Naruko-chan Is Just Too Cute! (fanservice)

"Eat ramen!"

Hearing Sasuke's sudden exclamation, Naruko blinked, her small face scrunching in confusion. "Sasuke… are you angry?" she asked hesitantly.

Sasuke didn't respond, his grip on her hand firm as he continued pulling her through the bustling streets.

Gaara, watching their retreating figures, stared at his empty hand. For some reason, he felt a strange sense of loss.

Behind them, Lee and the others exchanged awkward glances.

"Maybe we shouldn't follow them," Tenten suggested nervously. "I've got a feeling something's about to go down."

The group agreed, nodding solemnly.

Meanwhile, Temari stomped her foot in frustration.

"Gaara, what are you doing just standing there?! If you don't chase after them now, Naruko's going to get away!"

Gaara snapped out of his daze, realizing the urgency. Without hesitation, he leaped forward, riding a wave of sand to catch up.

"Sasuke, are you mad at me?" Naruko asked again, tilting her head.

Sasuke ignored her, pulling her away from the crowded street. But the sound of sand crunching underfoot made his frown deepen.

Gaara was following them.

"What is this guy's problem?" Sasuke muttered under his breath, irritated.

"Sasuke, let me go! What are you doing, dattebayo?!" Naruko tried to pull her hand free but couldn't shake off Sasuke's grip.

"Don't you realize how dangerous he is? He might try to kill you," Sasuke snapped coldly.

"Huh? No way! I think he's pretty nice, actually!" Naruko replied with her usual cheerful smile.

Sasuke scowled. "You're so naïve, you'd probably help someone scam you and even count the money for them afterward."

"What did you say?! I'm not stupid, you jerk!" Naruko's face flushed red with anger, puffing her cheeks in indignation. "I'm not dumb at all! Even Iruka-sensei says I'm really clever!"

Sasuke stopped abruptly, causing Naruko to bump into his back.

"Ouch!" Naruko rubbed her forehead with a pout. "What's your problem, Sasuke?! Why'd you stop like that?!"

Sasuke didn't answer. Instead, he gestured toward the building in front of them.

Naruko's eyes lit up. "One... Ichiraku Ramen!"

Just then, Gaara appeared, stepping off his sand platform to land gracefully beside them.

Sasuke's scowl deepened. "Why are you still following us?!"

"You said you were going to eat ramen," Gaara replied simply, his voice calm but laced with curiosity.

Naruko grinned. "Then let's all go together!" She grabbed Gaara's arm and dragged him inside the ramen shop.

"Welcome to Ichiraku Ramen... Wait, is that... Naruko?" Ayame looked up from her work and gasped. "Naruko-chan! So cute!"

Before Naruko could react, Ayame cupped her face and started pinching her cheeks.

"Stop it, Ayame-neechan! I'm hungry!" Naruko protested, squirming.

Teuchi, the shop owner, laughed heartily as he stepped out from the kitchen. "Naruko, you've changed a lot since the last time I saw you. How did you turn into such a cute girl?"

Naruko pouted. "It's complicated, but can we talk about that after I eat? I'm starving, dattebayo!"

Ayame chuckled, finally letting go of Naruko's face. "Sorry, sorry! You're just too adorable, I couldn't help it!"

"I guess you're happy today, huh, Naruko?" Teuchi asked as he handed her a menu.

Naruko beamed, scratching the back of her head. "Yeah! I made a new friend today! Gaara's really cool, isn't he?"

Gaara, standing awkwardly beside her, nodded slightly.

Ayame and Teuchi exchanged a brief look, their smiles softening. They had heard stories about Gaara and his troubled past. To see him smiling now, thanks to Naruko, was nothing short of miraculous.

"What would you like to eat? It's on the house today!" Ayame said with a cheerful wink.

Naruko's eyes sparkled. "I'll take the extra-large pork ramen! No, wait—make it two!"

She turned to Gaara. "You've gotta try it! Ichiraku's ramen is the best! I've been eating here forever, and it's my absolute favorite, dattebayo!"

Gaara nodded again, sitting beside Naruko.

Sasuke, on the other hand, stood frozen at the entrance. His hands clenched into fists.

"I'm not eating," Sasuke muttered abruptly before turning to leave.

Naruko blinked in surprise. "Huh? But you were the one who said we should come here!"

Sasuke didn't look back. "Just leave me alone, idiot."

Naruko bristled. "What the heck, Sasuke?! I was just being nice, and you're being a jerk again! Fine! Who needs you anyway?!"

Crossing her arms, she turned her attention back to Gaara, determined to ignore Sasuke.

Outside the shop, Sasuke paced back and forth, muttering under his breath.

"Why didn't she stop me? Just one more question, and I would've stayed! Stupid Naruko, always so clueless..."

His irritation boiled over, and before he could stop himself, he stormed back into the ramen shop.

Naruko glanced up, startled. "Sasuke? I thought you left!"

"I changed my mind," he said stiffly, sliding into the seat next to her. His gaze flicked toward Gaara, sharp and cold.

Gaara blinked, clearly confused.

"But Sasuke, I thought—" Naruko began, only to be cut off.

"I said I'm staying, didn't I? Now shut up and eat your ramen, idiot."

Naruko huffed, her cheeks puffing up again. "You're so annoying, Sasuke! Stupid Sasuke! Big dumb Sasuke!"