The ramen arrived.
Genya handed Kaguya the chopsticks. She took them awkwardly, her fingers gripping the very top as though she were holding a writing brush.
Naruto ordered another bowl, while Black Zetsu was still battling his noodles.
Kaguya picked up some noodles, but they slipped back into the bowl. She picked them up again, and they slipped down again.
Genya couldn't watch any longer. He reached over and held her hand, adjusted her grip on the chopsticks, then lifted a small bundle of noodles to her lips.
Kaguya froze for a moment, then opened her mouth and ate them.
The noodles were piping hot. She chewed slowly, as though savoring a flavor she had never experienced before. Her throat moved as she swallowed, then she took the chopsticks from Genya's hand and picked up another mouthful herself.
This time, they didn't slip.
Naruto watched with a happy grin, though even he didn't know what he was so happy about.
Black Zetsu watched them and smiled too, a complicated smile. His eyes grew warm, and he lowered his head to shovel in a mouthful of noodles. Soup splashed onto his face, and he stuck out his tongue to lick it off.
Kaguya grew more adept with the chopsticks, and soon her bowl was empty.
She lifted the bowl and drank the broth too, then set it down and stared at the empty bowl in silence for a long time.
Genya watched her.
"Was it good?"
Kaguya nodded. The corners of Genya's mouth lifted.
"I'll bring you here every day from now on."
Kaguya looked at him, something slowly melting in those pure white eyes.
She lowered her head and nodded again.
The four of them left the ramen shop, the night breeze blowing into their faces.
Naruto stretched and