Chapter 28
Chapter 28
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Translator: Ace
Chapter: 28
Chapter Title: Orochimaru Defection Incident
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The warm noren curtain at Ichiraku Ramen was gently lifted, billowing steam laced with savory aromas washing over them.
"Teuchi, one tonkotsu chashu ramen."
Menma led Hinata into the shop.
He pointed to the signboard menu propped up on the floor nearby, then turned to her.
"What do you want to eat, Hinata?"
"I... I can have anything..."
Hinata bowed her head, twisting her fingers together, her voice a faint mosquito buzz.
"Then same as me."
Menma pulled Hinata to sit at the counter.
It was lunchtime, with three other customers inside Ichiraku Ramen. Teuchi looked up through the swirling steam, squinting at Menma.
"Oh, little Menma. New friend?"
Since moving to Konoha, Menma had occasionally dropped by Ichiraku Ramen, hoping to run into Naruto or Kakashi.
But Naruto was still too young—nine years from the start of the main storyline—so Menma hadn't met either one yet.
"Hey, haven't seen that kid Shunta lately."
The conversation from the villagers next to him drifted into Menma's ears as he waited for his ramen.
"I haven't seen him for a few days either. Went by his house yesterday—no one answered."
"Didn't he just get back from a mission? How's he missing already?"
"Maybe he took some high-level mission?"
"He's been a genin for years—what kind of mission could he take?"
"Weird. Sato vanished after being back a few days too."
Hm?
Menma quietly listened to the nearby villagers—who looked like genin—chatting about their missing friends. Fragments of the plot from his memories began to surface.
Orochimaru's defection must be coming up soon.
Menma had been planning to pay Uncle Snake a visit and see what he could snag.
He'd had his eye on Orochimaru's tech for a long time.
Edo Tensei probably wasn't perfected yet at this point, but the gene tech, cloning techniques, and Hashirama cells in Orochimaru's possession were all priceless treasures.
"Here're your ramens, kids."
Teuchi's voice interrupted Menma's thoughts on Orochimaru's possible escape routes.
Two bowls were slid in front of them, the chashu quivering slightly in the thick broth, the soft-boiled eggs gleaming amber.
"Th-thank you..."
Hinata murmured her thanks as she took her bowl with both hands.
Slurp, slurp—
The two dug in heartily.
Menma had already eaten once before heading out, so he took his time this round.
By the time he was halfway done, he noticed Hinata next to him sipping the broth in small mouthfuls at first, then gulping faster and faster.
Before long, she'd polished off a full bowl.
Even for a three-year-old kid like Hinata right now, that was a massive appetite.
"Teuchi, one more large ramen."
Menma saw Hinata's little face flush red—she clearly wasn't full yet—so he ordered another.
"N-no... it's okay..."
Hinata fidgeted with her hem, embarrassed.
The upbringing she'd received taught her that girls should eat daintily and quietly, not wolf down huge portions like boys.
"Eat up. My treat."
Menma's tone left no room for argument.
Teuchi was fast. Soon, a large bowl of steaming tonkotsu chashu ramen was placed in front of Hinata.
"Please enjoy!"
Teuchi smiled and added a plate of tempura between Menma and Hinata.
"Thanks to a regular bringing in a new customer—this is on the house for you two."
Teuchi squinted with a grin.
Menma was already stuffed, his bowl only half-empty, so he pushed the tempura over to Hinata.
Staring at the huge bowl of ramen and plate of tempura in front of her, mist welled up in Hinata's eyes again.
Ever since she could remember, she'd never once eaten her fill. She was too shy to tell her parents, and sometimes got scolded by her mother just for eating a bit more.
The young lady of the Hyuga Clan—one of Konoha's two great noble families—and she'd never been full? Who'd believe it if word got out?
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