Chapter 12: Deluxe Ichiraku Ramen
"Let me apply the ointment for you." Uchiha Itachi, having calmed down, picked up the ointment from the floor, indicating for Nana to turn around.
Nana nodded, holding her collar as she turned, then tucked her beige hair behind her ears, revealing her fair, snow-white back.
The cool touch of the ointment made Nana shiver, and Itachi's lashes quivered, his eyes filled with tenderness.
"What kind of training did this?" Itachi asked, looking at the red marks and bruises on her acupoints. He had a guess but wanted to hear it from her.
"How to say... I guess I was learning a type of taijutsu." Nana's reply was vague, her slow speech indicating she didn't want Itachi to probe further.
Itachi softly acknowledged, then began advising her to moderate her training, not to overexert herself, and to stay safe.
He understood she wasn't planning to tell him the specifics of her training or partner. He would give her absolute freedom, supporting and protecting her silently.
The combination of ointment and Spatial Healing quickly lightened the marks on her skin. Itachi gently zipped her dress, the zipper working smoothly this time, making Nana's eyes widen in surprise.
This zipper seems to have a sense of timing, she thought, amused.
"Itachi-nii, after dinner, I want to buy some fruit." Nana clung to Itachi's arm, gently shaking it, pouting playfully.
"Alright, I'll join you." Itachi chuckled, affectionately tapping her small nose.
In the summer afternoon, the sun angled towards the treetops, its light filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that captured the serenity and beauty of the day.
As they stepped out, hand in hand, a few Uchiha clan members stopped them, signaling to Itachi about an urgent task.
"Sorry, Nana," Itachi said, looking guilty.
"It's okay, Itachi-nii. Go ahead." Nana smiled understandingly, her eyes gentle.
Itachi joined the clan members, casting a few reluctant glances back at Nana before disappearing with them.
Everyone's so busy, Nana thought, pouting slightly.
The bustling street was filled with various shops, people picking through the goods, lively and prosperous.
Nana bit into an apple, the sweet juice making her smile. The fruit in her bag jostled, making a faint noise.
"I heard it's true, that child..."
"Yes, that child, it's unsettling."
"Hey, don't play with him, who knows what he'll do to you."
The fragmented, malicious whispers caught Nana's attention. She noticed people whispering on the street, their hateful glares directed at a blond child in the center. His eyes were lost and confused, not understanding what he had done wrong, the constant atmosphere numbing him.
Naruto? Nana quickened her pace, recognizing the distinctive blond hair and whisker marks. It's really Naruto!
Naruto Uzumaki was drawn to the bustling ramen shop. He rummaged through his pockets, finding only a few coins, sighing in disappointment and preparing to leave.
"Naruto!" A clear, sweet voice called, stopping him.
Naruto turned to see a cute girl running towards him, her blue and white dress fluttering in the breeze, her beige, wavy hair cascading over her shoulders. She stood out in the noisy environment with her pure and clean aura.
Such a cute girl, cuter than anyone I've seen, Naruto thought, blushing.
"Are you calling me?" Naruto's eyes brightened, his tone uncertain but hopeful.
"Yes, I'm calling you. Is there another Naruto Uzumaki in the world? Hahaha." Nana joked cheerfully, taking his hand and leading him to Ichiraku Ramen.
"I... I don't have money." Naruto stood still, his head hanging low, blushing with shame.
"Nonsense, I'll treat you." Nana blinked, cupping his cheeks and lifting his face to meet her bright smile.
Blushing, Naruto let her lead him into the shop he had always wanted to enter but couldn't afford.
"Teuchi-san, two deluxe ramen, please!" Nana called.
"Nana, right away!" Teuchi recognized her as Itachi often brought her to the shop.
Two steaming bowls of deluxe ramen arrived, filled with fresh ingredients like lobster, pork bones, and loin, the broth shimmering invitingly.
Naruto took a bite, glancing at Nana enjoying her meal. His eyes reddened, a tear sliding down his cheek.
"Teuchi-san called you Nana-chan. Why are you so kind to me?" Naruto's voice trembled, tears overflowing from years of being ostracized.
"Don't cry, Naruto. I'm Matsumoto Nana. I'm kind to you because I want to be your friend." Nana gently wiped his tears with her handkerchief, her touch warm and soft.
"Friend..." Naruto stared at her, the word he longed for. She wanted to be his friend. Overwhelmed, he hugged her, crying joyfully.
"You... you're my first friend." Naruto held on tightly, fearing she might disappear like mist.
"Naruto, these fruits are for you. You need to eat healthily to grow taller." Nana handed him the fruits she bought.
Naruto nodded, listening intently as Nana shared life tips. He cherished every moment with her, deeply attracted to her sunny, cute personality.
Childish affection is pure. Naruto gazed at Nana, as if the world only contained her, hoping to see his new friend every day.
But time flew, and night fell, the street lit by dim streetlights.
"Sorry, Naruto, it's late. I have to go." Nana stood, promising to visit often, sharing many tips with him.
She explained to check food dates, avoid expired food, not eat ramen often, exercise, eat vegetables and fruits, and clean his room regularly to prevent mites.
A troubled childhood takes a lifetime to heal. Nana hoped to bring some joy to his lonely childhood.
After his mission, Itachi had searched for Nana, finally spotting her small figure in the ramen shop.
"Nana, let's go home." Itachi took her hand, nodding politely at Naruto.
"Goodbye!" Naruto waved, his voice bright but his smile strained, filled with reluctance.
We'll meet again, Nana-chan promised, he thought, comforting himself.
Naruto opened the fruit bag Nana gave him, filled with grapes, oranges, apples, and more, dazzling him.
But at the bottom, he found a stack of bills. Shocked, he shouted, wanting to call Nana, but she had already gone, the street empty.
"Nana-chan..." Holding the money, Naruto watched the empty street, tears welling up.