Chapter 201: Family
The second day after returning home.
Tonbo Tobitake didn't go to work. Instead, he took his entire family to the movies—including Teuchi, who usually insisted on working with a serious face.
In Teuchi's words, he just wanted to watch a movie with his grandchildren. He utterly refused to admit that without Ayame's help, his aging body couldn't handle high-intensity work at the shop.
The Ichiraku Ramen brand had already established a chain. Aside from the original shop which he kept for himself to stay busy (because sitting idle was too difficult to endure), Ichiraku Ramen had begun to bloom across the Land of Fire. Many foodies traveled from afar specifically to taste the flavor of the original head branch.
"Tonbo, that recipe you improved is truly effective. People would never guess you've only been at Ichiraku for ten-plus years and developed it yourself!"
As the three generations walked down the street, Teuchi couldn't help but praise Tonbo's talent. The success of the chain, besides their guarantee of quality, was largely due to the seasoning formula Tonbo created.
Tonbo, holding Maki's hand, smiled. "Of course. If Tianyu and Maki don't have a future on the path of a ninja, we have to give them some security, don't we?"
To ensure repeat customers, he had used Contact Evolution to screen countless ingredients, running cross-experiments between seasoning data and human physiological data to arrive at the final formula. Anyone who tasted it couldn't help but exclaim how delicious it was.
He had essentially "cheated" by developing a formula specifically targeted at human taste receptors and bodily absorption. It was a textbook example of applying ninjutsu to everyday life.
"Then Dad, if I don't become a ninja, does that mean I'll inherit a lot of money?" Tianyu asked.
"Certainly."
"Then I'm not going to school anymore. Give me the money now; I don't think I strictly have to be a ninja," Tianyu said, practically drooling. With a lot of money, he could buy whatever he wanted.
"Looking for a beating, are you? Don't force me to slap you on our happiest day," Tonbo threatened.
"Hmph, blehh!" Tianyu stuck his tongue out at him. He knew his dad wouldn't actually agree.
Soon, they arrived near the cinema. Looking at the massive theater sign, they all wore happy smiles. Watching a movie together as a family with no one to spoil the mood made all four adults feel very blessed.
The two children were excited for a good film. They happily pulled their grandfather toward the popcorn stand; it wasn't just about the movie, but the delicious snacks too. As for why they only pulled their grandfather—he was the one who spoiled them the most!
"Hey, Uncle Tonbo!"
Just then, Naruto's loud voice rang out. The family turned to see the four members of Team Kakashi.
"Yo, if it isn't little Naruto, little Sasuke, Sakura, and the 'single dog' Kakashi?"
A grin spread across Tonbo's face as he raised his right arm. Ayame immediately blushed but took his arm affectionately.
"Childish." Kakashi's dead-fish eyes drooped even further. A point-blank personal attack—he really wanted to punch the guy.
"I'm a Genin now, not 'little' Naruto!" Naruto adjusted his headband with a grin. Then, seeing the gesture of the Tobitake couple, he mimicked Tonbo by raising his right arm toward Sakura. His face was full of expectation.
Sakura didn't look at him. She leaned toward Sasuke's side instead. However, Sasuke took half a step back, dodging her.
"Please call me Sasuke. Don't add 'little' in front of it..." Sasuke clenched his fists. He hated this feeling of not being seen as a grown-up yet.
"Hahaha! Are you all here for a movie too? Is Kakashi treating? That's incredible. Does Kakashi even have money left? Did you get that Icha Icha Paradise collector's edition? I heard you got scammed out of a fortune by a bootlegger," Tonbo said, immediately poking at Kakashi's sore spot.
Last time, in his quest for a rare book, a ninja as skilled as Kakashi had actually been swindled by a pirate publisher. It was hilarious. It proved that ninjas were human too, and not immune to such trivial mishaps.
"Oh So Kakashi-sensei can be scammed? Oh Kakashi-sensei got tricked? Oh That's so... so funny!" Hearing this, Naruto immediately burst into laughter. He put his hands on his hips and started wiggling his body mockingly.
"...Enjoy the movie yourselves. I'm leaving." Kakashi suddenly felt that leaving was the best option and vanished in a puff of smoke.
"...Hey! Kakashi-sensei, you haven't paid for us yet!"
"Idiot Naruto! You teased Kakashi-sensei away! You're paying for the tickets this time!"
"But it was Uncle Tonbo who—"
Tonbo watched them bicker while Sasuke watched the drama with a faint smile. As time passed, Sasuke's hatred had been buried deep within his heart, especially after forming the team. Without constant external provocation, Sasuke likely wouldn't have become so extreme. There was a saying that in the entire shinobi world, only Sasuke and the Fourth Raikage were "sane" people.
"We're back! Oh, it's Big Brother Naruto! Are you watching the movie too?" Tianyu and Maki returned with a mountain of snacks.
"Alright, let's go. Don't bother them; we're here to see the film. Today is the sequel to 'The Gale Princess' starring the Land of Fire star, Yukie Fujikaze. It's bound to be great."
Tonbo gave Naruto's group a final wave and led his family into the cinema.
Clatter, clatter.
Naruto, who was still mid-argument, suddenly stopped. Watching the Tobitake family walk away laughing and talking, a look of envy appeared in his eyes.
Must be nice, he thought. If only his mom and dad hadn't died. He wanted that so much...
"Naruto, Sakura, let's go. I'm treating you to the movie this time."
Sasuke watched the harmonious family as well, the ripples in his heart lingering for a long time. Then, with a slight smile, he spoke to his teammates.
"Huh? Sasuke, do you have a fever today?" Naruto immediately snapped back to his usual self, leaning in to put a hand on Sasuke's forehead.
"I'm fine," Sasuke said, looking at him suspiciously, wondering if someone was using a Transformation Jutsu to trick him.
"Idiot Naruto, get your hand off him! This is a kind gesture from Sasuke! What are you doubting? Sasuke... you're so... charming..." Sakura shoved Naruto aside, her eyes turning into hearts. Sasuke's words just now were too cool.
"Hmph. Fine... I'll let you pay this time... but I'm definitely paying next time." Naruto pulled out his frog wallet, counted the coins, and realized he didn't quite have enough to treat, so he maintained his tough front.
In the shadows, Kakashi watched the interaction between the three, a smile curving under his mask as he held his book. His team had never watched a movie together back then, but they had similar moments. It sent him deep into a nostalgic reverie.
He didn't understand it then, but he understood it now. This was a bond.
"Well, since my wallet survived and I have some free time, I'll go visit Obito for a bit."
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