Naruto: Recharging With Money System

Ishiwaka Kenichi warmly welcomed Sarutobi Hiruzen into his shop, his face a picture of sincere hospitality.

"I really didn't expect Lord Sarutobi Hiruzen to visit my humble ramen shop. I'm truly honored. What would you like to eat? The menu has a variety of flavors that will definitely impress you."

With that, Kenichi placed the menu in front of him. Over time, his originally simple ramen menu had expanded into a booklet filled with carefully curated dishes.

"Sarutobi-sensei! I highly recommend the signature ramen. It's absolutely the best!"

Jiraiya grinned, already anticipating his favorite dish.

"Idiot Jiraiya, let Sarutobi-sensei choose for himself. Stop interfering."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and punched Jiraiya on the head without hesitation.

"Ow! Damn it, Tsunade! Do you have to hit me all the time? You're way too violent! No one's going to like you in the future, you violent washboard princess!"

Jiraiya clutched his head dramatically.

"What did you just say?!"

Tsunade cracked her knuckles, her eyes burning with rage.

"Orochimaru, save me!"

Without hesitation, Jiraiya dove behind Orochimaru, using him as a human shield.

Watching the chaos unfold, Sarutobi Hiruzen laughed. "Ah, youth is truly full of energy."

Kenichi smiled as well, shaking his head.

"No wonder Kato Dan got to Tsunade first," he mused internally.

Jiraiya, despite all his potential, was always just a little bit too late—whether it was in love, friendships, or even fulfilling his destiny. His life was filled with "almosts."

Almost confessed to Tsunade.

Almost brought Orochimaru back.

Almost finished writing Make-Out Tactics.

Almost saw Naruto become Hokage.

Almost attended Naruto's wedding.

Almost fulfilled the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.

Almost saw peace in the ninja world.

Jiraiya's life was a series of near-misses, yet that was also what made him a true legend.

As Kenichi watched the three young ninja interact, his gaze softened.

"They really are still just kids..."

His expression changed for only a brief moment, but Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed.

"That look..."

It wasn't just warmth—it was a mixture of recognition, deep understanding, and... regret.

"Regret? What is there to regret?"** Hiruzen wondered.

Tsunade was a direct descendant of the Senju Clan.

Orochimaru was a prodigy of unmatched talent.

Jiraiya had his fate intertwined with the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.

All three had bright futures ahead of them.

Yet, for some reason, this simple ramen shop owner looked at them as if he had already seen their fates unfold.

"Boss, I'll have the assorted ramen. Blame this idiot Jiraiya for making me lose my appetite."

Tsunade glared at Jiraiya, who wisely chose to stay quiet.

"Then I'll have the tonkotsu ramen." Sarutobi Hiruzen set down the menu.

"Boss, I want my usual—flame fried noodles." Orochimaru's eyes gleamed with curiosity as he observed Kenichi.

"Boss, give me the signature ramen!" Jiraiya declared.

Kenichi nodded. "Understood. Please wait a moment, everyone."

Moving efficiently, Kenichi quickly prepared their orders. Soon, he placed steaming bowls in front of them.

"Everyone, enjoy your meal. Be careful, it's hot."

"Thank you, boss!"

The three students watched as their teacher picked up his chopsticks first.

Sarutobi Hiruzen carefully lifted the noodles, letting the rich aroma waft into the air. The golden broth shimmered under the light, and the scent of perfectly blended spices and oils was intoxicating.

Taking his first bite, he paused.

Then, he nodded in satisfaction.

"This is truly excellent. No wonder your shop is so popular, Boss Ishiwaka. This is, without a doubt, the best ramen I've ever had."

Kenichi smiled humbly. "You flatter me, Lord Sarutobi. I simply do my best to bring comfort to the hardworking people of Konoha."

But inside, he remained wary.

"There's no way Hiruzen is here just for ramen. He's testing me."

Ever since he had returned from the battlefield, Kenichi had noticed subtle changes in how people looked at him—especially Orochimaru and Tsunade.

Did they sense something different about him after his time away?

"Boss Ishiwaka," Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly changed the subject. "Your Ishiwaka family were also followers of Lord Hashirama, correct?"

Kenichi's expression remained calm.

"Yes, our Ishiwaka family was once a subsidiary of the Senju Clan. We followed Lord Hashirama to Konoha."

For the next several minutes, Hiruzen carefully questioned him—asking about Konoha's history, old battles, and events that only true Konoha citizens would remember.

Kenichi answered everything flawlessly.

Of course, he did.

He wasn't an imposter—he was the original Ishiwaka Kenichi. His memories, his past, everything about him was real.

Eventually, Hiruzen finished eating and set his chopsticks down.

He had come here expecting to find something suspicious.

Instead, he found a man who was deeply loyal to Konoha.

A man who had lived through war, seen its horrors, and simply wanted to bring comfort to those who survived.

"Maybe my students were overthinking things," Hiruzen thought.

The war had just ended. Many people had changed because of it.

Maybe Kenichi's presence on the battlefield had hardened him slightly.

Still, something in the back of his mind nagged at him.

"Boss Ishiwaka, I heard you've trained in Chakra?"

Kenichi nodded. "Yes, I started practicing Chakra control when I first opened my shop. Unfortunately, my talent is lacking. I've made very little progress."

Hiruzen smiled. "Diligence can always make up for talent."

Then, he asked.

"Have you ever wanted to become a ninja?"

Kenichi paused.

Then, with a wry smile, he answered:

"If I said no, it would be a lie."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly.

Kenichi continued.

"But I know my own limits. Even if I became a ninja, I would only slow my comrades down."

His smile became softer.

"Instead, I choose to serve in my own way. Watching ninjas return from dangerous missions and eat a bowl of ramen with satisfaction—

That is enough for me."

Hiruzen studied him for a long moment.

The answer felt genuine.

"I see. That is a noble sentiment, Boss Ishiwaka."

Kenichi mentally smirked.

"Life in this world depends entirely on acting."

End of the Chapter.

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