"Sorry to keep you waiting, Naruto! Your miso tonkotsu chashu ramen is ready."
Inside Ichiraku Ramen, steaming hot vapor rose into the air along with a rich, savory aroma. Teuchi placed the bowl down with a cheerful smile. Thick, golden slices of chashu pork lay neatly over the noodles, and a soft-boiled egg had been cut into a perfect half-moon, its glossy edge glistening enticingly.
"Thanks, old man."
Naruto accepted the bowl with both hands, pretending to stay calm. He stared at the gently rippling surface of the broth, trying hard to control his facial muscles.
…Just as I expected! Just as I expected! Just as I expected!
No, I can't laugh yet… at least not until I get home!
Just moments ago, the instant Naruto stepped into Ichiraku Ramen, a crisp notification had sounded in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Congratulations, Host: You have formed a bond (Level 5) with original character "Teuchi (Ichiraku's owner)"!]
[Points gained: 500!]
Just as I thought!
He suppressed the urge to pump his fist in celebration and lowered his head to slurp a big mouthful of noodles. The scalding broth burst across his tongue, and the familiar sense of comfort filled his chest—but what made his heart race even more was the sharply increased number on the system interface.
I didn't expect this bond to already be Level 5… worth five hundred points!
That's right—if he had to list Naruto's earliest bonds, Ichiraku's owner would definitely rank at the top. Ever since he was a child shunned by the villagers, this tiny ramen shop had been the only place that never looked at him with disgust.
It seemed the deeper the impact on the story, the more points he would receive. The bond level was essentially a measure of affection.
Although Teuchi's bond level was five times higher than Satsuki's, the points gained were still the same—five hundred. But thinking about it carefully, in terms of influence on the original plot, no one could surpass his future rival and closest friend—Uchiha Sasuke… or rather, Uchiha Satsuki now.
In this world, aside from his late parents, Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, Teuchi was the first person to show Naruto kindness without asking for anything in return.
In an era when even some ninjas who didn't know the full truth treated Naruto with disdain, this ordinary ramen shop owner never believed the rumors about the "demon fox." He simply used his kindness to warm the lonely child.
It could be said that, aside from Iruka, Teuchi's role in preventing Naruto from going down a dark path was absolutely indispensable.
Even though he had already eaten a bento, Naruto still shoveled the ramen into his mouth. The hot noodles soaked in rich broth, the chashu tender but not greasy—no wonder this was a long-standing Konoha favorite, a shop even the Hokage frequented. The taste was impeccable.
However, for a three-year-old who had just eaten a full meal, finishing an entire bowl of ramen was a bit much. Halfway through, Naruto's movements slowed noticeably, his little belly already round and tight.
Teuchi peeked out from the kitchen, squinting as he asked, "What's wrong, Naruto? Eating so slowly—did today's ramen not suit your taste?"
"N-No, that's not it!" Naruto shook his head quickly. "Your ramen is just as delicious as always! It's just…" He scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I actually brought a bento today. After eating it, I still felt a bit hungry, so I came here, but now…"
Teuchi smiled in understanding. "I see. Sounds like you misjudged the portion size of your bento. Well, as long as the ramen tastes right, that's what matters. If you really can't finish it, it's okay to leave the rest. You don't want to hurt your stomach."
But Naruto shook his head firmly. "No. I'll finish it."
Teuchi paused, clearly surprised—though it was hard to tell behind his squinting eyes. Naruto buried his head and continued eating. Even though he had to pause for a few seconds after each bite, he kept going until the very last drop of broth was gone.
"Thanks for the meal!"
Naruto patted his swollen belly in satisfaction and skillfully counted out seventy-five ryo from the small wallet at his waist, placing the coins neatly on the counter.
After clearing the bowl, Teuchi spoke with a hint of reproach. "Naruto, overeating like that isn't good for a kid. Why not leave some? It's just a bowl of ramen."
Naruto lowered his head. "…Because it tastes so good. I didn't want to leave any."
"That's a reason that makes a cook happy," Teuchi said, wiping his hands, concern showing in his eyes. "But it's not an excuse to mistreat your body."
"Mm…" Naruto looked up, his blue eyes shining with sincerity. "Then… since your ramen is so healing, can that count as an excuse?"
"Healing?" Teuchi chuckled helplessly and shook his head. "That's a bit exaggerated. Sure, ramen is delicious, but not that amazing, right?"
"No, I'm serious." Naruto suddenly sat up straight, his small face full of earnestness. "Your ramen really is healing."
His voice softened.
"The first time I came here… I didn't know why, but no one in the village would sell me anything. It was raining that day, and nobody even let me stay inside to keep dry…"
Teuchi froze. The memory surfaced vividly—the small figure soaked to the bone, standing alone outside the shop, blond hair plastered to a pale face. He had looked pitiful beyond words.
"My stomach hurt from hunger, and I was freezing…" Naruto continued. "You were the one who called me in. And you treated me to a steaming bowl of ramen…"
His tone suddenly brightened, a radiant smile spreading across his face.
"That was when I realized—ramen tastes amazing when you eat it on an empty stomach!"
"So—" Naruto leaned forward, both hands on the counter, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Every time I eat your ramen, I feel really happy and really warm inside! That's why… for every bowl you make for me, I absolutely don't want to leave a single bite behind!"
When he finished speaking, Teuchi turned around, facing away from Naruto. His shoulders trembled slightly. In a deliberately helpless yet fond tone, he said,
"Well, well… looks like you've convinced me. Hearing that, I suppose there's no way you could leave any ramen behind…"
Out of Naruto's sight, Teuchi raised his rough hand and quickly wiped at his warm eyes. Then he reached into his apron pocket, pulled out a small card, and carefully wrote a line on it with a ballpoint pen.
"Here, Naruto." He turned back and handed the card to him, his eyes crinkled with a smile. "Take this."
Naruto's eyes widened. "This… could it be?!"
Teuchi nodded, his voice gentle. "That's right. There's nothing that makes a cook happier than someone who loves his food this much. Think of it as… a special gift for a customer who truly appreciates good food."
On the card, written in clear lettering, were the words:
[Ichiraku Ramen Special Voucher]
Miso Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen (1 serving)
Validity: Permanent
It was Naruto's favorite flavor.