5: Chapter 5 Ichiraku RamenThe villagers on the road smiled when they saw Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hello, Hokage!Are you out on patrol today?" A friendly villager greeted Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hello, hello.I happen to have some free time today, so I came out to see how everyone is doing."
Hiruzen Sarutobi also greeted the villagers patiently with a smile on his face.
In order to maintain his image among the villagers, he would go to the streets every now and then to remind them of his presence.
Establishing a friendly and people-oriented image is also conducive to consolidating one's position.
Arriving at Naruto's doorstep, Hiruzen Sarutobi knocked and said, "Naruto, are you awake?Grandpa's here to see you!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi also had a strong voice and didn't look like an old man at all.
Naruto, who was engrossed in his training, was startled and dropped from his training state when he suddenly heard that Hiruzen Sarutobi had arrived.
"What's going on?Why is that old bastard here?Did he discover my chakra cultivation?No, the divine-level chakra extraction technique the system gave me shouldn't be so easily seen through.I need to put on a good show and reduce the number of these ANBU members, otherwise my cultivation won't go smoothly!"
Naruto thought of many things in his mind in an instant, pretending to have been woken up.
Wearing her pajamas, she came to her door, opened it, and said, "Who is it?So early in the morning, can't a person get some sleep?"
The impatient tone shows that the author has mastered the art of being grumpy when they wake up.
Upon opening the door, Naruto saw Hiruzen Sarutobi and exclaimed in surprise, "Grandpa, it's you!Why are you here to see me again today?"
In Naruto's original memories, Naruto did not know that Hiruzen Sarutobi was the Hokage.Hiruzen Sarutobi also never revealed his identity, only saying that he was a kind person who was willing to take care of Naruto's food and lodging.
This deeply moved Naruto, who originally had no relatives, and he began to regard Hiruzen Sarutobi as his closest person.
If he had just glanced up at the Hokage Rock above Konoha Village, he probably would have recognized that this old bastard was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.
However, since Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't reveal anything, he naturally had to play along and put on an act.They were all seasoned actors; when masters clash, it's all just playing along and knowing when to stop!
"Naruto, it's been so long since we last met, Grandpa missed you.Here's your relief fund for this month, remember to use it wisely."
Perhaps because Naruto's head was hit by a villager's child yesterday, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a little soft-hearted when he saw the bandage on Naruto's head.
They gave Naruto extra relief funds.
Although it seems like a lot, tens of thousands of taels, he only gives it out once a month, so when it's averaged out over a day, it doesn't seem like that much.
I can't even afford to eat Ichiraku Ramen once a day!
This stingy old man will one day take your life savings and go on a wild ride, dancing on your grave!
Naruto cursed Hiruzen Sarutobi in his mind.
Then, feigning great joy, she accepted the relief money from Hiruzen Sarutobi with both hands and said, "Wow, thank you, Grandpa!You're so kind to me, I love you so much!"
Then he carefully put the relief money in his wallet.
Seeing how sensible Naruto was and how much he admired him, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but feel great.
"Have you eaten yet, Naruto?Grandpa will take you to eat!"
"Not yet, Grandpa.I want to go eat Ichiraku Ramen.I've heard everyone say that Ichiraku Ramen tastes really good.I've never had a chance to eat it before.Can you take me?" Naruto pretended to be clueless and mentioned Ichiraku Ramen.
But he was really interested in Ichiraku Ramen and wanted to know what was so appealing about it that made Naruto crave it so much in the original story.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi heard that Naruto's wish was simply to eat ramen once, he was very pleased."This kid is so sensible.He knows how to save me money.Not bad at all."
"Come on, Naruto, Grandpa will take you to eat ramen." He led Naruto onto the street.
It was a rare sight in Konoha Village for the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, to walk with Naruto.
The villagers had been notified beforehand that when the Third Hokage was with Naruto, they should not call him Hokage-sama, as he did not want to reveal his identity to Naruto.
So many villagers who originally wanted to say hello understood what the third-generation leader meant after seeing his eyes and chose to leave.
Soon, Naruto and Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived in front of a small house.
The sign outside reads in large characters: "Ichiraku Ramen".
It seems this is the Ichiraku Ramen that Naruto has been longing for.
He led Naruto to a seat at Ichiraku Ramen.
Upon seeing that it was the Hokage, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, Uncle Tezuka, instantly beamed with joy.However, when he saw Naruto, a complex expression appeared on his face.
Unlike the other villagers, they didn't have only anger and resentment in their eyes towards Naruto.
There were still some sensible people in the crowd who knew that none of it was Naruto's fault and that Naruto shouldn't have to bear so much infamy.
"What would you two like to eat?" Uncle Tezuka warmly greeted Naruto and Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Seeing that the middle-aged man didn't dislike him, Naruto's mood improved considerably: "Uncle, I want to try your signature dish!"
Hearing Naruto's spirits, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said to the middle-aged man, "Then I'll be just like little Naruto."
"Alright, our specialty is miso ramen.Two servings of miso ramen, please wait a moment, they'll be right there!" After hearing the two's request, the hand-beating uncle got busy.
While waiting for his ramen, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Naruto and asked, "Naruto, do you want to go to the Ninja Academy?""School?"
"Ninja Academy, what's that all about?" Naruto asked, pretending not to know anything.
"The Ninja Academy is a school established to train excellent ninjas.You're sure to make a lot of friends there!" Hiruzen Sarutobi's words carried a hint of enticement.
"But Grandpa, many children say I'm a fox spirit and don't want to play with me.If I go to the ninja academy, will I be able to make friends?" Naruto understood from Hiruzen Sarutobi's words that he had reached the age to go to school.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wanted to make friends in the Ninja Academy to build strong bonds within Konoha, making it easier for him to control them in the future.
"Yes, you can definitely do it.There are so many classmates at school, you're sure to find friends who get along with Naruto.Grandpa promises you."
The elite class that Naruto is going to be assigned to is full of promising talents for Konoha's future.
There are a few families that have a good relationship with the Hokage's lineage.If I give a little pointer to the heads of these families, Naruto will be able to make a few friends naturally.
The Nara clan, the Akimichi clan, and the Inuzuka clan.The children from these clans should get along quite well with Naruto.
There's also the Hyuga clan.I remember Naruto saving the Hyuga clan leader's daughter, Hiashi Hyuga, when he was little.What was her name again?Hinata Hyuga.
With their support, Naruto will surely be able to study hard at the Ninja Academy and grow into an excellent ninja.
Minato, Kushina, I guess I haven't let you down now that you trusted me.
Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't help but laugh when he thought of this.
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi grinning foolishly, Naruto could only pretend not to see it, though he knew in his heart that this old bastard was obviously up to no good.
"Okay, Grandpa, I want to go to the Ninja Academy, but I don't have parents.How can I go to the Ninja Academy?" Naruto said to Hiruzen Sarutobi, pretending to be pitiful.
Hiruzen Sarutobi patted Naruto's head and said, "Don't worry, Naruto, I know some people who can help you get in.Once you're in the Ninja Academy, you must study hard.I'll send someone to take you to register when school starts."
"Thank you, Grandpa!" Naruto flashed a bright smile, though it was all an act!
Soon, the signature ramen, miso ramen, was served by the hand-beating uncle.
Looking at the miso ramen in front of him, Naruto's appetite was whetted.
The broth of miso ramen is rich and flavorful, making it irresistible at first bite.
As soon as it's served, the aroma of miso fills the air, making your mouth water.
The rich flavor of miso blends perfectly with the smooth texture of ramen, making every bite satisfying.
After you finish eating, the unique miso aroma still lingers in your mouth, making it unforgettable.
The noodles are smooth and the miso flavor is rich, so you won't feel greasy even if you eat big mouthfuls.
Not only does it taste good, but it also has an appealing color and a wonderful aroma, making it a double treat for both the eyes and the palate.
On a cold day, a bowl of steaming miso ramen can instantly warm your body and soul.
It retains the essence of traditional ramen, while the addition of miso brings a new flavor experience.
The savory flavor of miso, the chewy texture of the noodles, and the richness of the broth create a unique and layered experience with every bite.
Once you try it, the unique miso flavor is addictive, making you want to savor it again and again.
Naruto now understands why he lingered at Ichiraku Ramen in the original story.
Moreover, Ichiraku Ramen eventually grew bigger and bigger, and even opened branches.
There really is something there.
"Uncle, your ramen is so delicious!One bowl is definitely not enough!"
Naruto Kuku was incredibly impressive, finishing his ramen in no time, even drinking all the soup!
"Give Naruto another bowl." Seeing that Naruto looked like a starving ghost, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say anything and asked Uncle Tetsuji to give Naruto another bowl.
Hiruzen Sarutobi could afford to pay for this bowl of ramen.
After all, Watergate had a considerable fortune back then.
It was taken from Minato, and used by Naruto.
Not only Naruto, but even Hiruzen Sarutobi praised the ramen.
The second bowl of miso ramen was served, and Naruto finished it very quickly.
Naruto, who is often hungry, can't stop eating when he encounters delicious ramen!
Naruto finished the rich broth in one gulp and patted his belly contentedly, indicating that he was full.
He then turned to look at Hiruzen Sarutobi and said, "Thank you, Grandpa.You're so kind!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was very pleased with Naruto's polite behavior and said cheerfully, "It's alright, Naruto, as long as you're full."
"Ding, system task issued.Hiruzen Sarutobi will pay for the host's ramen once.This is a repetitive task and can be completed multiple times.You can receive a reward once you complete it."
Upon hearing the system issue the mission, Naruto knew it was time to show his true acting skills!
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