When Kakashi arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, he heard that familiar voice, just as he had expected.
"...Naruto, where did you get back from today?"
"I made it all the way to the border of the Land of Lightning this time. The landscape there really is unusual, completely different from the surrounding countries... Oh, Kakashi-sensei!"
The voice that had been vividly describing his travels suddenly filled with delighted surprise. A blond-haired boy poked his head out of Ichiraku Ramen and waved excitedly at Kakashi.
Several young ninja beside him whom Kakashi did not recognize also followed him out when they heard Naruto's shout. They seemed rather clingy, almost like a bunch of lackeys.
"Long time no see, Naruto. And hello to the rest of you, too."
Kakashi smiled as he greeted his former subordinate and the people who looked like his subordinate's subordinates.
Since Team 7, which he had once led, had completed the chunin ninja exams and all its members had been promoted to chunin—with Naruto even becoming a jonin—Kakashi's duties as their team jonin were over.
But seeing that Naruto had grown a little taller again, with a touch more maturity in that beaming face, made Kakashi marvel at how quickly children grew. It left him feeling rather nostalgic about his brief time as a teacher.
Naruto then gave Kakashi a few quick introductions. Most of these people were friends he had made during his recent travels through the various countries. They had come to Konoha for the Shinobi World Conference, so Naruto had invited them to try Ichiraku Ramen.
Naruto pulled Kakashi into Ichiraku Ramen. Only once he stepped inside did Kakashi notice that, besides Naruto's unfamiliar new friends, companions who were close to him, such as Shikamaru's squad, were also there.
After a little more conversation, the