Chapter 43: Treating Shisui to Ramen
As the sparring session with Shisui came to an end, I noticed the slight grumble of his stomach—a clear sign that the young Uchiha was hungry. His cheeks flushed slightly, but he tried to play it off by adjusting his headband.
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like all that training worked up an appetite. How about I treat you to some ramen?"
Shisui's eyes lit up at the mention of food, especially ramen. "Really? I love ramen!"
"Then it's settled," I said with a grin. "Ichiraku's on me."
We made our way through the busy streets of Konoha, the late afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the village. As we walked, Shisui seemed more relaxed, his earlier nervousness from the sparring session completely gone. Despite being a prodigy, he was still just a kid, and the simple pleasure of having ramen with a friend was enough to bring out his playful side.
When we arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, the familiar scent of broth and noodles greeted us. The stand was fairly quiet, with only a few other patrons seated at the counter. Teuchi, the owner, gave us a welcoming smile as we took our seats.
"Two bowls of miso ramen, please," I said, placing the order.
Teuchi nodded and got to work, his hands moving skillfully as he prepared our meal. As we waited, I glanced over at Shisui, who was fidgeting slightly with excitement.
"So, Shisui," I began, "what made you so interested in training? I mean, most kids your age are still just playing ninja games."
Shisui looked up at me, his expression thoughtful. "I want to be strong enough to protect everyone in the village. My clan, my friends… I want to make sure that no one has to suffer or lose someone they care about."
I was taken aback by the depth of his words. For someone so young, Shisui already had a clear sense of purpose—something that many older shinobi still struggled with.
"That's a noble goal," I said, nodding in approval. "But remember, it's not just about strength. You'll need to be smart, too. A good shinobi knows when to fight and when to avoid it."
Shisui nodded, absorbing the advice. "I understand, Ruki-san. I'll keep that in mind."
Just then, Teuchi placed two steaming bowls of ramen in front of us, the rich aroma making my mouth water. Shisui's eyes widened at the sight, and without wasting a moment, he picked up his chopsticks and dug in.
"Mmm! This is so good!" Shisui exclaimed between mouthfuls, his earlier serious demeanor replaced by pure joy.
I laughed, enjoying the sight of him savoring his meal. "Ichiraku's is the best in the village. You can always count on Teuchi-san for a good bowl of ramen."
We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the clinking of chopsticks and the occasional slurp of noodles. It was a simple moment, but one that felt oddly significant. Sitting there with Shisui, I realized that despite the harsh world we lived in, it was moments like these that made it all worth it.
As Shisui finished his bowl, he looked up at me with a satisfied smile. "Thank you for the meal, Ruki-san. I'll never forget this."
"Anytime, Shisui," I replied, ruffling his hair. "Just remember, if you ever need anything—training, advice, or even just someone to talk to—don't hesitate to find me."
Shisui's smile widened, and he gave me a small bow. "I will, Ruki-san. And I'll keep working hard, so I can be strong like you."
We left Ichiraku Ramen and walked back toward the Uchiha district, chatting casually about different training techniques and sharing stories about our experiences as shinobi. Despite his young age, Shisui had already seen and learned a lot, and I could tell he was eager to prove himself.
As we neared the entrance to the Uchiha district, Shisui turned to me, his expression serious once again. "Ruki-san, I hope we can spar again soon. I want to get better, and I know you can help me."
I nodded, smiling at his determination. "Of course, Shisui. We'll train together whenever you want. Just remember to take it one step at a time. You're already on the right path."
Shisui grinned, his youthful energy returning as he gave me a quick wave. "Thanks, Ruki-san! See you soon!"
With that, he dashed off into the Uchiha district, his small figure quickly disappearing from sight. I watched him go, feeling a sense of pride and anticipation. Shisui was destined for greatness, and I was glad to have played a small part in his journey.
As I turned to head back home, I couldn't help but smile. The future was uncertain, but with promising young shinobi like Shisui coming up, I knew that Konoha would continue to thrive. And who knows? Maybe one day, Shisui would surpass us all.
But for now, I was content to watch him grow, guiding him along the way whenever he needed it. After all, that's what it meant to be part of the village—supporting each other, no matter the challenges ahead.