casually.
Although he was secretly researching the Byakugan, that did not stop Uchiha Shunichi from showing goodwill toward the Hyuga clan.
"Yes, I understand. Shunichi..." Hinata nodded, looking very gentle.
Naruto hesitated for a long time before finally telling Ichiraku what ramen he and Hinata wanted.