**Chapter 15**

"Haha," Uchiha Fugaku allowed a rare smile to tug at his usually serious features as he faced the Third Hokage. His eyes drifted to the Uchiha trio and Satoru, his gaze a mix of confusion and reluctant amusement. *What are these boys up to today?* he wondered. It seemed as though everything had been turned upside down by his mischievous son, Satoru.

Meanwhile, Satoru had stepped off the stage and made his way backstage to find Teuchi, the owner of Ichiraku Ramen.

"Uncle, is this really the limited-edition free ramen coupon for the mega challenge winner?" Satoru's eyes sparkled as he took the coupon from Teuchi's hand and examined it.

Teuchi chuckled. "Yes, with this coupon, you can get a free bowl of ramen from me every day."

"Uncle, you're amazing!" Satoru beamed.

"Haha, well, it's thanks to your help that today's event went so smoothly." Teuchi's smile widened, admiration shining in his eyes.

"Haha, it's nothing, just good teaching on my part—oh, I mean, it's only natural," Satoru said with an innocent smile that reached the corners of his eyes.

"Oh, and this!" Teuchi rummaged in his pocket and handed Satoru a small pink card.

*A pink card?* Satoru's curiosity piqued, his eyes narrowing under his blindfold. *It couldn't be…*

"This is a 50% discount coupon for the South Street Dim Sum Shop. It's valid for 30 days, unlimited use within that period."

Satoru's eyes lit up as he grabbed the card. "Thanks, Uncle!" he said, slipping the card into his pocket. *This is the best news of the day!*

Teuchi chuckled, watching the boy's excitement. "Glad you like it, Satoru."

"I'll take this back with me." Satoru waved the free ramen coupon and flashed a bright smile before heading out.

"Hey, Uncle, by the way, what's your name?" he asked as he was leaving, a question that had only now come to him.

"My name?" Teuchi's expression softened, and his eyes took on a distant, nostalgic look. "It's been so long since anyone's asked that…"

"My name is—"

Satoru's playful smile faded for a moment, replaced by genuine interest. "I didn't expect you to…"

After saying goodbye to Teuchi, Satoru returned to the competition area, only to find that everyone was still waiting for him.

"Hey, you're all still here?" Satoru said with a grin.

The Uchiha trio glared at him with eyes that could have scorched the ground. *Of course, we're still here.*

His father, Fugaku, stood with his arms crossed, watching with a composed but wary expression. The Third Hokage sat calmly, studying Satoru with a subtle smile, while Kakashi remained in place, his eye betraying a hint of exhaustion. Even Chōza Akimichi hadn't left, staying out of courtesy to the Hokage.

Naruto, on the other hand, waved eagerly. "Big brother! We were waiting for you!" he shouted with unbridled enthusiasm.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed. *That's my brother,* he thought, irritated by Naruto's excitement. He tilted his head, pursing his lips.

"Yes, we've been waiting for you," Shisui added quietly, though the smile on his face was almost menacing.

"Huh?" Satoru blinked, tilting his head in confusion. *Why does everyone look like that?* he wondered. He hadn't done anything wrong, had he?

*We were all getting along so well earlier,* he thought, replaying the day in his mind. The ramen had tasted great, and the camaraderie seemed perfect. He had even brought their father out to cheer for them—a perfect moment of family bonding, he believed.

And didn't he go out of his way to involve the Hokage, thinking up clever reasons to invite him? Remembering the effort he put into making the day memorable, Satoru puffed out his chest with pride. 

*I'm such a dedicated family member,* he thought, oblivious to the simmering glares fixed on him.

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