Chapter 129: Ichiraku

Unexpected.

Just a thought in his mind, reporting this discovery to the clan.

It brought such great benefits!

Should I choose the Fire Style scrolls or illusion techniques tomorrow? Or maybe some sealing techniques, runes, and curse marks would also be nice!

Soaked in the hot springs, Tōshirō's mind wandered with these thoughts.

After bidding farewell to Uchiha Fugaku, Tōshirō headed straight for the hot springs street. Having spent a month at sea, he was utterly exhausted.

After finishing his business, relaxing in a hot spring was a great reward to himself, easing his nerves that had been tight for days.

Lifting a cold drink from a floating tray next to him, he drank it all in one go, feeling the chilling coolness reach his mind, coupled with the warmth of the hot springs.

This is life...

He had already decided to cling tightly to the clan's support. The Will of Fire and such had nothing to do with him.

The clan was more reliable, especially when thinking about the treasures in that secret room.

He had been coveting them for too long...

Early the next morning, Tōshirō woke up early, finished his daily lessons, and walked down the streets of Konoha.

He planned to purchase some materials that he might need soon.

Feeling the streets, much more desolate compared to before the war, Tōshirō couldn't help but think about how war brings harm to people in all aspects, no matter which world it is.

At this time, prices for some essentials like food and meat had nearly doubled compared to before the war started.

This forced housewives responsible for shopping to be more frugal, making business even harder for merchants.

As he walked, Tōshirō suddenly saw a familiar scene.

Outside a ramen shop, a long queue was waiting. The bright sign read "Ichiraku Ramen."

He didn't expect the famous "Ichiraku" to open in Konoha now.

Seeing the sign "New opening, half price promotion," and having not eaten breakfast, Tōshirō decided to try it and see if it lived up to its reputation.

"Hey! Isn't that Guy, Shizune, and Asuma? How's the new shop's taste?"

Seeing some younger acquaintances also queuing, he greeted them.

"Tōshirō-senpai!"

Seeing him, the kids greeted him, addressing him as senpai.

Since the battle in the 'small forest' that year, Tōshirō's name spread among these kids, gaining him quite a few fans.

"This shop's taste is really good! Quite worth tasting~"

"Yeah! Not only is the taste good, but the price is also very affordable~ Especially their beef ramen~ Just thinking about it makes me drool..."

"Nonsense! Their best dish is clearly the seafood ramen..."

Seeing a companion voice a different opinion, the kids began arguing passionately, defending their favored flavors.

These nearly eight-year-old kids wouldn't have much more time to argue so carefree.

If he remembered correctly, within one or two years, most of these kids would graduate early and become cannon fodder in this war...

Of course, Asuma would be an exception.

"It's just ordinary ramen, you guys are exaggerating~"

An untimely voice interrupted the kids' argument.

This kid looked much more normal now compared to when 'White Fang' had just passed away a few years ago.

Back then, Kakashi was almost unapproachable; time had made him more cheerful, now even capable of making small jokes.

Ignoring his former classmates, Kakashi nodded to Tōshirō and prepared to try the new ramen shop himself.

[Hmm... Though he's more cheerful... he's still cold as ever...]

Since the Chūnin Exam, Kakashi occasionally sought Tōshirō for sparring sessions, developing a nodding acquaintance over time.

"Good timing, I have some questions about summoning beasts. Can you help me?"

Seeing him, Tōshirō's eyes lit up; he was having trouble figuring out how to raise his large bird!

While other aspects were manageable, making the bird talk and communicate was a headache for him. 

A summoning beast that couldn't communicate or had low intelligence was of limited use. He couldn't be casting illusions on it every time.

That could control it, but any unexpected incident at a critical moment would be disastrous.

Just as he was about to discuss further, an interruption occurred.

"Kakashi! There's a mission!"

A refreshing voice came from behind them, interrupting Tōshirō and Kakashi's conversation.

Looking back, three figures in special combat uniforms appeared behind them.

Leading them was a striking blond man, Namikaze Minato, who had acted as referee during the Chūnin Exam.

Beside him stood Aburame Shibi and Akimichi Chouza.

Seeing their attire, matching this moment...

[Could it be the time for the Rōran mission?]

[Yes, it should be!]

During this mission, Namikaze Minato should meet his future son.

However...

With his presence, would the future follow the same course?

Nodding to Tōshirō as a farewell and ignoring his former classmates, Kakashi sped off towards Namikaze Minato.

Tenzo smiled at them and then disappeared with his companions.

"Darn it! That Kakashi guy~"

The kids were quite upset about being ignored by Kakashi.

If he hadn't disappeared, they would have certainly argued with him...

Ignoring the complaints around him, Tōshirō's thoughts drifted to Kakashi's mission...