The mock graduation exam papers were barely collected when the classroom exploded into noise.
Naruto stretched lazily, tossing his pen back into his pouch. He had deliberately left two theory questions blank, and for the practical he produced only two wobbly Shadow Clones—just enough to land safely in the middle of the rankings.
Too early to stand out.
Drawing attention now might attract certain unpleasant eyes. Steady progress was safer.
"Tch. Dead last is still dead last." Sasuke zipped his bag without looking up. "Can't even make three clones, but you dare talk back to Neji."
His perfect-score paper disappeared into his bag as he walked off coolly.
Kiba passed by next, snorting. "Lucky fall doesn't count. Next time I win." He tugged Akamaru away before the pup could drift toward Naruto again.
Naruto only smiled and slung his backpack over one shoulder.
Iruka came by, balancing a stack of exams. "Nice improvement this time. I'll grade these first. Handle your own dinner tonight—I'll treat you next time."
"Got it, Iruka-sensei!"
The moment Naruto stepped outside, the warm evening breeze of June carried the unmistakable aroma of Ichiraku ramen.
His stomach growled instantly.
He checked the coins Kato Granny had given him—just enough for a bowl of chashu ramen.
His feet decided for him.
—
Ichiraku's little wooden shop glowed under warm yellow lantern lights.
Teuchi looked up with a grin. "Naruto! The usual?"
"Chashu ramen, add an onsen egg—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Two small figures stood at the counter, backs turned.
White Hyūga training clothes.
Twin buns on one little head.
"Big sis, I want chashu ramen! Extra pork!"
The older girl lowered her head, clutching her pouch strap tightly. Her voice was barely audible.
"I-I'm sorry, Hanabi… I forgot my wallet at home. Let's come next time, okay?"
Teuchi waved it off kindly. "It's fine, you can pay later."
"No… I can't…" Hinata's face flushed deep red. Her upbringing wouldn't allow her to owe money. She tugged Hanabi's sleeve gently. "We'll go home. I'll cook red bean rice for you."
"But I want ramen…"
Naruto felt a sharp tug in his chest.
He knew that feeling too well—standing outside Ichiraku as a kid, pockets short, pretending he wasn't hungry. Teuchi had quietly covered for him more times than he could count.
For someone as shy as Hinata, this must feel unbearable.
He stepped forward without hesitation.
Coins landed on the counter with a crisp clack.
"Three chashu ramen. All with onsen eggs." He grinned, tiger canines flashing. "Hinata's—no green onions. Extra tonkotsu broth."
Teuchi blinked.
Hinata froze.
She turned slowly, cheeks blazing. "N-Naruto-kun? You don't have to—I'll bring you the money later…"
"No big deal." He waved it off and guided them to the stools. "You gave me a bento once, remember? Call it even."
Teuchi stared.
This kid, who'd eaten alone for eight years, who never shared tables—
Was now paying for girls?
And remembering preferences?
The sun truly rose in the west.
"Oh? Naruto's grown up." Teuchi chuckled, serving the bowls. He even slipped two extra slices of pork into Hinata's bowl. "Growing kids need food."
"Th-thank you…" Hinata whispered, almost hiding behind her bowl. Her ears were crimson.
Hanabi, meanwhile, dug in enthusiastically. "Naruto-nii-chan, you're the best! The cucumber was sweet too! Do you like my sister?"
"Pff—!"
Naruto nearly sprayed broth everywhere.
Hinata choked outright. "H-Hanabi!"
"I'm not wrong!" Hanabi protested. "You held his red bean bun and smiled all night!"
"Hanabi!"
Hinata wished she could vanish.
Naruto scratched his cheek, laughing awkwardly—but his eyes were warm.
Around them, a few off-duty genin murmured quietly.
"Isn't that the fox kid?"
"He seems different lately."
"Yeah… helped my little brother up the other day."
Naruto paused slightly, chopsticks still.
He had spent twelve lonely years hearing monstersstay away.
Now—
"He's not that bad."
The warmth in his chest outshone the ramen's steam.
Inside the seal, Kurama scoffed. "You're glowing over a few coins and noodles?"
Naruto grinned internally. You wouldn't get it.
Just then, the curtain lifted.
Kiba walked in with Akamaru—and stopped dead at the sight of Naruto sitting with the Hyūga sisters.
"Tch. The dead last sure gets lucky…"
Before he finished, Akamaru caught the scent of broth and lunged forward, dragging Kiba off balance. He stumbled, barely catching himself.
The shop burst into laughter again.
Kiba's face turned green as he retreated to a corner.
—
By the time they finished, night had fallen.
Naruto walked Hinata and Hanabi toward the Hyūga estate.
At the familiar fork in the road, Hinata suddenly tugged his sleeve.
She pulled a small oil-paper bundle from her pouch and pressed it into his hand.
"N-Naruto-kun… I baked these. Th-thank you for the ramen."
Before he could respond, she grabbed Hanabi and hurried off—only daring one shy glance back, eyes shimmering like stars.
Naruto stood there under the lantern glow.
He opened the bundle.
Slightly crooked cookies. Still warm.
Red bean filling.
He bit into one.
Sweet.
Simple.
Perfect.
Naruto smiled wide, tiger teeth showing.
For a man who once stood atop the world as Hokage—
This felt even better.