Shota walked through the bustling streets of Konoha with his hands in his pockets. He was in simple civilian clothes. He looked like any other kid exploring the village.
The civilians did not recognise him at all. They smiled or nodded politely as he passed.
Some old women even waved at him like he was a local child. The shinobi were different. A few glanced at him from rooftops or street corners. They recognised him from bingo books. The Eraserhead of Suna.
The boy who could stop chakra with a look. Their eyes lingered, but they did not approach. They noticed the Konoha ANBU following him from a distance. They kept a respectful gap, but they were always there.
Shota understood why they followed him.
It was not prohibited for guests from other shinobi villages to explore Konoha. Visitors could walk the streets and see the sights.
But a possible S-rank threat was different. What if Shota decided to place explosion tags all around the village? What if he triggered them with a single hand sign? The destruction would be immense. Casualties would be high. Konoha could not allow that risk. So they watched him. They made sure he behaved.
Shota did not mind the escorts. He ignored the stares and kept walking. He helped an old lady carry her heavy grocery bags to her house. She had too many bags for one person. Shota took half without being asked.
The old lady smiled brightly.
"Ah, aren't you a cute little boy? My granddaughter is your age. Would you like to marry her when she turns an adult? I tell you, she is too pampered and needs a caring husband like you. She loves sweets and napping. You two would get along perfectly!"
Shota almost dropped the bags.
He laughed nervously under his breath.
"Well, I am not from around here. But I am sure your granddaughter can find a better man."
The old lady patted his head.
"Oh, don't be shy. You are polite and helpful. That's rare these days. Come visit anytime. Bring your friends. I'll make extra rice balls."
Shota smiled politely.
"Thank you, ma'am. But I really need to find a place called Ichiraku Ramen. Do you know where it is?"
The old lady's face lit up.
"Oh, yes! Best ramen in the village. Walk straight down this street, turn left at the big tree, then right at the weapon shop with the red sign. You can't miss it. The smell will guide you. Tell Teuchi that Granny Hana sent you. He'll give you an extra portion."
Shota bowed.
"Thank you very much."
He handed back her bags and followed the directions.
He walked quickly. The smell hit him before he saw the stand. Shota's stomach growled loudly. He followed the scent and found the small ramen stand tucked between two buildings.
A red curtain hung over the entrance. A sign read "Ichiraku Ramen" in bold letters.
Teuchi, the owner, stood behind the counter. He was a kind-faced man with a white headband and an apron. He greeted Shota with a warm smile.
"Welcome! First time here?"
Shota nodded.
"I have heard a lot about this place. I would like one bowl of miso pork ramen with extra narutomaki, green onions, and a boiled egg. And please make nine more bowls to pack for my friends. They could not come with me."
Teuchi chuckled.
"That's quite an order, young man. I will have them ready while you eat. Sit down. The miso pork will be out in two minutes."
Shota sat on one of the stools. The counter was clean and warm. Steam rose from the pots. Teuchi worked quickly. He boiled noodles. He ladled thick broth. He sliced pork and added toppings.
The bowl arrived in front of Shota. The steam carried the most amazing smell. Shota picked up his chopsticks. He took a sip of the broth first.
His eyes widened.
The broth was perfect. Rich, salty, warm, with a hint of garlic and pork bone. It filled his mouth with comfort.
He slurped a noodle. It was chewy and absorbed the broth perfectly. He bit into the pork. It melted on his tongue. The narutomaki was soft and fishy in the best way. The boiled egg was creamy. The green onions added freshness.
Shota moaned happily. "This is the best thing I have ever eaten."
Teuchi laughed. "Glad you like it. Want the recipe?"
Shota looked up eagerly."Yes, please!"
Teuchi shook his head with a grin.
"Family secret. Can't give it away. But I can tell you the broth simmers for twelve hours. That's the key."
Shota pouted,"Come on, just a hint. I promise not to tell anyone."
Teuchi shook his head as Shota went back to eating.
As Shota ate happily, a woman with long red hair and a slightly bulging belly walked in.
"Teuchi-san, give me two bowls of ramen. One for me and one for the little guy in me. And also give me another bowl for my little bodyguard."
Shota was about to turn to greet her as he instantly recognised the person when his instincts screamed.
He jumped into the air with his bowl and chopsticks still in hand. A sword passed exactly where he had been sitting. The blade cut the air with a sharp whistle.
Shota landed lightly on the counter. His ramen bowl stayed perfectly balanced. Not a drop spilled.
The binding cloth hidden under his civilian clothes rolled out like a white whip. It moved on its own. It wrapped around the attacker's arm and pulled tight.
The attacker was Kakashi. His Sharingan spun wildly in one of his eyes.
Kakashi felt his chakra disappear instantly. The binding cloth around him tightened stopping him from moving.
Shota took another sip of his soup while still standing on the counter.
Before he could say anything, chains burst from behind him. They wrapped around his limbs and neck. He froze in place. He could not even turn his head.
Kushina Uzumaki stood there with her hands on her hips.
"Now now, what's going on here?"
-----Author Notes---------
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