Chapter 236: Ayame Gets a Diary and Heads to Kirigakure

"Of course."

"I don't know if you remember, but you entered the first big-eater contest we held here."

"You brought our shop a lot of attention. That's why we're as busy as we are now."

"We owe it all to you, Naruto-kun, so whenever you come in for ramen, you get priority..."

Ayame explained with warmth and excitement. When she happened to look up, she found Naruto Uzumaki watching her without blinking.

"Naruto-kun, I'm sorry."

"Am I talking too much?"

Ayame stuck out her tongue, a little embarrassed.

"Not at all."

"Chatting with a cheerful girl like you while I eat makes the food taste even better."

Smiling, Naruto Uzumaki patted the seat beside him.

"If you're not busy, stay and keep me company for a while."

"Huh? Is that really okay?"

Ayame could hardly believe what she had heard.

"Of course."

"Eating alone gets lonely."

Naruto Uzumaki smiled.

"Then... don't mind if I do."

Ayame sat down, barely able to contain her excitement.

There was still plenty to do around the shop, but Naruto-kun had invited her to sit with him...

If she passed up a chance like this, she would regret it for the rest of her life.

Outside Ichiraku Ramen.

"Ayame?"

"Ayame!"

"..."

Teuchi called from the kitchen twice, but got no answer.

So,

Teuchi had to make the ramen while taking payments from customers out front.

He also had to keep an eye on the ramen in the pot so it wouldn't overcook.

He was run off his feet.

Thankfully, the shop had hired a server.

Otherwise,

he would have had to carry the ramen to the customers' tables himself.

"Honestly... daughters really do grow up and leave you behind."

Teuchi wiped the sweat from his face with the towel around his neck and let