After leaving the office, I decided to go for a walk. With everything that had recently happened, I needed some fresh air, a chance to breathe freely, and maybe. just maybe. an expensive meal. Something actually cooked and not stolen from the Academy pantry.
Missing a single day of training wouldn't set me back much. My muscles practically sighed in relief at the thought of a break. As I strolled through Konoha's bustling streets, I slowed my pace to fully appreciate the lively atmosphere. The sun warmed my back, merchants shouted cheerful greetings because they did not know me, and the scent of food wafted through the air, whispering sweet promises.
I wandered aimlessly, stopping occasionally to chat with random villagers, asking for recommendations for a decent place to eat. Eventually, after some direction from a particularly enthusiastic shopkeeper, I found myself in front of a restaurant that practically beckoned to me. The gentle smoke drifting from its entrance seemed to form ghostly fingers, inviting me inside.
I stepped into the restaurant, and a powerful wave of nostalgia crashed over me. I'd been here before. This was the same place the ANBU had taken me after the bear incident. What a bizarre coincidence. Fate really had a twisted sense of humor.
The restaurant owner, who was also simultaneously the server and chef, greeted me with booming warmth, "Welcome, young customer!"
Only now did I notice he was an Akimichi. Back then, I'd been too preoccupied with surviving the ANBU's silent judgment to pay attention. I chose a seat carefully and settled in, immediately running mental calculations. How much could I afford to eat without starving myself later? With summer vacation upon me, I couldn't exactly "borrow" food from the Academy cafeteria anymore.
With a sigh, I pushed those worries aside. For just this one day, I would relax and let myself enjoy a proper meal. A single day of indulgence wouldn't kill me.
Smiling to myself, I confidently opened the menu. Then promptly closed it after seeing the prices. My wallet nearly wept. The owner soon approached, all smiles and booming confidence, asking, "So, what'll it be today, kid?"
My head drooped, and I mumbled quietly, "The cheapest meat dish you have, please."
The owner laughed heartily, a warm and reassuring sound. "Been there myself, kid! Tell you what. I'll hook you up this one time, but don't get used to it, alright?"
I felt a surprising wave of gratitude wash over me. If every restaurant owner acted like him, they'd go broke overnight. I chuckled softly at my situation thinking to myself "I can't wait until I start taking missions and actually earn some money. I'm going to eat like a king."
The owner saw the look on my face and patted me on the back with surprising force, nearly knocking me forward. "Do not worry about it kid! sit tight. Good food coming up!" and left in a hurry.
Grinning to myself, I finally took a proper look around. The chair beside me was empty, promising a peaceful meal. But just as I relaxed, a loud, unmistakable voice boomed through the entrance.
"Hahaha! I have triumphed again, my eternal rival! I reached the restaurant first!" The energetic voice filled every corner of the restaurant.
A dry, bored voice immediately followed. "I wasn't competing in the first place, Gai."
"You're only saying that because you lost, Kakashi!"
My eyes widened as two unmistakably familiar figures stepped inside. My thoughts screeched to a halt as Might Gai and Hatake Kakashi. actual legends from my past life's favorite show walked casually into the restaurant. My jaw went slack, mind frozen in awe as they took seats right next to me.
The owner soon arrived with my meal, a generous portion far larger than what I'd ordered. Clearly, I'd struck a chord with him. I shook off my shock, looking up at him with genuine gratitude.
"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I promise to come here again and spend plenty once I'm making money."
He laughed warmly, slapping my shoulder again. "Don't worry about it, kid. Eat up and enjoy!"
Kakashi, leaning lazily on one elbow, tilted his head slightly. "Hey, old man, since you're feeling charitable today, how about tossing in a few free sides?"
The owner's friendly demeanor flipped instantly into a terrifying glare. "Don't push your luck, Kakashi."
Kakashi quickly turned away, feigning disinterest, while Gai chuckled heartily. "Old man, bring us our usual feast! Youthful warriors need hearty fuel!"
The owner muttered something under his breath about freeloading rich jonin before disappearing back into the kitchen.
Just as I was about to bury myself in the delicious meal before me, I heard Gai's voice aimed directly at me. "That's quite a feast for someone your age!"
I blinked rapidly, looking around until I realized he really was talking to me. Internally, my brain was on the verge of a meltdown. Might Gai was casually chatting with me, like this was a completely normal thing and something cracked inside me.
I already knew this wasn't a dream, but seeing both Kakashi and Gai up close made it hit different. That was it. This was real. This world was real. And suddenly, the realization caught up to me.
I was here. Alone. Completely cut off from everyone I had ever known in my previous life.
I cleared my throat and tried to clear my head, forcing myself to ignore the feeling roiling inside me, then answered cautiously, "I train a lot. I need all this food to keep my energy up."
Gai's eyes narrowed, studying me carefully, before a massive grin split his face. "I see! The flames of youth burn brightly within you!" He flashed his signature thumbs-up with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Keep that flame blazing, young man!"
I half-expected him to continue, but surprisingly, he let me eat in peace, turning back to Kakashi to continue his friendly assault of relentless enthusiasm.
After finishing my meal, I paid the owner. Before leaving, I turned respectfully to Kakashi and Gai, bowing slightly. "It was an honor meeting you both."
Kakashi gave a lazy wave, his voice casual but oddly sincere. "Good luck out there, kid."
Gai pumped his fist energetically. "Remember, youth has no limits!"
With my mind in turmoil, I left them to their meal.
As Noa was leaving, Kakashi's expression shifted subtly. He quietly lowered the cover over his right eye, revealing the Sharingan briefly as he watched me leave. He frowned slightly before covering it again with a tired sigh.
Gai, noticing the shift, glanced at Kakashi with rare seriousness. "Was that really necessary? Why use your eye on the boy?"
Kakashi shrugged nonchalantly, resuming his usual lazy posture. "Call it instinct."
Gai followed Kakashi's gaze thoughtfully as Noa's figure disappeared into the bustling crowd outside. "What exactly did you see, Kakashi?"
Kakashi paused, seeming to consider carefully, then finally spoke in a quiet yet certain voice, laced with intrigue. "A monster in the making."