Naruto: Recharging With Money System

Kenichi's ramen shop had finally reopened after the war, but business wasn't as booming as he had hoped.

Sitting behind the counter, he let out a long sigh.

"Ah… War only ever brings suffering, even for the so-called winners."

Even though Konoha had come out on top in the First Ninja War, and Tobirama had skillfully secured a hefty sum from Kumogakure during peace negotiations, the dead wouldn't return.

Konoha's forces had been thinned, and now the remaining shinobi were just barely enough to maintain village security. And while Kumogakure had suffered, especially after the Kinkaku-Ginkaku rebellion, it wasn't as though Iwagakure, Kirigakure, or Sunagakure were in any better shape.

The war had left all five major villages crippled.

For Kenichi, that meant fewer ninjas walking into his shop.

Just as he was contemplating his next move, a familiar loud voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Boss! You're finally open again! I've missed your ramen so much! One extra-large tonkotsu, please!"

Kenichi glanced up just in time to see Jiraiya rush into the shop, his wild white hair bouncing as he plopped down at a table.

Behind him followed two more familiar faces—Tsunade and Orochimaru.

"It's been a while, boss."

"Long time no see."

Kenichi grinned. "You three sure grew up a little since the last time I saw you."

Tsunade took her seat while Orochimaru remained standing for a moment, his golden eyes subtly scanning Kenichi before sitting down.

"I'll have assorted ramen," Tsunade said.

"Flame one for me," Orochimaru added.

Kenichi nodded. "Coming right up. Take a seat, and I'll have it ready in a moment."

As Kenichi disappeared into the kitchen, Jiraiya leaned over the table, scratching his head.

"Hey, Orochimaru, what's with that look? You've been staring at Boss kenichi since we walked in."

Orochimaru didn't answer immediately. He tapped his fingers against the wooden table in thought.

"Something's different about him."

"Eh? How so?"

Tsunade crossed her arms, glancing toward the kitchen. "You're not the only one who felt it. His smile is the same as always, but his eyes… for a moment, they were much colder than I remember."

Orochimaru nodded. "Exactly. It was only for an instant, but that kind of change doesn't happen without reason."

Jiraiya scoffed. "You guys are overthinking it. He's just a ramen shop owner."

"No, Jiraiya," Orochimaru said, his voice lower. "That kind of coldness… I've only seen it before in Anbu under the Second Hokage."

Jiraiya's expression twitched. "You can't be serious. You think Boss kenichi is secretly some high-level ninja?"

Orochimaru didn't answer, but Tsunade leaned in. "Even if it's nothing, I think it's worth looking into. Just to be safe."

At that moment, Kenichi reappeared, balancing a tray with their orders.

"Here you go—one extra-large tonkotsu, one assorted ramen, and one flame style Ramen"

Tsunade gave Orochimaru a quick look—her way of telling him to press further.

Orochimaru picked up his chopsticks and spoke casually. "Boss, something on your mind? You seemed a little down when we came in."

Kenichi blinked. "Oh? You could tell?"

Orochimaru gave a small smirk. "Call it shinobi instinct."

Kenichi let out a small chuckle before shaking his head. "It's nothing serious. I just thought business would pick up again once the war ended, but things are still slow. Guess people aren't in the mood for ramen yet."

Orochimaru tapped his chopsticks against the rim of his bowl. "I wouldn't worry too much about that. Word will spread, and people will come back."

Kenichi nodded. "I appreciate that. But even if they do, it won't be the same. Too many people are gone now."

The three Sannin went silent.

Kenichi looked out the window, watching the villagers pass by.

"War took away too many lives," he muttered.

Orochimaru, lost in thought, responded quietly. "Yes… life is fragile."

Tsunade, however, clenched her fists. "That's why we fight—to make sure those sacrifices weren't in vain! Their deaths brought us peace, and we have to protect it!"

Kenichi turned back, studying Tsunade for a moment before nodding. "You're right. Those who sacrificed their lives left behind something precious. The least we can do is cherish it."

Jiraiya groaned, slurping down his ramen. "Why are we talking about such serious stuff? Just eat, already!"

The tension faded as they enjoyed their meal, but as they finished and prepared to leave, Tsunade turned to Orochimaru.

"Well? What do you think? Is there something off about Boss kenichi?"

Orochimaru thought for a moment before shaking his head. "I can't say for sure. Maybe we're just overthinking things. The war affected everyone, after all."

Tsunade nodded. "Yeah, maybe we were just being paranoid."

Jiraiya, still unconvinced, picked his nose. "Hey, why don't we just bring sensei next time? If there's something weird about Boss kenichi, Sarutobi-sensei will definitely notice it."

Orochimaru and Tsunade stopped in their tracks.

"…That's actually a good idea."

Jiraiya grinned. "What? I can be smart sometimes."

End of the Chapter.

Update Schedule: 7 Chapter/week.

Every 300 Power Stones+1 (5 ⭐ Review)

= 1 Chapter+1Chapter

By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters