The sun hung low over Konoha, brushing the rooftops with gold. Shadows stretched across the cracked stone streets, and the air carried the smell of rain-soaked wood and distant cooking fires.
Ren walked with his usual calm pace, a small bag of supplies in each hand.
Naruto bounced beside him like a fox with too much sugar and too little patience.
"C'mon, Ren! Just one bowl!"
"No."
"A small one! I won't even ask for extra egg!"
Ren didn't respond. He just kept walking, expression unreadable.
Naruto caught up again, now walking backward in front of him, holding his arms out dramatically.
"We passed our first class! You saved me in there! This is a celebration! We need ramen!"
Ren sighed through his nose, not even bothering to look up. "We already spent half our allowance on supplies. We don't have much left."
"Teuchi-jii always gives me a discount!" Naruto grinned, pressing his hands together like he was about to beg the gods themselves. "Pleaseee?"
Ren stopped walking.
Naruto blinked.
Ren looked at him, long and flat.
Then turned to the side.
The Ichiraku Ramen sign peeked over the alley corner — warm lights glowing, steam already rising from inside.
A beat of silence.
Then Ren muttered:
"One bowl."
Naruto threw his arms into the air. "YES! Knew you'd break! You're soft, bro!"
"No refills."
"...One refill?"
Ren just sighed again.
Ichiraku Ramen
The curtain shifted as they entered, the scent of broth and garlic wrapping around them instantly.
Teuchi looked up from behind the counter. His eyes softened.
"Well, well. The Uzumaki boys."
Naruto hopped onto a stool. "Two bowls, please!"
Ren sat beside him without a word, setting the bags at his feet.
"You two start the Academy today?" Teuchi asked as he poured broth into wide bowls.
"Yep!" Naruto grinned. "I'm gonna be Hokage someday!"
"And you?" Teuchi looked at Ren.
Ren glanced up. "I'm just making sure he doesn't set the school on fire."
Naruto stuck his tongue out.
Teuchi laughed, placing their bowls in front of them with a gentle clink. "Eat up, boys."
Steam curled into the air. The first bite was warmth. The second was peace.
Naruto slurped loud. Ren ate quiet. But both sat side by side, shoulder to shoulder.
No stares. No mockery. No cold eyes.
Just noodles, broth, and the rare, safe stillness of being kids.
For once.
"Hey," Naruto mumbled between mouthfuls, "thanks… for earlier."
Ren paused, then gave a small nod.
"Always."