After the four members of Team 7 left, Ichiraku Ramen didn't immediately see its peak season, but customers gradually began to fill it up.
Sunlight filtered through the slits in the curtains, casting warm patches of light on the bar counter, and the aroma of tonkotsu broth intensified the alluring richness of the air.
Shigure expertly tied his apron and began his day's work as an "Outstanding Employee of Ichiraku Ramen." It had to be said that the [Basic Physical Enhancement Level 1] he had redeemed from the [Dream Master System] the previous night had produced immediate results.
He could clearly feel his once frail young body being infused with new vitality overnight. Back in his first year after crossing over, even helping with kneading dough and stirring the wok was exhausting. Just washing the daily mountain of dishes was tiring. He'd be out of breath after a while, his back ached, and at night, he'd feel like his bones weren't his own.
Back then, almost all the work in the shop was done by Teuchi and Ayame. He'd felt guilty about this before, wanting to work harder and share more of the work. However, his physical foundation was so poor that the results were minimal.
He'd even tried to help carry bags of flour from the kitchen and nearly twisted his back, frightening Ayame so much that she wouldn't let him touch anything heavy for several days.
But today, it was completely different. Shigure felt like he was overflowing with endless energy. Whether kneading the dough, effortlessly lifting a bucket of soup stock weighing dozens of pounds onto the stove, or quickly chopping vegetables, prepping ingredients, cooking, and scooping noodles… he accomplished all the tasks with ease, almost with a sense of mastery.
Instead of feeling tired, he felt... more energetic the more he worked.
Was this the effect of Level 1? If he reached Level 10... wouldn't he be able to dance? (TL/Madara reference.)
Not only did he complete his assigned tasks efficiently, but he even had enough energy left to help Teuchi make the soup stock and prepare the chāshū.
"Hmm? Shigure, you're pretty quick today, aren't you?"
After the lunch rush, the shop quieted down a bit. Wiping his sweat, Teuchi looked in amazement at Shigure, who had practically cleaned up the kitchen. He couldn't help but jokingly say, "Not bad, not bad. Have you been secretly working out lately?"
"Hehe..." Of course, Shigure couldn't tell anyone about the system. A shy yet slightly smug smile crossed his face, and he scratched his head. "I've been secretly working out lately, thinking I could be of some help... and it seems to be working well."
"Oh?"
Teuchi was startled at first, then a deeply pleased smile spread across his face. He had always treated Shigure like his own son, knowing that while he might seem a little quirky, he was actually quite sensible.
What a... good kid.
Teuchi stepped forward and patted Shigure's slightly frail shoulders firmly, his eyes filled with approval and affection. "Good boy, you know how to care for me and your sister."
He laughed heartily and said generously, "But exercise alone isn't enough; you have to keep up with your nutrition. How about this: I will make you a good meal tonight to replenish your body!"
"Really? That's great, thanks, Teuchi-san."
Shigure's eyes lit up at the thought of a snack.
Just as they were enjoying themselves, the curtain at the door was drawn aside, and a beautiful figure walked in.
"I'm back! Dad, Shigure!"
It was Ayame. She was holding a large, seemingly heavy bamboo basket, and beads of sweat were on her forehead.
Seeing Teuchi and Shigure smiling at each other in the store, she asked curiously, "Huh? What's up?"
"Ayame, you're back." Shigure immediately dropped the rag in his hand and ran over to her. Reaching out to take the basket of vegetables from Ayame's arms. "Let me help you carry it, sis. You look tired."
"You?" Ayame glanced at him doubtfully, instinctively protecting the basket. "Can you carry it? Don't try to be brave again and hurt your back!"
Clearly, she was still in awe of Shigure's previous performance.
"Don't worry," Shigure clapped her arms confidently. "It's just a little weight, just a little water."
"Hahaha, that's right," Teuchi said, laughing beside her. "Don't worry, Ayame. Shigure is much stronger now. He's a real man."
Ayame reluctantly let go of his hand. Shigure chuckled and easily took the basket of vegetables that weighed at least thirty or forty kilograms and put it back in the inner warehouse steadily.
After a quick trip back and forth, it wasn't long before the dozen or so heavy boxes of various ingredients on the carriage were swiftly moved into the back kitchen warehouse. He barely even took a breath the entire time.
Looking at Shigure's busy and energetic figure and the confident, sunny smile on his face, Ayame felt a surge of emotion.
Yes... he has truly grown up.
He was no longer the little kid who needed constant care from her and his father three years ago.
She was genuinely happy for Shigure. As Shigure moved the last box of ingredients into the warehouse, he felt a surge of warmth as she watched the still-busy Teuchi and Ayame, ready to help.
"Alas... after three years of being cared for so unconditionally by Teuchi and Ayame, it's no wonder they treat Naruto without any prejudice."
These three years of getting along had made him deeply appreciate the simple kindness of this father and daughter. Although their lives were dull, they always treated those around them with the utmost kindness, including him, an orphan with unknown origins, and the fox demon ostracized by the entire village.
However... after three years of indirect observation and testing, Shigure was basically certain.
Teuchi is definitely not some Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku.
Nor is he the Six Paths Teuchi.
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Early chapters @ patreon.com/Reborn_noob