Encounter (Accident)...? Kiss...!

Sunlight in Konoha Village filtered through gaps between the leaves, scattering patches of light across the streets.

Uchiha Ying strolled leisurely along bustling Shimizu Street in Konoha, his attention drawn to a ramen shop.

A small child was busily helping out in front of the shop. It was Teuchi.

The corners of Uchiha Ying's lips lifted slightly as he watched the busy child with interest.

Teuchi's small body seemed to contain endless energy and enthusiasm, making him instantly likable.

Uchiha Ying slowly walked up to Teuchi and greeted him with a smile. "You're quite diligent, little guy."

Teuchi looked up at the sound, a hint of awe flashing through his eyes. He answered quietly, "Lord Uchiha Ying, hello. I'm helping my father with work."

Uchiha Ying nodded in understanding, then turned toward the busy Teuchi inside the shop and called out, "Give me a large bowl of char siu ramen."

Teuchi replied, "All right, please wait a moment. That'll be three hundred yen."

Uchiha Ying casually took out some loose change from his pocket, handed it to Teuchi, and told him to keep the change.

Then he found an empty seat and sat down, quietly waiting for his ramen.

Before long, Teuchi brought a steaming bowl of ramen to Uchiha Ying, carefully setting it on the table. "Lord Uchiha Ying, your ramen. Please enjoy." Then he stood aside and waited for Uchiha Ying's appraisal.

Looking at the bowl of ramen before him, perfect in color, aroma, and taste, warmth welled up in Uchiha Ying's heart.

On this bustling, noisy street, a simple bowl of ramen could bring him such satisfaction.

He could not help recalling his childhood. Whenever he was hungry, his mother would bring him here for a delicious bowl of ramen.

Though he had grown into an adult, his love for ramen had never changed.

Uchiha Ying picked up his chopsticks and gently stirred the noodles, letting the steam rise and the aroma fill the air.

He took a deep breath, savoring the rich scent of noodles and meat.

Then he picked up a mouthful of ramen, placed it in his mouth, and carefully savored its flavor.

Teuchi watched Uchiha Ying nervously, awaiting his reaction.

When he saw the satisfied expression on Uchiha Ying's face, he let out a breath of relief.

After finishing, Uchiha Ying set down his chopsticks and smiled at Teuchi. "Teuchi, your family's ramen has always tasted this good."

Teuchi scratched his head somewhat shyly and replied with a smile, "Thank you for the praise, Lord Uchiha. We'll always work hard to make good ramen."

Uchiha Ying sat inside the ramen shop, thoroughly enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen.

As he enjoyed the food, he gazed through the window at the bustling street outside.

Sunlight spilled over the road, illuminating the passing crowds.

Every face bore a happy, satisfied smile, as though all the troubles in life had been left behind.

This atmosphere of peace and tranquility comforted Uchiha Ying. He knew such beauty did not come easily and required everyone's united efforts to protect it.

Just as Uchiha Ying was lost in thought, a young yet determined voice suddenly came from the doorway. "Give me a bowl of tonkotsu ramen!" He looked up to see a little girl around seven years old enter the shop, her yellow hair falling to her shoulders. She wore a school uniform, but it was somewhat disheveled, as though she had just gone through a fierce battle.

Teuchi smiled at Tsunade. "So it's Tsunade. Why did you skip class again?" Tsunade lifted her chin and answered dismissively, "Those classes are way too boring. You can't learn anything from them at all."

Uchiha Ying looked over at the sound and saw a lively little girl standing there, her yellow hair especially striking.

Her eyes held a wildness and confidence that made her impossible to ignore.

A faint smile appeared on his face. He found the little girl rather interesting.

Teuchi quickly brought a fragrant bowl of tonkotsu ramen before Tsunade.

Tsunade eagerly sat down and began eating in large mouthfuls.

She wolfed it down as though she had been starving for a long time.

After finishing, she licked her lips in satisfaction and gave Teuchi a thumbs-up to show how pleased she was.

Uchiha Ying looked at Tsunade, a gentle smile curling his lips. "Little girl, skipping class isn't a good habit."

His tone was filled with an elder's concern and guidance for a younger person.

With her mouth stuffed full of noodles, Tsunade answered indistinctly, "Hmph, I don't want to listen to those old fossils nagging!" As she chewed, she nodded forcefully, making her dislike of class clear.

Uchiha Ying gently shook his head but said nothing more, continuing to focus on enjoying the ramen in his bowl.

Tsunade quickly finished the last bite, wiped her mouth, and prepared to get up and leave.

However, Teuchi suddenly called after her. "Tsunade, you haven't paid yet!" His voice carried a trace of anxiety, as though he feared she would take the chance to slip away.

Hearing this, Tsunade looked a little embarrassed. She scratched her head and said, "Ah, I'll pay next time!"

With that, she hurriedly ran out of the ramen shop, leaving Teuchi looking helpless.

Teuchi could only shake his head helplessly and complain to Uchiha Ying, "Tsunade always does this—never pays." His eyes carried both affection and exasperation.

Uchiha Ying smiled and comforted Teuchi. "She's just a kid. Being lively isn't so bad." Understanding and tolerance flickered in his eyes, as though he saw his younger self in her.

Then Uchiha Ying put down his chopsticks, took out his wallet, paid an extra two hundred yen, and told Teuchi, "Settle Tsunade's bill for her too."

Then he slowly rose and left the ramen shop, continuing his stroll through the lively streets.

Tired from walking around, Uchiha Ying sat down on the grass.

Suddenly, a little yellow-haired girl rolled down the hillside and landed in Uchiha Ying's arms.

Caught off guard by the collision, Uchiha Ying accidentally pressed Tsunade beneath him, and the momentum caused them to kiss.

For a moment, the air seemed to freeze.

Uchiha Ying's eyes widened as he looked at Tsunade so close to him, his heartbeat quickening uncontrollably.

Tsunade froze as well, her little face instantly turning bright red.

A moment later, Uchiha Ying hurriedly got up and awkwardly scratched his head. "Um... sorry."

Tsunade got to her feet angrily and wiped her mouth. "What are you doing?!"

Uchiha Ying was at a loss. "I didn't do it on purpose. You suddenly rolled down the hillside..." Tsunade huffed. "Even so... you can't... can't do that!"

The two of them fell into an awkward silence.

After a while, Uchiha Ying broke the silence. "Why are you running around again? Rolling down a hillside like that is dangerous." Tsunade pouted. "None of your business."

Yet after that accident, the atmosphere between them seemed to change in some subtle way.

Seeing Tsunade's stubborn look, a strange emotion rose in Uchiha Ying's heart. "Don't be so mischievous from now on. Go to class properly."

Though Tsunade still spoke stubbornly, there was an unusual glimmer in her eyes.

As the sun set, golden afterglow fell over them.

This accidental encounter seemed to plant a special seed in their hearts, waiting to slowly sprout in the days to come...