Inside the little cart, white steam curled up from the ramen. The Uchiha youngsters happily slurped their noodles, while Shingetsu, who had finished her portion first, leaned against the counter in boredom and watched Teuchi knead dough with curiosity.
Teuchi swung a large lump of yellow dough between his hands, stretching it back and forth as though playing a game. The dough grew thinner with every pull. One moment he spread his arms wide; the next he crossed his hands, twisting the noodles into a spiral bundle. When he let go, the great lump of dough fanned out like a fluffy ponytail.
"Wow, amazing!"
Shingetsu marveled at the sight. Noticing her curious, admiring gaze, Teuchi grinned and gave her a thumbs-up, proudly explaining his craft:
"From the broth and roast pork to the noodles, I make and prepare every ingredient at every stage myself. This is my family's secret recipe. I'm planning to pass it down to my grandson someday!"
"Dad, stop! How old do you think I am?"
Zanmen, who was filling a basin to wash the dishes, flushed bright red. He turned his back, practically burying his face in the washbasin, with only his scarlet ears showing. Teuchi burst into laughter and, like every parent eager for grandchildren, urged his son to hurry up and bring someone home.
Amid all the merriment, Uchiha Inari set down her bowl and chopsticks and poked Shingetsu's arm. When Shingetsu turned toward her, Inari asked with a serious expression:
"Lady Shingetsu, we're Genin now, right?"
Shingetsu's two large, black-agate eyes darted around in their sockets. After a moment, she nodded uncertainly.
"I think... probably... yes."
Becoming a Genin was one of the requirements for taking the Chunin Ninja Exams. Although it did not feel quite real, they were technically all Genin now.