Scene Five
Ichiraku Ramen
That family had left their home with smiles, like any other peaceful and ordinary family. Yet, the truth was nothing more than an illusion — a lie perceived by those who happened to witness the tender scene of two parents walking beside their son, laughter dancing on their faces.
No one watching such a warm sight would ever guess the burdens and tragedies hidden within the lives of those three.
Shortly after their departure, a luxurious carriage pulled up to the estate, as though it had timed its arrival perfectly.
The servants bowed deeply to the guests stepping out of the ornate carriage, greeting them respectfully:
"We are honored by your presence, Haruno Kizashi-sama, Haruno Mebuki-sama."
Then, turning to another direction, they spoke again with sincere respect:
"It is a pleasure to see you both in good health, Haruno Sakura-sama, Haruno Sasori-sama."
---
Back with Naruto and his parents — the three of them strolled leisurely, led by Namikaze Minato. After taking a few more turns, they arrived at a bustling local street.
The shopping street was a long path filled with food stalls, shops, and small attractions — a place where one could find delicious snacks, toys, electronics, and more.
After some time walking, they arrived at a small restaurant. The front bore a modest sign, showing it was a ramen shop. A few stools lined the entrance.
Naruto's eyes sparkled as he laid eyes on the humble eatery — it was exactly how he remembered it. Nothing had changed.
For a brief moment, it truly felt like home.
"Let's go in..."
Minato spoke with a small smile, leading the way as the other two followed.
"Welcome, welcome! It's an honor to have you visit our humble ramen shop! Since you're among our very first guests today, your first meal will be on the house!"
Ichiraku Teuchi, the cheerful old man working the counter, called out with great energy and joy.
"Thank you, sir..."
"I'd like five bowls, please, Ichiraku-san!!"
Naruto shouted excitedly, cutting Minato off before he could finish his thanks. It was a bit rude — like someone offering you twenty dollars, and you immediately ask for fifteen more. Still, Minato smiled awkwardly.
"Hahaha! What a lively kid you are! Ayame, let's treat them to seven bowls of ramen, on the house!"
Teuchi glanced warmly toward his fifteen-year-old daughter with a grin.
"Alright, Otou-chan!!"
Ayame replied energetically, setting to work with joy — preparing ramen was her happiness.
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Scene Five:
Ichiraku Ramen — End
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Scene Six
First Encounter (1)
"Ahhh, that ramen was so delicious!"
Naruto walked with his eyes closed and a blissful smile, rubbing his full stomach.
"I didn't realize you were such a glutton,"
Kushina smiled gently at him.
"That ramen... it was really good," Naruto said, his tone quiet and nostalgic. "Just... really good."
Minato pulled out his phone, feeling it vibrate. Glancing at the screen, he answered with a slightly puzzled look:
"What is it?"
"..."
After a short exchange, Minato's face turned serious — he had completely forgotten about his scheduled meeting with Haruno Kizashi, the head of the Haruno clan.
"Oh no... I forgot all about it!!"
He exclaimed, clearly panicked, then quickened his pace toward home.
"What's the matter, dear?"
Kushina asked as she hurried after him.
"I had a meeting with Haruno Kizashi — he's probably waiting at the house now!"
"How could you forget something like that?! Seriously, Minato!!"
Kushina snapped, chasing him in frustration, while Minato shouted back:
"Naruto! Don't wander off — head straight home!"
"Got it!"
Naruto waved goodbye to his parents, then smiled to himself once they were out of sight.
"Alright... let's take a walk around."
He took a turn down another street and began to stroll.
(In the memories of this body, the Namikaze and Uchiha clans were neighbors... which means I might catch a glimpse of him somewhere...)
Even if it was a silly thought, Naruto couldn't help but entertain the possibility. He walked on, turned a corner, and soon found himself before a massive wall surrounding the entire Uchiha compound.
"They look like a separate nation... So powerful. The strongest and most influential clan in the country right now. They even command Konoha's police force. Their strength is unfathomable... they're on a completely different level, even compared to other clans. Their power rivals that of the state leader..."
Hearing such words, Naruto's jaw dropped — was he hearing correctly? But he hadn't misheard.
That voice... it was unmistakable.
Turning his head slowly, his eyes welled with tears as he recognized the long white hair and eccentric outfit that didn't suit a man like him — not in Naruto's eyes.
A man once known as one of the Legendary Sannin...
Jiraiya.
There he stood, casually staring at the Uchiha compound wall, chewing gum with an air of indifference.
"J-Jiraiya-sensei..."
Naruto whispered with a trembling smile, on the verge of tears. But he knew — in this world, this version of him had never met Jiraiya. Not once. Not even in passing.
"Oh? You know me? I guess that's natural. I am one of the Sannin, after all."
Jiraiya smirked arrogantly, laughing lightly as he looked at Naruto.
"Hehe... yeah. One of the Sannin..."
Naruto smiled, eyes closed, a wide grin spreading across his face.
"I gotta go, kid. We only exchanged a few words, but I have a feeling we'll meet again someday — and it'll be something big. I'm looking forward to it."
Jiraiya tousled Naruto's hair, then turned and walked away.
As Jiraiya disappeared from view, Naruto's face remained hidden beneath his golden bangs — but the tears trickling down made his feelings clear.
"I came here hoping to see Sasuke... but that's okay. I'll leave that for another time. Today's encounter was enough."
With that, Naruto turned and began heading back toward the Namikaze estate.
Moments after Naruto left, two brothers passed by the same spot, smiling as they walked.
"Nii-san, let's go to that nearby shopping street!"
Sasuke laughed happily, holding his brother's hand.
"Sure, let's go,"
Itachi replied warmly, smiling at his younger brother as they continued toward the street — where the Ichiraku Ramen shop awaited.
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First Encounter (1) — End
To Be Continued...