11. Ramen, Rivalries, and Shenanigans

Chapter 11: Ramen, Rivalries, and Shenanigans

The night air was filled with the delicious aroma of Ichiraku Ramen as the young shinobi and their senseis enjoyed their meals. The small shop had never been this crowded—Team 7, Team 8, Team 9, and Team 10 were all gathered, chatting and laughing over steaming bowls of ramen.

Kakashi slurped his noodles lazily, still reading his book, while Guy dramatically waved his chopsticks in the air. "Ah, the flames of youth shine even brighter when accompanied by a good meal!"

Naruto, mouth full of ramen, spoke with zero regard for table manners—

"Mmmph—I'm telling you, guys, I was THIS close to beating Kakashi-sensei today!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "You didn't land a single hit."

Naruto nearly choked on his noodles. "T-That's not the point, bastard!"

Shikamaru, resting his chin on his palm, sighed. "Why do you even try? It's too troublesome to fight Kakashi."

Ino grinned. "Shikamaru, everything is troublesome to you."

Chōji nodded, munching on an extra bowl of barbecue pork ramen. "Shikamaru only fights if there's no way out. Or if you steal his snacks."

Kiba chuckled. "At least Naruto TRIED. Unlike Shikamaru, who probably would've just laid on the ground and surrendered."

Shikamaru groaned. "And yet here I am, suffering through this conversation. Truly, life is pain."

---

The Great Ramen Debate

Naruto slammed his hand on the counter. "Alright, listen up! Since we're all here, let's settle something important—what's the BEST ramen topping?"

Sakura sighed. "Naruto, that's not important."

Naruto ignored her. "For me, it's extra pork belly! Nothing beats that juicy flavor!"

Kiba smirked. "Nah, spicy miso is where it's at."

Shino, who had been silent, adjusted his sunglasses. "Mushrooms."

Everyone turned to him.

Naruto blinked. "Bro… what?"

Kiba made a face. "You eat bug food?"

Shino shrugged. "Mushrooms are an essential ecosystem component. They decompose organic material, returning nutrients to the earth."

Naruto stared. "Bro, we're talking about RAMEN, not science class."

Shikamaru sighed. "I just eat whatever. Less effort."

Chōji held up a fried pork cutlet. "You all have no taste. This is the peak of ramen toppings."

Ino flicked her hair. "Anything that doesn't make me gain weight is fine."

Lee suddenly stood up. "YOSH! I do not eat ramen because it does not fit into my youthful training routine!"

Naruto stared. "Bro, you are literally drinking broth."

Lee looked at his bowl, then at Naruto. "I… I have made a grave mistake."

---

Meanwhile, the Senseis…

Kakashi was still reading his book, completely ignoring the chaos.

Asuma chuckled. "You sure know how to pick a loud team, Kakashi."

Kurenai smiled. "It's nice to see them all getting along, though."

Guy wiped a tear dramatically. "The bonds of youth are truly unbreakable!"

Kakashi flipped a page. "Hmm."

Asuma sighed. "You're not even listening, are you?"

Kakashi turned another page. "Hmm."

---

Sasuke: A Quiet Night

As the teams finished their meals, they slowly went their separate ways. Naruto and Kiba were still arguing about ramen, Hinata was blushing over something Naruto said, and Shikamaru was probably thinking about going home and sleeping.

Sasuke, on the other hand, walked home alone.

He stepped onto the Uchiha District's empty streets, looking up at the bright night sky. The stars twinkled above, the moon shining softly.

He clenched his fists.

I'm getting stronger, but it's not enough…

He thought back to his fight with Kakashi, to the Warden in the mineshaft, to the flock of Ōhnyōm that had attacked him.

There's still so much more I need to do.

A faint breeze blew past him.

Sasuke closed his eyes for a moment.

Then, he turned and walked into the darkness of the Uchiha district, ready for whatever came next.

To Be Continued…