Chapter 14: I ALREADY HAVE THE UZUMAKI BLOODLINE?
______________________________________________
"Kid, order whatever you want," Uzumaki Kushina said, not as gently to Yuichi Yuuki as she was to Yuhi Kurenai.
Yuichi Yuuki didn't mind. This was his first time at Ichiraku Ramen. When he was running around the streets earlier, he hadn't even thought about Ichiraku Ramen. It wasn't that he didn't want to come; he just hadn't considered this place in Naruto.
Now that Uzumaki Kushina had brought him here, he remembered that this was indeed one of the most iconic spots in Konoha.
Looking at the menu hanging on the wall, Yuichi Yuuki pondered for a moment and then said, "I'd like a tonkotsu ramen with an extra Naruto roll!"
"Got it!" the owner said with a smile, then turned to Uzumaki Kushina and Yuhi Kurenai.
"I'll have a bowl of salt ramen," Uzumaki Kushina said with a smile, then turned to Yuhi Kurenai, "Hey, don't be shy. Tell me what you want to eat."
Yuhi Kurenai looked at her, then at Yuichi Yuuki, and shyly whispered, "Um, I'd like a bowl of tonkotsu ramen, please."
"Okay, wait a moment," the owner said, still smiling as he got busy preparing the food.
"By the way, I haven't asked your names yet," Uzumaki Kushina said as the three of them sat down. "I'm Uzumaki Kushina."
"I'm an elite Jonin of Konoha!" Uzumaki Kushina added proudly.
Yuichi Yuuki listened and recalled the task records from the official book about Uzumaki Kushina.
D-rank missions: 60 times, C-rank missions: 43 times, B-rank missions: 28 times, A-rank missions: 27 times, S-rank missions: 20 times.
Despite being the Nine-Tails' Jinchuriki and despite certain discrepancies in the setting, Uzumaki Kushina was indeed an experienced elite Jonin.
Even though she was still relatively young and had to manage the Nine-Tails, she was clearly a powerful Jonin. She was someone who could challenge the Fourth Hokage, Jiraiya of the Sannin, and had earned the respect of the Seventh Hokage, who called her mother. She was formidable indeed.
Just as Yuichi Yuuki was lost in thought, the ramen was served, interrupting his contemplation.
Yuhi Kurenai and Uzumaki Kushina continued chatting happily, and Yuichi Yuuki wondered if Kurenai would eventually become a fiery red pepper in the future.
He shuddered at the thought of the gentle Kurenai turning into someone who might punch little kids in the future.
"You kid, are you lost in an illusion or something?" Uzumaki Kushina noticed Yuichi Yuuki's distracted look and said, "You were spaced out when I called you, and now you're shaking your head for no reason."
Yuichi Yuuki replied, "I was just thinking about something!"
"Tsk," Uzumaki Kushina clicked her tongue and shook her head. "You're so dull. Sometimes I even wonder if we're from the same clan."
"Huh?" Yuichi Yuuki retorted immediately, then realized his mistake, stood up abruptly, and asked, "From the same clan?"
"Yes."
"Isn't your red hair proof?" Uzumaki Kushina seemed pleased with his reaction and said with a smile, "Your father is also from our Uzumaki clan."
"!!!"
Yuichi Yuuki had always thought of himself as a fake Uzumaki clan member, his red hair being a feature from the Seventh Hokage's template. Originally, his hair had been black, turning red only after acquiring the Seventh Hokage's template.
"Are you sure?" Yuichi Yuuki asked, still in disbelief.
Looking at Uzumaki Kushina's smiling face, he could tell she was serious.
Yuichi Yuuki considered this for a moment, then decided to accept this new information, though he was ready to continue pretending. "My strength doesn't rely on my bloodline!"
Yuichi Yuuki stood on the stool with determination, "I don't need my ancestors' bloodline to succeed. Give me time, and I will surpass them!"
The owner, watching this, couldn't help but laugh. "Guest, please don't stand on the stool."
"Oh, right," Yuichi Yuuki said, then jumped down and wiped the stool with his sleeve.
"You little brat really likes to show off!" Uzumaki Kushina shook her head helplessly. "Eat your ramen before it gets cold."
"I'm starting now!" they all said in unison.
While eating, the three of them were quiet. The ramen was exceptionally good.
As soon as Yuichi Yuuki took a bite, he felt his mouth water. The taste exploded on his tongue, and the rich aroma lingered. The chewy ramen, flavorful soup, and unique side dishes combined perfectly.
"This is delicious!" Yuichi Yuuki declared.
This was the best ramen he had ever tasted in his two lifetimes.
"In the realm of ramen, I declare you the best!" Yuichi Yuuki stuffed more ramen into his mouth and gave a thumbs up to the owner.
"Hahaha!" The owner was thrilled by Yuichi Yuuki's praise. "I'm flattered by such a compliment."
"No, it's the truth!" Yuichi Yuuki grinned.
At that moment, a mechanical sound echoed in his ears, and a light blue virtual panel appeared.
[Achievement: Check in at Ichiraku Ramen.]
[If there is a place in this world that you must visit, it is this ordinary little noodle shop. It has witnessed the growth of countless people and the life of the child of prophecy!]
[Reward: Ninjutsu·Rage]
[Ninjutsu·Rage: Passively gain a 20% damage stacking effect. Your attacks will cause an additional 20% damage. Maybe you can use kunai to pierce Susanoo's defense?]
Seeing the description of Ninjutsu·Rage, Yuichi Yuuki felt there might be something hidden, but he had no evidence.
Last time, the description of Ninjutsu·Defense seemed to hint at him needing to endure a move from Kakashi.
Yuichi Yuuki's mind raced as he reviewed his personal information.
[Achievements: Childhood sweethearts, lifelong rivals, the beginning of a ninja, check-in at Ichiraku Ramen.]
[Rewards: Uzumaki Naruto (Ninja Student), Ninjutsu: Defense, Haruno Sakura (Shippuden), Ninjutsu: Rage]
[Title: Ninja Student (worn).]
[Special Reward: Uzumaki Bloodline.]
Yuichi Yuuki looked at his personal profile with general satisfaction. He was particularly surprised by the special reward, having thought that the Uzumaki Bloodline was merely a part of his existing setting.
______________________________________________