Konoha, Ichiraku Ramen.
Shinji pushed open the curtain at the shop entrance first and shouted, "Teuchi-san, two bowls of miso char siu ramen!"
Teuchi, who was kneading dough, looked over when he heard the sound and replied, "No problem! Please have a seat!"
Shinji was surprised upon entering. After all, this should have been Ichiraku Ramen's busiest time, but it was a bit empty today.
He looked around and saw Naruto sitting in the corner, and only then did he understand the reason.
After waving at Iruka, who was following behind him, Shinji went straight to Naruto and sat down.
Naruto, who was struggling with a bowl of ramen larger than his entire face, was startled by the movement beside him and quickly put down his chopsticks, intending to leave.
"Stay, keep eating."
The gentle voice made Naruto freeze, then he looked at the person who had spoken.
Shinji had his arm around Naruto's shoulder, a gentle smile on his face.
Naruto shouted with a look of surprise, "Shinji-sensei!"
Shinji nodded in response, pointed to the half-eaten bowl of ramen, and said, "Wasting food is bad. You have to finish it."
Naruto looked at the ramen in the bowl with some hesitation, then at Iruka sitting next to Shinji.
Ayame, who was bringing two bowls of ramen to Shinji and Iruka, spoke, "Naruto, I have told you many times, you don't need to try to run away just because someone comes. Just eat your noodles properly."
Hearing Ayame's words, coupled with Shinji's approving expression, Naruto finally smiled and said loudly, "Okay!"
After speaking, he picked up his chopsticks and continued to eat heartily.
Iruka, who was a bit confused and about to ask, stopped his curiosity after seeing Shinji's slight head shake.
Shinji pulled out a pair of chopsticks from the table. He took a few thick slices of char siu from his bowl, put them into Naruto's bowl, and said, "Eat well, and you'll grow tall."
After speaking, he ignored Naruto's expression and began to eat.
Inside Ichiraku Ramen, only the sounds of slurping noodles could be heard.
Teuchi, now free, was holding a water glass, watching the people eating with a smile on his face.
"Thank you, sensei. I'm full."
Naruto, having finished, jumped off the tall stool in one motion, then thanked Shinji.
Shinji reached out and stroked Naruto's yellow hair, smiling. "No problem. Go home quickly, you have school tomorrow."
Naruto said, "Yes, I won't be late."
Then, he thanked Teuchi and Ayame, who was tidying the table, before turning and running out.
At this moment, Iruka, who had also finished his ramen, was holding a cup of tea with a few ice cubes floating in it.
Iruka was still bothered by the previous question and asked Shinji, who was holding a cup and drinking water, "Shinji, what was that all about?"
Shinji gave Iruka an exasperated glance, then slowly said, "What could it be? Just an overly kind child who doesn't want to cause a loss to the ramen shop owner who takes care of him because of himself."
Teuchi, who was rubbing his shoulders, stopped his movements when he heard this and chuckled. "As expected of you, Shinji. That child is very gentle."
Iruka fell silent when even Teuchi said so. After all, what Naruto handed to Ayame before he left wasn't money, but a simple piece of paper.
Ayame saw Iruka staring at the ticket in her hand and waved, saying, "Is there something, guest?"
Iruka realized his behavior was a bit abrupt when he heard the question and quickly waved his hand.
"No, I was just a little curious about what you're holding."
Teuchi took the ticket from Ayame's hand, picked up the iron box on the counter, and placed it in front of Iruka.
"He doesn't have much money, so I often give him these vouchers so he can eat without worry."
After speaking, Teuchi scratched the back of his head a bit sheepishly, as the vouchers were hand-drawn by him and looked quite comical.
Iruka put down his cup, looking at the embarrassed Teuchi and the iron box full of vouchers in front of him. His heart felt as if it had been struck by something, and he was stunned.
Shinji reached out and picked up one of the vouchers. Perhaps this was one of the reasons Naruto never turned dark, no matter what grievances or harsh treatment he received. After all, in Konoha, he had his own haven, even if it was just a bowl of ramen he came to eat once in a while.
Shinji took out his wallet, and put the hand-drawn voucher into it. Then he took out a handful of banknotes and handed them to Teuchi.
Seeing the money Shinji handed over, Teuchi quickly waved his hand, saying, "Shinji, what you two ate certainly doesn't cost this much."
After all, the money in Shinji's hand was at least enough for him to eat at Ichiraku Ramen continuously for a month.
"If Naruto comes later, just use the remaining money to arrange it for him. After all, I am his teacher too."
After speaking, Shinji placed the money on the counter.
"Let's go, Iruka."
Calling out to the still somewhat stunned Iruka, Shinji turned and walked towards the door. His footsteps fell on the bustling street. It was already night, and the vendors had begun to set up their stalls.
Feeling the evening breeze, Shinji pondered how to communicate with Naruto tomorrow. After all, he was now acting on orders, and for the sake of his own strength, some steps needed to be expedited.
"Shinji, I'm heading back first." Iruka, who was following Shinji, only spoke at this moment.
Shinji turned to look, and saw the confusion on Iruka's face. He nodded, and didn't say much.
Iruka, having received a response, turned and walked back towards his home, though his back looked particularly heavy.