The Third Hokage Comes Calling

Fang Xu looked at him, and a joke from an online friend in his previous life surfaced in his mind.

Kenta Otsutsuki, the legendary ultimate big shot hidden in the deepest part of Konoha, suppressing the ninja world with a single bowl of ramen.

Of course, it was just a meme.

Fang Xu carefully sensed him. There were no chakra fluctuations on Kenta's body like those of a ninja; he was most likely an ordinary person.

Still, one possibility could not be completely ruled out.

If the man was truly hidden so deeply that even Fang Xu could not see through him, that would be even more absurd.

Seeing Fang Xu standing motionless at the entrance, Kenta smiled. "Kid, what would you like to eat?"

Fang Xu came back to himself and sat down at the counter. "One extra-large tonkotsu ramen, please."

Kenta froze for a moment.

"Extra-large? Are you sure? Our extra-large serving is no small portion."

Fang Xu patted his stomach.

"I'm sure. I trained hard today, so I got hungry quickly."

"Coming right up!"

Kenta immediately got to work.

The soup in the pot bubbled away as white tonkotsu broth was ladled into a large bowl, steam rushing upward at once.

The noodles went into the pot, were scooped out, and laid in the broth. Chashu, dried bamboo shoots, seaweed, chopped scallions, and half a soft-boiled egg were arranged on top one by one.

Finally, a spoonful of hot oil was poured over it, and the aroma exploded.

Fang Xu swallowed.

"No wonder Naruto eats this every day."

Kenta did not catch that and looked up. "What did you say?"

Fang Xu immediately changed his words. "I said, it already smells incredible."

Kenta's smile widened.

"Then make sure you enjoy it."

Fang Xu picked up his chopsticks and took a sip of the soup first.

Rich, fragrant...

The tonkotsu broth was thick on his tongue without being greasy, perfectly salted. The hot soup slid down his throat, and warmth immediately spread through his stomach.

Then he lifted a mouthful of noodles.

The noodles were springy and coated in broth. One bite fiercely soothed his hunger.

The chashu had just the right balance of fat and lean meat, tender without falling apart.

The soft-boiled egg was perfect as well, its yolk still slightly runny and even more fragrant when mixed into the soup.

Fang Xu's eyes lit up.

"Delicious."

As Kenta wiped down the counter, he smiled. "Glad you like it."

After just a few bites, half the noodles in the large bowl were gone.

His appetite was far greater than before. Lightning Body Tempering and physical training both burned through energy.

An extra-large bowl would have stuffed him in the past, but now it only whetted his appetite.

By the end, he had drained the soup clean as well.

Kenta looked at the empty bowl in surprise.

"Kid, want more?"

Fang Xu pushed the bowl forward.

"Another bowl."

Kenta gave him a thumbs-up.

"What an appetite!"

When the second bowl arrived, Fang Xu still ate quickly.

Hot soup, noodles, chashu—bite after bite, and the exhaustion in his body was suppressed.

Halfway through, he suddenly said, "Boss Kenta, do you have any chili sauce?"

Kenta blinked.

"Chili sauce?"

"Yeah."

Fang Xu nodded seriously.

"The tonkotsu soup is very fragrant. If you added a little chili sauce, the flavor should hit harder. It would definitely be more satisfying to eat in cold weather."

Kenta stroked his chin and thought for a moment.

"We do not usually keep that around, but you have a point. I'll try preparing some later so customers can add it themselves."

Fang Xu smiled. "Then I'll come try it next time."

Kenta nodded readily.

"No problem."

After finishing the second bowl, Fang Xu ordered a third.

This time, Kenta was genuinely impressed.

"With an appetite like yours, you'll definitely become an impressive ninja someday."

Fang Xu lowered his head and slurped his noodles, his voice muffled but firm.

"I'll take that blessing."

After three extra-large bowls of tonkotsu ramen, Fang Xu was finally satisfied.

When he paid, a good chunk of the 2,300 ryo he had just received was gone.

But he did not mind at all. Spending money on food, especially food that could support his training, was never a loss.

Besides, Ichiraku Ramen was truly worth the price.

By the time he left the ramen shop, the sky had already darkened.

Fang Xu returned home, checked the doors and windows first, then put away the money he had left from the day.

He did not rest immediately. The more he ate, the more he needed to train.

In the courtyard, Fang Xu picked up a wooden sword and practiced the basic movements from the Thousand Hands Swordsmanship Insights.

First round, downward slash.

His stance was steady, power drove from his waist and back, and his wrist held firm.

Second round, horizontal slash.

The blade remained level, his force never drifting.

Third round, diagonal cut.

Watch the distance. Watch the recovery.

These movements looked simple, but performing them properly was far from easy.

The Thousand Hands Swordsmanship Insights repeatedly emphasized that basic swordsmanship was not about striking poses. It was about engraving power generation, footwork, and breathing into the body.

Fang Xu swung his sword again and again.

Ten times, twenty times, thirty times.

Sweat dripped from his forehead, his arms began to ache, and his breathing grew heavier.

He did not slack off. Every movement followed the requirements of the insights.

Lightning was for explosive power, but swordsmanship and taijutsu were the foundation.

If his foundation was not solid, then once he faced a real ninja and his information was exposed, he could easily be countered.

After completing fifty repetitions of the basic swordsmanship, Fang Xu put down the wooden sword. His back was already soaked through.

More than half his stamina was gone, but his body was not overstrained. This level was just right.

He went inside to drink some water, then returned to the center of the courtyard.

Next, it was time to practice the Lightning Release: Lightning Ball Technique.

Lightning Ball was a C-rank ninjutsu. Its power was not top-tier, but it suited him well at the moment.

First, it would help him become familiar with lightning-nature chakra.

Second, it could mutually confirm the lightning insights he had gained from the Rumble-Rumble Fruit.

Fang Xu raised both hands, preparing to form hand seals.

Just then, knocking came from outside the courtyard.

Thump, thump. The sound was unhurried but clear.

Fang Xu stopped moving. Who could it be at this hour?

He walked behind the door but did not open it immediately, first peering outside through the crack.

The next instant, Fang Xu's expression stiffened.

An old man stood outside the door.

He wore a white Hokage robe, a Hokage hat on his head, a pipe between his lips, and a gentle smile on his face.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Fang Xu hurriedly opened the door.

"Lord Hokage?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.

"Coming by so late, I haven't disturbed you, have I?"

Fang Xu's heart tightened, but outwardly he immediately stepped aside.

"Of course not. Lord Hokage, please come in."

Hiruzen Sarutobi walked into the courtyard, glanced at the wooden sword set aside nearby, then looked at the sweat on Fang Xu's forehead that had not yet dried.

"Training?"

Fang Xu nodded.

"Practicing some basic swordsmanship."

"Not bad."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone carried an elder's approval.

"Build a solid foundation, and your path ahead will be steadier."

Fang Xu invited him into the living room, then hurried to make tea.

The tea leaves at home were not particularly good, but this was the best hospitality he could offer.

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not mind. He accepted the teacup and gently blew on it.

Fang Xu sat across from him, his thoughts racing.

Why had the Third Hokage suddenly come?

Was it because of those three thugs from the afternoon?

Or had he noticed the lightning enhancement?

If it was the latter, then this would be troublesome.

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a sip of tea and set down the cup.

"Fang Xu, don't be nervous."

Fang Xu did not pretend to be clueless and answered honestly, "I was indeed a little surprised that Lord Hokage came to my home in person."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile became even gentler.

"I came to see you today mainly for two matters."