Chapter 65: The Ramen Shop

At the Hokage building.

Kakashi arrived to find the place already filled with people.

"Kakashi, you're late," Kurenai remarked, unable to hold back her comment.

Only someone like Kakashi could arrive late to a meeting summoned by the Hokage himself.

He merely gave her a lazy glance, scanning the office. Besides the Hokage, the room was filled with the village's Jounin—people he recognized well from day-to-day encounters.

Including Ren.

Several others also glanced at Ren from time to time, surprised that someone with his reputation had been appointed a Jounin instructor.

"Alright," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, raising a hand.

"Now, you probably already know why you're here. Today is the day we assign this year's Genin to their teams."

On the desk in front of Hiruzen sat a crystal ball, reflecting the classroom of the graduating students.

The gathered Jounin could each see the three Genin they'd be responsible for.

"I should clarify," Hiruzen continued, "that not everyone in that room is qualified to be a true Genin. The graduation exam is simply a basic screening tool."

"That means each of you will need to conduct a further evaluation to determine which of these students is ready, and then report back to me with your final decisions."

"Out of the 27 graduates, only nine are expected to make the cut."

None of the Jounin seemed surprised; they had anticipated this, especially the more seasoned among them.

"So, do your best to assess them carefully."

A few moments later, the crystal ball showed an unexpected scene that made everyone smirk.

The whole room recognized the village's jinchuriki, Naruto Uzumaki, and Uchiha Sasuke, the second son of the Uchiha clan head, getting into an altercation that ended with an accidental kiss.

The Third's face turned dark. "That rascal Naruto!" he muttered. "Always causing chaos…"

Meanwhile, Kakashi, now realizing who his future students would be, could only sigh internally.

Guess it doesn't matter. If they're like my previous teams, I'll just send them back for remedial classes, he thought.

The Third Hokage spoke for a few more minutes, covering points of guidance for the Jounin. The meeting then ended, with plans to meet the Genin teams scheduled for the afternoon.

As they left the office, Kurenai invited Ren. "How about lunch together?"

"Alright," Ren agreed without hesitation.

Kurenai then turned to Kakashi, hoping to include him.

"I've got other things to do, so I'll leave you two alone," Kakashi replied, walking off on his own.

Kurenai blushed deeply. "Wha-what? That's not…"

Ren watched Kakashi walk away and commented, "He might actually be busy."

"At this hour?" she replied skeptically, glancing at Ren.

They walked out together, heading down the village's main street.

"What are you in the mood for?" Kurenai asked.

"Ramen," Ren replied, glancing toward a familiar ramen shop ahead.

Ramen? What's so special about ramen? she thought, but seeing him head in, she followed along.

"Welcome!" A young woman greeted them with a warm smile from behind the counter.

"Please, what would you like to order?"

"Tomato and beef ramen with extra pork," Ren ordered.

"Um… I'll have the pork bone ramen," Kurenai said after a glance at the menu.

"Coming right up!" the woman replied.

While they waited, Kurenai drummed her fingers on the table, resting her chin in her hand.

"Do you actually like ramen?" she asked, breaking the silence.

"It's alright."

Kurenai nodded, glancing around. "This place has been here for years; I remember when it first opened. I was still a Genin back then, and they had a half-price promotion. Shizune, Guy, and Asuma would come here all the time."

She looked at Ren, wondering if he was listening. He showed no visible reaction, keeping his usual calm expression.

Kurenai sighed inwardly. Why do I even try? I know how he is…

Soon, two steaming bowls of ramen were placed in front of them.

"Enjoy!" the server said cheerfully.

Looking at her deliciously fragrant bowl, Kurenai's earlier reservations quickly disappeared.

"Let's eat," she murmured, clasping her hands.

She noticed that Ren had simply picked up his chopsticks to dig in, so she reached out and held his wrist.

"We should show some gratitude for the food," she said softly.

Ren looked at her, then set down his chopsticks.

"Let's eat," he murmured.

Kurenai smiled, feeling a little triumphant.

"Kurenai?" a familiar voice called from behind, making her freeze mid-smile.

She knew that voice all too well.

Turning around stiffly, she saw Asuma, accompanied by two fellow shinobi.

Asuma was in his green combat outfit, with the fire symbol of the Land of Fire proudly displayed on his waist sash. His sleeves bore the blue shuriken badge of the Police Force, though it now displayed the Leaf insignia instead of the Uchiha fan.

"What a coincidence," Asuma said with a friendly grin.

"…Yeah, what a coincidence." Kurenai forced a smile.

"Asuma," Ren said with a nod as Asuma's gaze turned his way, surprised to see him.

Asuma blinked in mild shock. "Didn't expect to see you here with Kurenai."

"Oh, we're both Jounin instructors now, so we'll be meeting our teams this afternoon," Kurenai quickly explained.

"Ren's a Jounin instructor, too?" Asuma looked shocked, feeling exactly as Kurenai had when she first learned of it.

Anyone who knew Ren might find it surprising that he'd take on a teaching role.

Since Ren had once saved his life, Asuma still held a deep sense of gratitude toward him, though their relationship had faded somewhat over time.

After a few more pleasantries, Asuma's companions gently reminded him of their duties.

"Right, I have work to get back to," Asuma said with a nod to Kurenai and Ren. "See you around."

"See you," Kurenai replied, smiling with a sense of relief.

As Asuma walked away, Kurenai let out a sigh, looking toward Ren. He had already finished his ramen and was wiping his mouth with a napkin.

"Were you afraid?" Ren asked calmly.

Kurenai was startled. "I…"

Ren pulled out some coins and placed them on the table.

"If you're that worried, you can keep your distance from me," he said, standing to leave.

Kurenai, shocked by his abrupt tone, quickly reached out to explain. "Ren, it's not like that, I—"

But he was already walking away, disappearing into the crowd, leaving her alone at the table, lost in thought.

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