Chapter 34: Ichiraku Ramen
For the next two days, Konoha remained calm—almost eerily so. It was as if nothing had changed.
Even Might Guy, once overwhelmed with desperation, had given up any thoughts of resistance.
Unless Fugaku turned out to be a disaster like the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi—who was infamously manipulated by Obito—Jonin like Guy, loyal to the village, were willing to tolerate the new Hokage.
After all, nothing had changed except the man in the Hokage seat. Life went on.
---
Inside the Hokage Office
"Hokage-sama, about tomorrow's ceremony…"
Nara Shikaku's calm voice interrupted Fugaku's musings.
"Mhm. I'll handle it. Thank you, Assistant Shikaku."
Fugaku gave a rare, relaxed smile.
Shikaku nodded and exited the room, returning to the office next door. The Assistant Hokage's office had been set up adjacent to Fugaku's, with the two Advisor offices—Uchiha Sihu and Hyuga Hiashi—flanking his on either side.
Today's visit was about final preparations for the Hokage inauguration ceremony.
Most of the logistics were complete. Shikaku was simply checking in and offering to prepare a speech, something he'd done for both the Third and Fourth Hokage in the past.
So when Fugaku waved him off, claiming he didn't need one, Shikaku was surprised—but quietly relieved.
Fugaku leaned over his desk and picked up a pen.
How hard can a speech be, anyway?
Half an hour later, he was staring proudly at a half-full page.
Done.
Putting his pen down, Fugaku rubbed his stomach. "I'm hungry. Time to eat."
---
Time for Ramen
Earlier in the day, he'd eaten a packed lunch delivered by Anbu.
But now that he had time?
He'd go to Ichiraku Ramen in person.
Maybe I'll try a different flavor today...
His thoughts wandered as he strolled through Konoha.
In his past life, someone had opened a ramen shop themed after Ichiraku, using the gimmick of "Hokage Ichiraku Ramen." They'd even dressed up the staff like characters from the anime. It was decently done—though the woman cosplaying Tsunade had clearly misunderstood the assignment. Let's just say… the proportions weren't accurate.
Fugaku chuckled inwardly.
But then another thought crossed his mind:
What would the three Sannin—Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru—do when they found out I'd killed their teacher and taken the Hokage seat?
Orochimaru? He wouldn't care.
He was already planning to crush Konoha himself and send his beloved teacher off personally.
Tsunade? Still suffering from hemophobia. She couldn't use her full strength. Even if she returned, she wasn't a serious threat.
Jiraiya, though… might be a problem.
But Fugaku wasn't worried. Jiraiya was still a reasonable man. And more importantly—
He had the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan.
At worst, they'd fight.
Let's see who ends up regretting it.
Besides, according to Kakashi, spies had escaped two nights ago. Within another two days, word of the Uchiha coup would be spreading across the continent.
---
Ichiraku Ramen
Before long, he arrived.
Lifting the noren curtain, Fugaku glanced around. It was just past 5 PM—still early. The shop was quiet.
Only one customer sat at the counter.
"Welcome! What would you like to eat?"
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged man, maybe 37 or 38. He wore a crisp white uniform and hat, with "Ichiraku" embroidered on the front. A towel rested on his shoulder.
This was undoubtedly Teuchi—the ramen shop's legendary owner.
Online forums in Fugaku's past life had spawned the wild theory that Teuchi was secretly the strongest being in the Naruto universe—capable of defeating Six Paths Madara and even kicking Ōtsutsuki into orbit.
Now, up close?
Nothing unusual.
No chakra signature. No killing intent. No mystery.
Just a regular man.
Fugaku glanced at the menu and casually ordered a new flavor.
As he sat waiting, a teenage girl—around 14 or 15—walked out from the back kitchen. Dressed just like Teuchi, she smiled and nodded.
Ayame, Teuchi's daughter.
She was cute, with a bright and clean appearance, but nothing too extraordinary.
Fugaku lost interest after a couple of glances.
Mikoto's leagues beyond her anyway.
Soon, the ramen arrived.
He quietly ate, savoring the taste. Ichiraku's flavor was… excellent. Better than anything he'd had at breakfast joints in his past life.
Maybe it's the ingredients, he thought. No pollution, all natural... or maybe Teuchi really does have a secret recipe.
Once finished, he left the empty bowl and placed his payment on the counter.
"Thanks. Keep the change," he said, knocking the counter lightly before standing.
"Please come again!" Teuchi called out cheerfully.
Of course, he had no idea that the man who just left his shop was the Fifth Hokage.
---
Afterward
Fugaku returned to the Hokage Building and confirmed that no new business awaited him.
He clocked out early.
As he walked home, he checked the time—just about when the Ninja Academy dismissed.
Let's swing by and pick them up.
By the time he arrived, the school gates were bustling. Parents gathered to pick up their children, and crowds of kids spilled out in waves.
Just as Fugaku arrived, he spotted two familiar figures: Sasuke and Naruto.
Sasuke walked quickly, his face blank and unreadable.
Naruto trailed beside him—talking, bouncing, sometimes darting ahead, then falling back again. Loud and enthusiastic, he chattered nonstop, clearly trying to get a reaction.
Sasuke clenched his jaw.
If only I could plug my ears...
But there were too many people around to act out.
However, as they reached the school gate, Naruto suddenly quieted.
Sasuke relaxed slightly—only for his brow to furrow again.
Parents at the gate were whispering. Their voices carried just enough to hear snippets:
> "Why is that boy still here?"
"Didn't they say he's the demon child?"
"Why is he always with young master Sasuke?"
Their comments were sharp. Harsh.
And Sasuke—though he never liked Naruto—suddenly felt irritated on his behalf.
He didn't even realize why he was stepping up mentally to defend him.
Usually, they didn't leave school together. This was a rare occurrence.
But today, Naruto had insisted on walking home with him, clinging on like a noisy barnacle.
Yet now, Sasuke looked back at the boy beside him and thought—
Do they have to talk like that?
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To Be Continued...
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