NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 11: ch11
Ichiraku Ramen had been open for a long time and was incredibly popular. Often, customers lined up for its famous half-price ramen. But, as everyone knows, no amount of discounts would keep customers coming if the food wasn't delicious.
The craftsmanship at Ichiraku Ramen was exceptional.
After school, Ethan Uchiha made his way to this renowned establishment. It was his first time visiting, and as a newcomer, he felt it would be a shame not to experience it.
Arriving early, he found the shop relatively empty and took a seat.
"I'll have a large bowl of pork char siu miso noodles," he ordered right away.
Teuchi, the young and energetic owner in his twenties, responded with enthusiasm and began preparing the dish.
As Ethan looked around, he noted the simple decor: the menu, tables, chopsticks, and condiments. But then he noticed a striking figure—Tsunade, with her fair complexion and commanding presence, seated nearby alongside a blonde girl.
"???"
Ethan's surprise was evident.
"Hey! A kid from the Uchiha clan!" Tsunade recognized him immediately, thanks to the Uchiha clan emblem on his clothing. It was common for children from Konoha's branch families to wear such attire, making their identities clear.
"Isn't this Tsunade-sama, the one who was defeated by Hanzo from the Rain Village and earned the title of Sannin?" Ethan shot back with a teasing tone.
His words instantly angered Tsunade. "What did you say, you little brat?!" she exclaimed.
To her, being called Sannin felt like an insult. The title had come from their defeat, not their victories, and it gnawed at her pride. They had fought hard since then to reclaim their honor.
Mentioning Hanzo only stoked her frustration.
In the ninja world, there were plenty of strong ninjas, and being beaten by one didn't confer any glory.
Before things escalated, Jiraiya quickly intervened. "Tsunade, calm down! We don't want to cause a scene here."
Despite his own irritation, he realized that if Tsunade exploded in rage, they would be the ones stuck with the bill—especially given her gambling tendencies.
Ethan, however, was undeterred. "What are you staring at? You think you can intimidate me? Come on, if you've got the guts, fight me!"
He turned away defiantly, provoking Tsunade further.
In response to her fury, he activated his Three Tomoe Sharingan and stared her down.
"Three Tomoe Sharingan?! At this age?" Jiraiya gasped, astonished. Tsunade's anger quickly turned to disbelief; a five-year-old had just showcased the Sharingan in front of her.
Orochimaru, intrigued, took notice of Ethan's talent. A five-year-old unlocking the Sharingan was unprecedented, even for him.
At that moment, a familiar voice echoed in Ethan's mind: "Ding! Host successfully pretended to be impressive. Points gained: +999!"
Confused, he wondered, "Pretended again?"