Ruichi hadn't expected that what was supposed to be a temporary side hustle during a mission drought would accidentally turn into his main job.
In just three days, the snack stall's business exploded far beyond his imagination.
On the first day, thanks to the "plant" from the Hyuga Clan—young Lady Hinata Hyuga—and the food's unique flavor, everything sold out in no time.
On the second day, word of mouth spread. The line stretched all the way to the street corner.
By the third day, even people from outside Konoha were showing up just to taste the pan-fried dumplings rumored to make people "ascend to heaven."
Steaming dumplings, fragrant skewers, and sweet, thirst-quenching mung bean soup drew customers like a magnet.
In the blink of an eye, more than a week passed.
Even though he kept increasing the amount of ingredients he prepared each day, demand still outpaced supply.
His daily net profit easily surpassed 10,000 ryo, sometimes even reaching 20,000 ryo—basically on par with completing a B-Rank Mission.
The price he paid was simple:
He was busy from morning to night, nonstop.
Ruichi squinted through his fingers at the blinding sunlight outside the window and reluctantly dragged himself out of bed.
Lately, he'd been sleeping until late every day, yet somehow felt more exhausted as time went on.
Yawning, he shuffled toward the washbasin. In the mirror, his eyes were bloodshot, and even his pupils seemed a shade darker.
Damn it… isn't this just continuing the rat race in a different place?
He stood there, letting cold water run over his hands, brows knitted tightly.
Over the past few days, he could clearly feel his body showing signs of fatigue—because it hadn't received enough nourishment from Natural Energy for a long time.
After all, his body only absorbed Natural Energy automatically when both mind and body were in a state of extreme relaxation.
Now?
Forget relaxation—he could barely rest at all.
Worse still, as the business grew hotter and hotter, his instincts kept warning him that trouble was coming.
A sense of being watched.
Ever since the second day, he'd felt hostile gazes lingering on his stall—sometimes obvious, sometimes hidden—and they were becoming more frequent.
Is it jealousy because I'm making too much money? Or… did I step on some unspoken rule?
He knew very well that in a ninja-dominated society like Konoha, a stall that suddenly appeared, made a fortune every day, and openly used "strange" ninjutsu was bound to draw attention.
So annoying.
Thinking this, he continued preparing the day's ingredients with practiced ease.
Just as he opened the stall and was about to light the fire, two figures in uniform entered his field of vision.
They wore the insignia of the Konoha Military Police Force and were walking straight toward him.
So it's finally come.
Ruichi sighed inwardly, but on the surface maintained his usual lazy, easygoing business smile.
The two Uchiha Clan police officers stopped in front of the stall, faces stern, their presence imposing even without raising their voices.
The line of customers instantly fell silent. Tension filled the air.
"Hello," said the square-faced officer in a deep, steady voice.
"I am Uchiha Takumi of the Konoha Military Police Force. This is Uchiha Kazama. We received a report that your stall is operating without a license and illegally occupying public space."
Bullshit.
Forget the license—this land belongs to Old Man Teuchi. These two are just here to stir trouble.
Ruichi cursed internally, but kept his smile polite and sincere.
"Officers, please take a look. I specifically set the stall to the side and left enough space for pedestrians. I also only operate during lunch and dinner hours. A lively business boosts this street's popularity too—it's contributing to Konoha's prosperity."
While flattering them aloud, his mind raced.
Who's behind this? A jealous competitor? Some clan that wants a cut? Or the Village's higher-ups?
The onlookers began whispering.
"I've never heard that you need a license to set up a food stall in Konoha."
"It'd be such a shame if these dumplings shut down."
"Are the Military Police just picking on him?"
Takumi and Kazama's expressions darkened.
They didn't want a reputation for abusing authority.
At that moment, a calm, cool voice rang out from behind the crowd.
"Takumi. Kazama."
Everyone turned.
A young man in casual clothes walked over unhurriedly.
It was Itachi Uchiha.
He first gave Ruichi a slight nod, then looked at the two officers.
"Uchiha Itachi," Takumi and Kazama greeted immediately, dropping their previous sternness.
As the acknowledged genius of the clan and the clan head's son, Itachi's status was undeniable.
"What are you doing?" Itachi asked calmly, his tone gentle yet unquestionable.
"We received a report that Ruichi's stall is operating without a license and occupying the road—" Takumi explained hurriedly.
Itachi's gaze returned to Ruichi, holding a trace of inquiry, but more understanding than suspicion.
"Operating without a license?" Itachi repeated lightly, then looked back at Takumi.
"Konoha's commercial regulations don't explicitly cover mobile vendors. As long as public order isn't disrupted and safety isn't threatened, there's no need to make this a big deal."
He paused, voice growing more meaningful.
"As for occupying the road—this area belongs to Ichiraku Ramen. It's not public land."
"And besides," he added calmly, "Ruichi's pan-fried dumplings and skewers are genuinely good. You could even say they add a bit of scenery to the Village. There's no need to be so strict."
Those words decisively defused the situation.
Ruichi was slightly surprised by Itachi's support.
Those hotheads were just being used. But Itachi…
Still, the matter needed a clean ending.
Seeing that Takumi and Kazama were struggling to back down, Ruichi quickly offered them an exit.
"You're just doing your duty. If you don't mind, please try some snacks. Thank you for always maintaining order in Konoha."
As he spoke, he handed over two servings of pan-fried dumplings and a handful of skewers.
With that, Takumi and Kazama had nothing more to say. They accepted the food and left.
The tense atmosphere dissipated.
"Thanks, Itachi," Ruichi said sincerely. "You really helped me out. What would you like? It's on me."
"It was nothing," Itachi replied. "I'll take one order of pan-fried dumplings."
He nodded and sat calmly at the counter.
Ruichi watched him, but his heart didn't feel any lighter.
He let out a long sigh and rubbed his aching waist.
This was just a test run. Who knows what they'll pull next time? The worst part is—I still don't know who's behind it.
He looked at his stall with clear disdain.
No matter who it is, the goal is obvious: shut me down. And honestly… I don't want to do this anymore either.
While frying dumplings, he made his decision.
This isn't the only way to make money. Next time, I'll find something easier.
Ruichi's snack stall—
decision: close it.