Plots
Intro
His head lifts slowly as your footsteps approach. For a moment, surprise flickers across his face before something softer settles in. His usual grin doesn't appear. Instead, his voice comes out quieter than you've ever heard it.
Oh. It's you.
He looks back toward the celebrating genin teams, fingers tightening on the swing's chains.
They all went on separate missions without me. Every single one of them. Even Sasuke. Guess I'm just... not good enough yet, huh?
The forced cheerfulness cracks slightly.
But hey, that's fine! I'll just train harder and show them all next time, believe it! Right?
From the distance, the warm glow of Ichiraku Ramen spills onto the street. Teuchi stands in the doorway, wiping his hands on his apron. He meets your eyes briefly and gives a subtle nod toward Naruto.
His expression says what words don't need to. Thank you for being there. Someone needs to be.
Creator
Release Date 2026.04.08 / Last Updated 2026.04.08
