NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: 5
"Sealing techniques really are incredible."
In the kitchen of Kenichi Ramen Shop, Kenichi kneaded the dough while feeling the chakra flowing within his body.
By now, he had absorbed three large chakra reserves, which meant he had the chakra equivalent of three Kakashis.
Yet, thanks to his Chakra Sealing Method, his chakra felt no different from when he first extracted it.
Even Hatake Sakuya and Sakumo, who had visited multiple times, failed to notice any changes.
However, something felt off.
When Kenichi went to buy ingredients, he noticed something unsettling—
The prices of staple foods like rice, flour, and grain had begun to rise.
A classic warning sign.
Whenever these essentials became more expensive, it meant one thing…
War was coming.
The rumor spreading across the ninja world was that Senju Hashirama had been injured during his battle with Uchiha Madara.
The other ninja villages, sensing weakness, were beginning to move like sharks smelling blood.
To make matters worse, there was less and less news about Hashirama himself.
His status was unknown.
"If Hashirama dies… then the Ninja World War is inevitable."
Up until now, the only thing keeping the ninja world at peace was Hashirama's overwhelming presence.
Once that presence was gone, war would break out.
Kenichi frowned.
Half of his business relied on ninja customers.
If the Ninja World War started, shinobi would be sent to the front lines, and his sales would plummet.
"Tsk. Hashirama, at least hold on until I make enough money!"
Sighing, he placed a finished bowl of ramen onto the counter.
Then, wearing his signature business smile, he carried the steaming dish out to his customers.
"Boss!"
A loud, energetic voice rang through the shop.
Kenichi turned and saw three young figures enter.
A white-haired boy with an easygoing, carefree demeanor.
A long-haired boy with pale skin and a mysterious, almost eerie presence.
A blonde girl, her golden ponytail swaying as she walked.
Kenichi's eyes widened slightly.
"No way… It's them!"
Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade.
The future Three Legendary Sannin of Konoha.
But right now, they were just a trio of young genin.
Suppressing his recognition, Kenichi greeted them with a casual smile.
"You three, what would you like to eat?"
Jiraiya patted his chest confidently.
"Boss, give me a bowl of your extra-large signature ramen!"
He looked proud, as if treating his friends was some grand gesture.
After placing his order, he turned to Orochimaru and shoved him forward.
"Tch, stop staring at the menu, Orochimaru! Just get the signature ramen—it's obviously the best dish here!"
But Orochimaru didn't seem convinced.
Meanwhile, Tsunade scanned the menu before ordering,
"I'll take an assorted ramen, please."
Kenichi nodded.
"Alright, no problem. And for you?" He looked at Orochimaru.
The pale-skinned boy studied the menu silently, as if nothing caught his interest.
Kenichi noticed his hesitation and stepped in.
"If nothing stands out, how about trying cold noodles? It's something I've been developing recently."
Hearing this, Orochimaru's eyebrows raised slightly.
He wasn't a fan of cold food, but his curiosity toward the unknown got the better of him.
"Alright, I'll try the cold noodles."
"Got it! Please wait a moment!"
Kenichi hurried into the kitchen to prepare their meals.
While waiting, the three young genin chose a table and sat down.
Jiraiya, being the loudest as usual, turned to Tsunade.
"Tsunade, you've been distracted lately. What's going on?"
Tsunade's expression stiffened slightly, but she forced a small smile.
"It's nothing. I just haven't been sleeping well."
But Orochimaru saw through her immediately.
"You don't look like you're just tired. You're obviously worried about something."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement.
"Yeah! We're teammates, Tsunade! If something's wrong, just tell us—I'll fix it!"
To emphasize his point, he flexed his scrawny arms, looking overly confident.
Tsunade sighed.
"There's no point in telling you. You can't help."
Jiraiya pouted in protest.
"How do you know if you don't tell me?!"
Tsunade ignored him.
Meanwhile, inside the kitchen, Kenichi had been listening closely.
"This confirms it. Something must have happened to Hashirama."
As he finished preparing the meals, he walked out with a smile.
"Alright, here's your ramen! Enjoy!"
Placing Orochimaru's bowl in front of him, Kenichi added,
"This cold noodle recipe is still in development, so feel free to give me feedback after tasting it."
Orochimaru nodded and inspected his dish.
The differences were immediately obvious.
Unlike Jiraiya and Tsunade's steaming bowls, his noodles were cool to the touch.
Jiraiya immediately leaned forward.
"Hey, Orochimaru, let me try some!"
Before Orochimaru could even take a bite, Jiraiya was already eyeing his bowl.
Tsunade rolled her eyes and punched Jiraiya's head.
"Idiot! That's his food! At least let him eat first!"
But Orochimaru didn't mind.
"You can try it," he said, pushing the bowl toward Jiraiya.
Tsunade blinked in surprise.
"Huh? Why are you letting him have some?"
Orochimaru gave a rare small smile.
"Because… we're teammates."
Tsunade fell silent.
She knew exactly what he meant—he was telling her to rely on her teammates more.
Jiraiya, completely missing the emotional weight of the moment, took a huge bite.
The instant the cold noodles hit his tongue, his eyes widened.
"Whoa!"
The refreshing, slightly tangy taste exploded in his mouth.
It was cool, zesty, and slightly sweet, perfectly balanced to keep you wanting more.
"This is… amazing!" Jiraiya shouted with his mouth full.
Orochimaru, now curious, took his first bite.
The flavor was completely new to him—something he had never experienced before.
His eyes widened slightly in approval.
"Interesting…"
But after a few more bites, he frowned.
"It's good… but a bit too cold for my taste."
End of the Chapter.
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