Naruto: Reborn in His Younger Self

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Ichiraku Ramen had a steady stream of customers coming and going, filling the air with the mouthwatering aroma of freshly prepared noodles.

"It's finally here."

Naruto's steps came to a stop in front of the familiar restaurant, a wide smile breaking across his face. Without hesitation, he pushed the curtain aside and stepped in.

"Old man, give me a big bowl of tonkotsu ramen!" Naruto called out excitedly.

Teuchi turned from behind the counter and grinned when he saw who it was. "Oh! If it isn't Naruto! Weren't you out on a mission? Looks like you're back safe and sound."

As he greeted Naruto, Teuchi continued working, his hands skillfully preparing another bowl of ramen.

"Yeah, I was on a mission, but something happened along the way, so I had to return to Konoha," Naruto replied as he took his usual seat at the counter.

Teuchi chuckled, scooping up a generous portion of ingredients. "Well then, consider this a reward. Extra toppings, on the house!"

Naruto's eyes sparkled with gratitude. "Thanks, old man!"

A steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen was placed in front of him, piled high with delicious toppings. The familiar scent hit him instantly, evoking memories of countless meals at Ichiraku.

As he picked up his chopsticks, an overwhelming warmth filled his chest. The taste of home, of comfort, of a place that had always been there for him—it was something beyond words.

Putting his hands together in a small prayer, Naruto whispered, "Itadakimasu!"

Then, without hesitation, he snapped apart his chopsticks and dug in.

Slurp! Slurp!

One mouthful after another, Naruto devoured the ramen, savoring every bite. The rich broth, the perfectly cooked noodles—it was all just as he remembered. For a moment, all his worries faded away. The burden of his past life, the pain of the Ōtsutsuki's interference, all disappeared in the simple act of eating.

Teuchi chuckled as he watched Naruto enjoy his meal. "If you want more, just let me know. I'll make as many bowls as you want!"

Naruto nodded eagerly, not planning to hold back.

To him, Teuchi was more than just the owner of Ichiraku Ramen—he was family. Ever since Naruto was a kid, Teuchi had been kind to him. On nights when Naruto had no money or food, he had always found a warm bowl waiting for him here.

When Naruto and Hinata got married, Teuchi had even gifted him a lifetime free ramen coupon—a gesture that meant the world to him.

Finishing the last sip of soup, Naruto let out a deep sigh of satisfaction.

"Man, that hit the spot!"

Ramen had always been an important part of his journey—his comfort food, his motivation, and his reward after hard work. Whether he was struggling with training, facing hardships, or simply feeling down, he had always found himself back here.

It was more than just a meal. It was a reminder of how far he had come.

"Old man, one more bowl of tonkotsu ramen!"

Just as Naruto placed his order, a familiar voice called out from behind.

"Naruto! What a coincidence!"

Naruto turned and blinked in surprise. "Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka smiled as he approached the counter. "Hey, aren't you supposed to be on a mission?" His expression suddenly turned serious as he noticed Naruto's slightly red eyes. "Hmm? Hey, hey, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

Naruto hesitated for a moment before abruptly pulling Iruka into a tight hug.

In his previous life, Iruka had sacrificed himself to protect Naruto when the time came. The memory of his former teacher blocking death's path for him was something he could never forget.

"It's nothing," Naruto murmured, holding back his emotions.

Iruka raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. "Are you sure?"

Naruto released him and scratched the back of his head with a grin. "Yeah, I just haven't seen you in a while. I missed you, that's all!"

Still skeptical, Iruka gave him a light punch on the shoulder. "You're acting strange, you know that?" He sat down at the counter as Teuchi placed a fresh bowl of ramen in front of him. Breaking apart his chopsticks, Iruka took a bite before glancing at Naruto again.

"Does this have something to do with Sasuke?" he asked between mouthfuls.

Naruto shook his head. "No, it's not about Sasuke."

Iruka studied him for a moment. "Then what is it? You're not the type to get all sentimental out of nowhere."

Naruto simply smiled.

In front of Iruka, Naruto always felt at ease.

Iruka had been the first person to truly acknowledge him, the first to see him not as the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki but as Naruto Uzumaki. In his heart, Iruka was more than a teacher—he was an older brother, a father figure, a mentor.

That was why, in his previous life, Naruto had chosen Iruka to stand in for his father at his wedding.

"It's really nothing," Naruto said, shaking his head. "I just wanted to hug you, that's all."

Iruka gave him a suspicious look. "Really?"

Naruto nodded with a grin.

Their conversation was interrupted as a voice called out from the entrance.

"Boss!"

"Boss!"

Naruto turned toward the door, seeing Konohamaru push past the curtain, panting heavily. Behind him, Udon and Moegi struggled to keep up.

Naruto laughed. "Konohamaru! Udon! Moegi! Long time no see!"

Stepping off his stool, he ruffled Konohamaru's hair affectionately.

To Naruto, Konohamaru was more than just his first disciple—he was like a younger brother. In his previous life, Konohamaru had fought and died protecting him. The weight of that sacrifice still lingered in Naruto's heart.

"Boss, I finally found you!" Konohamaru huffed. "You disappeared before I could catch up!"

Naruto raised an eyebrow. "What's up?"

Konohamaru grinned. "Grandma Tsunade told me to find you. She wants you to head to the Hokage's office right away!"

Naruto sighed, feeling disappointed that his peaceful ramen time was coming to an end.

"Already? Man, that was fast."

He stretched before turning to Iruka. "Looks like I gotta go. See you later, Iruka-sensei!"

Iruka waved. "Yeah, don't keep Lady Hokage waiting."

As Naruto and Konohamaru left Ichiraku, a darker scene unfolded deep within the Root base.

Danzo stood before a large stone statue, gripping his cane, his face unreadable.

Behind him, a masked Root operative knelt on one knee.

"You're saying the Nine-Tails boy has returned to the village... and he brought Jiraiya with him?" Danzo asked.

The masked ninja nodded. "Yes, Lord Danzo."

Danzo narrowed his one visible eye in contemplation. After a brief pause, he finally spoke.

"Continue monitoring Naruto. Do not let him out of your sight."

"Yes, sir!"

With a swift movement, the Root operative vanished into the shadows, leaving Danzo standing alone, lost in thought.

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