Naruto: All Genders are reversed except for me

As Granny Ichiraku's voice fell, everyone turned, stunned, to look at Master Hongle, who was equally bewildered.

"Master Hongle brought back the key ingredients for the unparalleled ramen?"

"Could it really be… like this?"

"To willingly share the secret ingredients he obtained through immense effort, Master Hongle truly lives up to the title of Ramen Master!"

Master Hongle, under the gaze of so many, found himself at a loss for words. However, upon noticing his young apprentice's encouraging expression, he regained his composure and stepped forward confidently.

Granny Ichiraku, relieved at his cooperation, crossed through the crowd to approach Hongle.

"Master Hongle, you brought back these exceptional ingredients, and with them, I've developed the recipe for the unparalleled ramen. What do you think? Ichiraku Ramen would like to sincerely collaborate with you."

Her slow, deliberate words left all the ramen chefs present with jaws agape, except for Sasuke and Naruto.

"What? Granny Ichiraku wants to collaborate with our master?"

"When did Master share the mysterious alkaline stone with her?"

"I don't know. Maybe when he was alone with that blonde kid?"

Though Hongle's three apprentices were incredulous, they weren't entirely opposed to the idea. In fact, they were rather excited—after all, they had sampled the unparalleled ramen.

Its flavor was the pinnacle of culinary perfection, a lifelong pursuit for any ramen chef.

If their master could collaborate with Granny Ichiraku, they might also have the chance to learn the secrets of the unparalleled ramen.

In the center of the competition grounds, Ichiraku and Hongle were now face to face.

Although Hongle doubted Ichiraku had developed the unparalleled ramen recipe on her own, he wasn't sure whether this collaboration was her idea or his apprentice's.

Surrounded by a dense crowd of Leaf Village ramen chefs, Hongle couldn't even catch a glimpse of his young apprentice for clarification.

As the crowd grew rowdier, Hongle began to waver. Just then, a familiar voice shouted from the outskirts of the crowd.

It was Naruto's cheer, loud and clear.

Hongle, though he had only met Naruto once, found the voice unforgettable due to the absurd events of the previous night. Hearing his apprentice's cheer, Hongle smiled at Ichiraku and extended his right hand.

"Well then, Granny Ichiraku, I'll be counting on you in the future."

Granny Ichiraku hadn't expected Hongle to agree so readily.

"You're too modest. I believe we'll continue to innovate and create even more delicious ramen."

Before the astonished crowd, the two masters shook hands, officially sealing their partnership.

This scene sent shockwaves through the surrounding ramen chefs.

"What? Master Hongle actually agreed?"

"If Ichiraku and Hongle collaborate, what chance do we have?"

"Yeah, the unparalleled ramen alone already overshadows us. If they create something even better together…"

Hearing the murmurs, Granny Ichiraku announced according to Naruto's instructions, "Everyone, don't worry. In three months, we will release the recipe for the unparalleled ramen."

The announcement left the competition grounds in dead silence. The chefs couldn't believe their ears.

Ramen recipes, especially secret broth formulas, were a ramen chef's lifeline. Yet Granny Ichiraku had just declared she would reveal theirs in three months.

"Of course, even with the recipe, not everyone will be able to replicate the unparalleled ramen perfectly. The two key ingredients are not even found in the Land of Fire."

Her explanation turned all eyes toward Hongle.

Yes, Master Hongle had just returned from abroad. It made sense that he carried rare ingredients with him.

The chefs were resigned to the fact that even with the recipe, they might struggle without the rare ingredients. However, they still saw value in obtaining the formula.

Meanwhile, Ichiraku and Hongle were surrounded by ramen chefs eager to learn from them.

Naruto, unable to squeeze into the crowd, stood at the edge and shouted, "Granny, the competition's over. We're heading back now!"

Though his voice wasn't loud, Ichiraku and Hongle caught it immediately amidst the noise.

"Oh, Naruto, thank you for your help today," Granny Ichiraku replied, her tone polite, but her eyes full of respect.

Hongle also nodded at Naruto with a look of reverence before returning to the eager chefs around him.

If not for the presence of ANBU and Root agents monitoring the event, Naruto would have left without a word. But under surveillance, he had to follow protocol to avoid arousing suspicion from Danzo.

---

After leaving the competition grounds, Naruto and Sasuke headed toward the Uchiha clan compound.

Since finishing school that afternoon, Naruto had been busy—first making ramen at Ichiraku, then persuading Granny Ichiraku to collaborate with Hongle, and finally seeing the competition through to its end. By now, night was falling.

With a crucial piece of his plan complete, Naruto couldn't help but smile.

By securing the collaboration between Ichiraku and Hongle, he had shifted from a passive role to one of control, operating from the shadows.

"Hmph. What's there to be so happy about?"

Sasuke, frustrated from two days of running around without any tangible progress in her own training, grumbled.

"You went through so much trouble to unite Ichiraku and Hongle. What's your endgame?"

Naruto closed his eyes briefly to sense their surroundings. Confirming the absence of surveillance, he grinned.

"A skyscraper starts from the ground up, Sasuke. You're too impatient."

Unimpressed, Sasuke crossed her arms.

"Hmph. If my strength doesn't see real improvement within a month…"

"What then?" Naruto asked, intrigued by her pouty, twin-tailed expression.

"I'll break up with you! No more being your temporary girlfriend, hmph!"

Though Sasuke's demeanor remained aloof, her face betrayed a hint of tsundere defiance.

Naruto sighed and smiled wryly. "Well then, before you break up, how about letting me visit your place?"

The question made Sasuke instantly wary.

"Why do you want to go to my house? Don't get any weird ideas. We're only in a temporary partnership, and I'm only your three-month campus girlfriend!"

Naruto rolled his eyes. "My goodness, how mature can you kids be? First of all, I'm not that kind of person. Secondly, I'm not even… uh… functional yet."

"What function?" Sasuke asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Uh… nothing. Anyway, that's not something they teach in ninja school."

"Hmph. You're so stingy. I hate it when you keep things from me," Sasuke huffed, turning her head away in a sulk.

As they walked down a narrow path, they soon arrived at the outskirts of the Uchiha compound.

The expansive, desolate area loomed in darkness, like the gaping maw of a giant beast ready to swallow them whole.

Seeing Naruto instinctively slow down, Sasuke teased, "What's the matter? Don't tell me you're afraid of ghosts?"

Naruto shot her a glare. "No. I'm more afraid of your sister!"

"Hmph. If you're not scared, then follow me."

---

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