The invasion by the Sand Village a few years back had caused significant losses for many of them.
And now, only two or three years later, another war was starting. "Once bitten, twice shy" — the merchants' first reaction was to leave Konoha.
They would go somewhere without war and continue making money.
Of course, there were also some daredevils, hoping to make a fortune from the war.
After all, during wartime, prices skyrocketed, and goods transported from other places could be sold at a high profit, giving them the opportunity to make a killing.
"Uncle, same as usual - one bowl of plain ramen."
At Ichiraku Ramen, Xin entered, set down his groceries, and called out.
Clang!
Teuchi's rolling pin clattered to the ground. After staring blankly for a few seconds, he picked it up and swung it towards Xin.
"I told you, I'm not that old! And stop calling me 'uncle'!"
"Alright, alright, I'll change it next time," Xin laughed.
Teuchi, who had acted like he was going to hit Xin, put down his rolling pin and asked, "You want extra noodles?"
Of course, Teuchi wouldn't really hit him - it was just a scare tactic. Unfortunately, Xin wasn't fazed by it at all.
"No, just the regular portion. I'm cooking at home tonight, so I want to eat light for lunch."
"Alright, give me a moment."
As Teuchi began cooking, Xin looked around at the remodeled ramen shop, surprised.
"Teuchi, you've even got a fridge now?"
He opened it to find various drinks inside.
Teuchi answered with a grumble, "It's all because of you, complaining every time you came in about how the only thing in this place was ramen. So, I got a fridge last month. There are drinks in there — take whatever you want. Today, it's on the house."
"I thought you'd never take any suggestions."
Xin laughed.
Teuchi could be quite stubborn, especially if someone criticized his cooking or said the portions were too small. In such cases, he wouldn't hesitate to throw his rolling pin at you.
Many shinobi couldn't dodge that rolling pin, and Nawaki had taken a few hits from it as well.
"As long as you don't complain about the taste or the portion, I'll consider other suggestions," Teuchi said, turning over the noodles.
"Besides, having only ramen in a ramen shop is a bit lacking. Guests should at least be able to have something to drink."
In the winter, it wasn't as much of an issue - a hot bowl of broth could warm the stomach. But in summer, it was different. The heat made hot soup less appealing.
"Today's ramen is on me, so eat up, alright? I remember last time you had three whole bowls..."