It was around five thirty in the morning, and the sky was still dark.
On the rain-lashed streets, there was almost no one in sight except for stray dogs shivering beneath the shop awnings.
Pat-pat-patter...
Woof, woof, woof...
But when a boy in a raincoat appeared, the nearby strays barked a warning, as though saying, "This territory is taken."
Naruto glanced at the scrawny dogs and lightly stepped around them.
After all, even a mighty dragon shouldn't challenge the local snakes. If a dog bit him, could he really bite it back?
After winding through several streets, Naruto arrived at Ichiraku Ramen.
Because of last night's impromptu meeting, Aunt Ichiraku had opened early and was quietly waiting.
Splaaash...
Naruto stepped into Ichiraku Ramen and saw Aunt Ichiraku preparing the day's ingredients.
"Master, you're here?"
When no outsiders were around, Aunt Ichiraku preferred to call Naruto her master.
"Yeah. Make sure you get enough rest, too, Auntie. Don't overwork yourself. If you need to, hire a few more part-time helpers." As Naruto spoke, he casually handed over the restaurant plans he had drawn beforehand.
Aunt Ichiraku took the plans and carefully tucked them away, afraid someone else might see them.
After hearing about the Yamanaka Clan's terrifying secret techniques last night, she understood the consequences of letting this information leak.
"Master, shall I make you something to eat before you head back?"
"No need." Naruto waved a hand, but before leaving, he still couldn't help reminding her, "I'm counting on you to make this plan to hire ninja to build the restaurant work."
"Yes, Master!"
Then Naruto put his raincoat back on and headed outside.
After leaving Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto thought for a moment before walking toward the shopping district.
But it was still too early, and many clothing stores hadn't