The classroom buzzed with a quiet intensity. Even Inuzuka Kiba, usually brash and energetic, was tapping his pen against his desk with a scowl.
"Damn it! I definitely can't lose to that guy, Naruto!" he muttered to himself.
Shino Aburame, quiet and analytical as always, was also working diligently, silently calculating and observing the dynamics of the class.
All around him, Naruto had caused a minor storm. Iruka-sensei noticed it, of course, but rather than annoyance, he felt a deep, genuine pride swell within him.
When Naruto correctly answered the question posed in class, Iruka froze for a moment. Then, a warm current spread through his chest.
"Congratulations, Naruto…" Iruka said softly, a rare bright smile lighting his face. There was pride, relief, and unreserved happiness in his eyes, like a parent witnessing the first steps of a child who had grown into his own strength.
Naruto, stunned for a moment, could hardly contain himself. He leapt from his seat, raising his arms in triumph.
"This is amazing! I finally got the right answer!"
Iruka chuckled, shaking his head. "No need to get too excited. This is just the beginning. There's much more you can achieve."
"Thank you, Iruka-sensei!" Naruto said earnestly.
Then his gaze shifted to Hinata, sitting quietly nearby. Almost immediately, everyone's attention followed his eyes to the shy girl, who turned an intense shade of crimson. Her ears, naturally pink, flushed even deeper, and she quickly lowered her head, murmuring softly, almost too quietly to hear.
"N-nothing… this… this is all because of Naruto-kun's hard work…"
Naruto felt a pang of guilt. He had forgotten to properly thank her for her help with his studies.
"Ah, Hinata! I'll treat you to ramen after school!" he said suddenly, determination flashing in his eyes.
Hinata's heart skipped a beat. Ramen? With Naruto-kun? The thought made her cheeks grow warmer. Was this… a date?
Iruka-sensei, seeing the exchange, cleared his throat and put on a stern expression.
"Naruto! Celebrating is fine, but the classroom is not a place for you to chat!"
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly. "Ah ha, right. Sorry, Hinata, we'll talk after school!"
Even as Iruka's scolding rang in the air, there was a quiet satisfaction deep within him. Naruto had grown up, and in this small victory, Iruka felt a fatherly pride.
---
The Ramen Date Begins
After classes ended, Naruto wasted no time. Under the astonished gazes of their classmates, he boldly approached Hinata.
"Come on, let's go!" he said, extending his hand.
Hinata's heart raced, but she nodded shyly. "…Okay."
Naruto, always eager to follow the system's guidance while maintaining his own flair, checked briefly with it before moving:
[The host can have ramen for dinner, but training cannot be neglected. Please do frog jumps with weights while going to Ichiraku Ramen!]
Naruto exhaled dramatically. "Okay, okay, I got it! Let's go, Hinata!"
"…Ok… my love," Hinata whispered, unable to keep her blush from spreading.
With that, Naruto hoisted his backpack like a weight and performed an exaggerated frog leap forward. Hinata followed alongside him, her own steps careful but mirroring his energy. They moved shoulder to shoulder, and though shy, Hinata's cheeks glimmered with excitement.
Every passerby turned to look, drawn by the unusual sight: Naruto, the hyperactive and once-underestimated ninja, carrying himself with a newfound confidence, and Hinata, his quiet and gentle companion, bouncing gracefully beside him.
---
Arriving at Ichiraku Ramen
The moment they arrived, Naruto's eyes widened. Ichiraku Ramen—the smell of rich broth, the savory aroma of pork, and the steam rising from the bowls—reminded him of simpler days and long-forgotten meals. His mouth watered uncontrollably.
"Hinata, I'll probably do anything today! I'm going to eat a ton!" he declared, his excitement unrestrained.
Hinata nodded softly. "I… I'll try my best too…"
Naruto's internal thoughts betrayed him: Actually, I eat a lot too… maybe even more than usual today. Hope they don't run out of bowls!
At that moment, the familiar voice of Ichiraku's owner, Teuchi—known to many as Ōtsutsuki Ichiraku—greeted them warmly.
"Hey, Naruto! Long time no see!"
Ayame, standing nearby, leaned toward Hinata with a teasing smirk. "Ah, Naruto-kun didn't come alone today… and he brought a very cute girl! Is this… a date?"
Hinata blushed furiously. Naruto scratched his head. "No, no! Hinata helped me with my studies, so I'm treating her as thanks. That's all!"
Ayame winked knowingly. "Ah… still a kid at heart, huh?"
Ichiraku's Uncle Teuchi only smiled, letting them proceed.
---
Choosing Their Meal
"Naruto, Hinata, what kind of ramen would you like?" Teuchi asked.
"Of course! A big bowl of pork miso char siu ramen!" Naruto shouted eagerly.
"Ah! Still your favorite," Teuchi chuckled. "And for you, Hinata?"
"I'll… have the same as Naruto-kun, please," she said quietly, her cheeks tinged with pink.
Naruto beamed. "Perfect! After all this training, a bowl of ramen is the best reward!"
Hinata smiled softly, quietly pleased that Naruto was enjoying himself. But Naruto's mind raced. He remembered the help Hinata had given him with his studies. This feast wasn't just for him—it was his way of showing gratitude.
"Eat as much as you want today, Hinata! It's my treat!" he said earnestly.
"…Okay," she murmured, a shy yet happy smile forming.
---
A Feast to Remember
The bowls arrived steaming and fragrant. Naruto immediately began devouring his ramen, large mouthfuls disappearing in seconds. Hinata, on the other hand, ate gracefully, her movements elegant yet deliberate.
Naruto paused mid-bite, eyes wide. "Wait… Hinata, you're already done?!"
Hinata lowered her head, her cheeks crimson. "S-sorry…"
"Haha! Don't apologize! Seeing you enjoy it like this shows that my thanks are accepted," Naruto said proudly. "Ichiraku's Uncle, another bowl for both of us, please!"
"Alright!" Teuchi said with a chuckle.
Hinata hesitated. "Naruto-kun… you don't need to spend so much money…"
"Don't be silly! Am I, Naruto Uzumaki, stingy? Not today!" he declared. "I'm going to make sure we're both full!"
Hinata smiled softly, touched by Naruto's enthusiasm. "Then… I won't be polite either," she murmured.
And so, the extraordinary scene unfolded: Naruto, an unstoppable force of appetite, and Hinata, deceptively delicate yet consuming bowl after bowl, astonishing everyone present. Each additional serving disappeared as if by magic, leaving the onlookers—customers and staff alike—gaping in awe.
Even Ayame whispered in astonishment, "Hinata… she's eating like a pro! Who knew she could handle so much?"
---
Bonds Strengthened
As the two continued their meal, laughter and conversation bridging the gaps of shyness and uncertainty, a quiet realization settled over them. Today was more than just ramen—it was a small celebration of growth, of hard work, and of the beginnings of deeper connections.
Naruto's energy, determination, and unfiltered gratitude had brought them together in a moment of genuine joy. Hinata, once shy and reserved, began to feel the warmth of companionship and trust. Even in the small acts—sharing food, teasing one another, and quietly cheering each other on—something significant had shifted.
For Naruto, this was not merely a reward after training; it was a reminder of why he had worked so hard, why he continued to push himself every day. And for Hinata, it was an affirmation: supporting Naruto, even quietly, mattered.
Together, at Ichiraku Ramen, they forged a small but meaningful bond—one that would grow stronger in the days and challenges ahead.
And as they ate, laughed, and shared the simple joy of a meal together, the world outside the ramen shop seemed to pause, granting them a rare moment of peace in a life that was otherwise anything but ordinary.
---
patreon (Obito_uchiha)