The morning sunlight pierced the thin mist and spilled over Konoha's streets.
Though it was still early, the village was already bustling like a pot of boiling water.
Spectators from various countries, nobles and daimyo, and vendors taking the opportunity to peddle souvenirs packed the main road solid.
Amid the clamor, a hand lifted the curtain at Ichiraku Ramen Shop.
Son Goten walked in yawning, his trademark crab hair still somewhat disheveled. Clearly, he had only just woken up.
"Pops, I'm starving."
Son Goten flopped into his usual seat with practiced ease, tapping his chopsticks against the counter with loud clacks.
"I've had it ready for you for ages."
Teuchi poked his head out of the kitchen, his smile creasing his face. Holding an enormous bowl the size of a washbasin in both hands, he set it heavily on the counter.
Steam rose from the bowl, carrying the rich fragrance of pork bones simmered all night.
"Victory jumbo ramen!" Teuchi gave him a thumbs-up.
"Eat this bowl, then knock them all flat for me, whether it's that sand-playing brat or some other monster."
Son Goten's eyes lit up. You could even see the Chashu reflected in his pupils.
"That's my pops. You get me."
Without standing on ceremony, he grabbed his chopsticks and tore into the food.
His noodle-slurping was astonishingly loud, but on a day like this, it sounded especially invigorating.
Just then, the curtain lifted again.
"Boss! Wait for me!"
Naruto barged in noisily and plopped down beside Son Goten.
He had made a point of polishing his forehead protector until it gleamed today. Even the whisker marks on his face looked much livelier.
"Sir! I want a bowl just like the boss's!"
Teuchi laughed heartily, turned around, and brought out another giant bowl of ramen of the