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A Ramen Outing

Ichiraku Ramen!

For the first time, Kurenai Yūhi invited Nanaya out for ramen.

She wasn't sure if he would like it, but she hoped he would.

As they entered, the familiar scent of broth and noodles filled the air.

Pulling back the curtain, they were greeted by Teuchi, the shop owner, and his daughter Ayame.

"Welcome!"

Nanaya casually ordered a bowl of miso ramen to fill his stomach.

Kurenai, on the other hand, ate with grace and composure—just like a refined lady.

However, her pace was surprisingly quick.

Unlike other girls who took their time eating, Kurenai finished her ramen swiftly.

Suddenly—

A loud, energetic voice erupted from outside.

A Loud Entrance

"Haha! Iruka-sensei, thanks for treating me to ramen today! I'm gonna order the biggest bowl!"

Nanaya instantly recognized the voice—

Uzumaki Naruto.

Moments later, Naruto and Umino Iruka entered the shop.

When Naruto spotted Nanaya, his face lit up with excitement.

"Hey! Isn't that Nanaya-nii?! Long time no see!"

His grin widened as he saw Nanaya eating ramen.

"Whoa! So you like ramen too? Haha, just like me!"

Naruto greeted Nanaya enthusiastically, like an excited little brother.

"Yo, Naruto, Iruka-sensei. Long time no see."

Since becoming Hokage's advisor, Nanaya hadn't seen many familiar faces like Naruto's.

The last time they met was probably at the Third Hokage's funeral—which felt like a lifetime ago.

Naruto's Dream

Naruto excitedly slurped his ramen before turning to Nanaya.

"Nanaya-nii, guess what? In one year, I'll be graduating from the academy! That means I'll officially be a ninja! Haha! Maybe I'll even become Hokage before you!"

His enthusiasm was unwavering.

But before he could get too carried away—

SMACK!

Iruka whacked Naruto on the head, bringing him back to reality.

"Naruto, do you even realize who you're talking to?" Iruka sighed.

"Nanaya is already a Hokage advisor! You're nowhere near his level, so focus on training first!"

Naruto pouted, rubbing his head.

"I knooow, Iruka-sensei... But still, Nanaya-nii is my role model! I'm gonna do my best!"

A Walk Through Konoha

After their meal, Nanaya and Kurenai strolled through the streets of Konoha.

The village was lively, filled with the familiar chatter of merchants and shinobi.

Nanaya turned to Kurenai.

"Kurenai, aren't you a Jōnin yet?"

She suddenly looked a bit embarrassed.

"Um… Not yet, Nanaya-kun."

Nanaya thought for a moment.

At this point in the timeline, Kurenai hadn't officially become a Jōnin yet.

She would be promoted soon—just before Naruto and his friends graduated.

After that, she would be assigned as a team leader.

Which meant—she would be the one to mentor Hyūga Hinata's team.

Kurenai's Worries

"Kurenai, when you become a Jōnin, you'll be assigned a team of Genin. Are you looking forward to it?"

Kurenai's expression softened.

"Becoming a teacher, huh…"

A look of anticipation flickered across her face.

At the same time, she seemed worried.

Nanaya noticed her hesitation.

"What's wrong?"

Kurenai sighed.

"Nanaya-kun… I just don't know if I'll be a good teacher."

"Why not?"

"Well… Unlike others, I don't have much to offer Genin.

Kakashi has copied over a thousand jutsu…

Guy is a master of taijutsu…

But me? All I really have is my genjutsu."

She clenched her fists.

"And I even lost to a nameless enemy last time. How can I train new shinobi if I'm not strong enough myself?"

Nanaya could see the self-doubt in her eyes.

Even someone as confident as Kurenai had moments of insecurity.

Encouragement

The two had unknowingly walked near a small stream, where the setting sun reflected off the water.

The golden light danced across the rippling surface.

Nanaya smiled.

"Everyone starts somewhere, Kurenai."

"No one is strong from the beginning. Growth takes time."

His words were calm yet firm.

Kurenai's expression softened.

She still had doubts…

But somehow, hearing Nanaya's words made her feel lighter.

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