**Chapter 12**

*What's going on?* An ordinary ramen contest, and the Hokage and two clan patriarchs show up? The crowd in the venue buzzed with shock and curiosity. How had this seemingly insignificant event attracted such important figures?

Kakashi and the others shared the sentiment, their confusion mirrored in their expressions. The Uchiha trio looked at the Third Hokage and Uchiha Fugaku, feeling as if their hearts might stop. *Why are they here?*

"Wow! Grandpa Hokage is here too! And the Uchiha patriarch and the Akimichi clan leader!" Naruto's voice rang out with excitement. "Alright, I'm gonna do my best in this challenge!"

As word spread, more ninjas gathered, drawn by the unexpected appearance of the high-ranking figures. The branches of nearby trees became crowded with spectators eager not to miss the spectacle. Hokage-sama and Akimichi Chōza attending? Understandable—they were known for their community spirit. But Uchiha Fugaku? The head of the famously aloof clan joining as a judge? Unbelievable.

Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen, smiled broadly at the audience. "Now, let me introduce my special assistant who will host this competition—Satoru Uchiha!"

The crowd's attention snapped to the front as a white-haired figure stepped out, blindfold in place and dressed in the traditional Uchiha garb. It was none other than Satoru.

He had disappeared earlier, not to escape but to coordinate with Teuchi and secure prominent judges. His powers of persuasion had won over the Third Hokage, who had brought Chōza along. Convincing Fugaku had been simpler—mentioning the Hokage's involvement was enough to draw him in.

Satoru's smile beamed at the assembled crowd, his presence electrifying.

"Satoru Uchiha!" Itachi's voice was a low, deliberate growl, his eyes narrowing as he took in his brother's bold move.

"Bastard second brother!" Sasuke's cheeks puffed out with indignation. *Why did he pull us into this?* And in front of their father, no less. The idea of participating in this contest under Fugaku's scrutiny made Sasuke's hands clench.

The smile faded from Shisui's face as a wave of realization hit him. *Why did I agree to this?* He rubbed his forehead, feeling the weight of the situation. The rumors about Satoru's chaotic nature were all true.

Kakashi, roped into the contest as part of his mission, felt a twitch of disbelief. *Hokage-sama, you really put me through this?* He hoped this would at least earn him a generous break afterward.

Only Naruto's enthusiasm remained untouched. "Wow! Big brother is here! That's awesome!" he cheered.

"Idiot, don't you see what he did?" Sasuke snapped. "He invited us to compete, then disappeared and made himself the host!"

"So what?" Naruto replied, smiling brightly. "We're friends, right?"

*Friends?* Sasuke's eyes softened momentarily, caught off guard by Naruto's sincerity. "You're not so bad," he muttered.

The rest of the Uchiha and Kakashi were equally surprised by Naruto's comment. *He's got an honest heart,* they thought.

But Satoru's next words quickly reignited their frustration.

"Hi everyone, I'm Satoru Uchiha, the host of this Big Stomach King contest!" Satoru announced with a grin. "Welcome to the event. Today, we're challenging Ichiraku's miso barbecued pork ramen. Contestants have 30 minutes, and the first to finish wins!"

He continued with an unsettling pause, his smile widening. The contestants felt a chill run down their spines.

"Now, let's announce the challengers!"

>>>>>

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