After being awakened, Naruto stared at Black Zetsu before him... his eyes filled with disbelief.
"Naruto... did you see something?"
"I, I... saw some strange images. I must have been imagining things. Black Uncle would never do that! That has to be it! It has to be!"
Naruto shook his head, insisting firmly.
Black Zetsu looked thoughtful, a dark glint flashing through his eyes.
"Naruto, let's stop training here for today. I'll go make you dinner."
At the mention of dinner, Naruto's stomach growled, and he temporarily cast his doubts aside.
"What are we eating tonight, Black Uncle? Grilled fish again?"
Ever since he had started traveling with Black Uncle, grilled fish seemed to be what he ate most.
Naruto, who would happily accept cup noodles and expired milk, had actually started getting picky!
Black Zetsu took out a white apron and tied it on. "What, do you want me to make you something special?"
Sitting cross-legged, Naruto rubbed beneath his nose with his index finger and smiled. "Honestly... I kind of miss the ramen at Ichiraku."
"Ichiraku?"
"Yeah... Teuchi's ramen!! The flavor is absolutely amazing! Once you've had a bowl, you never forget it!! To tell you the truth, Pervy Sage, Iruka-sensei, Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, and Sakura are all regulars there. If we get the chance, I really want you to try it too, believe it!!!!"
Naruto enthusiastically sang its praises to Black Zetsu!
Black Zetsu said, "Then I'll have to try it... when I get the chance. So you need to hurry up and master the power of your right eye, so we can leave this place."
"Z~z~Z~z~Z~!"
While they were still talking, Naruto had already curled up beside the firewood and fallen asleep.
Black Zetsu untied his apron, balled it up, and casually tossed it into Naruto's pack.