On a street in Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen, with its hanging entrance curtain, stood quietly amid the rather empty surroundings.
"Ichiraku Ramen" was written on the curtain in plain lettering. The storefront was small, but it held fond memories of food for many people in Konoha.
Many ninja liked to come here for a meal after finishing their missions.
Ichiraku Ramen was already one of Konoha's best places for good food at affordable prices.
Holding Hinata's hand in his left and Sakura's in his right, Naruto lifted the slightly faded curtain with a relaxed smile.
A little dog with golden fur slipped nimbly inside after them, wagging his tail happily. Knowing his way around, he found an out-of-the-way spot near the corner and lay down, tongue hanging out and bright black eyes full of anticipation.
There were indeed only a few customers inside. Two or three ninja who seemed to have just finished a mission were eating their noodles in silence. At the rustle of the curtain, they merely glanced up before lowering their heads to continue their meals.
Teuchi, who was wiping down the counter, instinctively looked up at the sound. Wearing his usual warm customer-service smile, he called out by habit, "Welco-"
His voice cut off halfway through.
When he recognized the new arrival, his round, perpetually smiling face lit up with surprise and delight far more genuine than his professional smile.
"L-Lord Sixth! You're back!"
Teuchi's voice trembled with excitement. He even set down his cloth and wiped his hands on his apron.
"Yeah, Uncle Teuchi. It's been a while."
Naruto smiled in greeting, his manner gentle and utterly free of a Hokage's airs.
"It's been ages since I had ramen here. While I was away, I really did miss your cooking."
Hearing that, Teuchi's smile grew even