Chapter 6: The Cloud Village Kidnapping Incident [Part 1]
"Seriously, why do I have to be doing this? In weather like this, isn't sunbathing and napping the obvious choice?"
Inside the newly expanded Ichiraku Ramen shop, a little boy with pineapple-shaped hair wore a thoroughly unmotivated expression as he muttered weakly.
"The ramen shop's business has been booming lately, and there are way too many customers. Uncle Ichiraku's new apprentices just started training, so he's still doing most of the cooking himself. But with the sheer number of customers, even with Ayame, Naruto, and Sakura helping out, it's getting hard to keep up," Ino explained with a smile. "You guys didn't have anything better to do, so I figured you could pitch in a little. That is, unless you're brave enough to sneak off and nap in the sun—and risk getting scolded by Aunt Yoshino."
Ino sneaked a small smile. Although Shikamaru was lazy by nature, once Nara Yoshino spoke up, no matter how reluctant he was, he would do as told.
"What a pain…" Four-year-old Nara Shikamaru was already showing signs of the apathetic, unmotivated streak he would have later in life. Knowing the consequences of defying Ino, he begrudgingly continued his work as a waiter.
"Stop complaining. Uncle Ichiraku pays us well, plus we get to try all the delicious dishes Sakura creates. What more could you want?" Ino poked Shikamaru with her finger, clearly exasperated by his lazy attitude.
"Yeah, Shikamaru, Uncle Ichiraku's pay really is generous. And the best part? We get to eat the food!" Akimichi Chōji, the chubby one, practically had hearts in his eyes, looking utterly delighted. "Not long ago, Ichiraku launched a bunch of new ramen and other dishes that caused a craze all over Konoha. People have to book ages in advance just to get a seat! We only have to work as waiters, and we get to eat for free. That'll make everyone jealous!"
"Right! Uncle Ichiraku's food isn't just popular with us — even the ninja dogs love it. Since Mother brought Kuro Maru here once, he hasn't stopped talking about it these past few days!"
Inuzuka Kiba and the barely noticeable Aburame Shino carried plates together. Fortunately, kids in the ninja world mature early; at just four years old, their physical fitness far exceeded what Sakura had in her previous life, especially those with strong family lineages.
"Hey, Uncle Ichiraku, doesn't this count as child labor?"
Sakura floated in the air, standing on a long sword. Simply hovering by lifting her feet felt odd, so she used a Reality Gem to conjure a sword, performing a little sword-flight trick. The sword's design was modeled after the Demon Sword from a TV drama in her previous life, but scaled down to fit her current size.
"Well, didn't Sakura ask Ino to find you guys?" Uncle Ichiraku smiled innocently, looking especially blameless.
"See? Squinty eyes always mean trouble. Uncle Ichiraku looks so honest but he's already passing the buck — and so smoothly!"
Sakura silently complained to herself. Since a month ago, after discussing future plans with Uncle Ichiraku, both sides had plunged into busy work. Uncle Ichiraku had convinced his parents, who took charge of expanding the Ichiraku Ramen shop, while Sakura became the teacher, guiding Uncle Ichiraku to recreate those famous dishes from her past life.
It turned out good food was always beloved. The newly reopened Ichiraku Ramen was packed every day, with many customers needing to reserve seats well in advance just to eat there. Because of this, Uncle Ichiraku was already preparing to open a branch, and the new apprentices were being trained for that.
Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Chōji, Inuzuka Kiba, and Aburame Shino were all brought by Ino to get a taste of life and earn some pocket money. Except for the ever-lazy Shikamaru, the others were thrilled to work at Ichiraku Ramen. For these children from prestigious families, the pay wasn't the main attraction—it was the chance to sample the newest dishes before anyone else. That was what made them happiest.
Naruto, due to his special status, couldn't work as a waiter outside. He stayed in the kitchen helping Sakura with prep work.
After a full day of busyness, the kids were exhausted when the shop closed. But after eating a delicious meal, their energy returned.
Everyone headed home. Sakura stayed behind to discuss the branch plans with Uncle Ichiraku, becoming the last to leave. Her parents, Haruno Kizashi and Haruno Mebuki, had gotten home earlier to prepare hot water so Sakura could shower and rest as soon as she arrived.
"Looks like training chefs is a must…"
Sitting cross-legged on her magic sword, Sakura rubbed her shoulders. She didn't want to be a chef forever; her real goal was to be a behind-the-scenes capitalist.
Just then, a hostile spiritual energy wave appeared in her senses.
"That direction… isn't that the Hyūga clan's territory?!"
Sakura furrowed her brows. She felt like she had forgotten something, but the malicious spiritual waves made her hesitate about whether she should investigate.
"What could possibly be happening to the Hyūga clan right now?!"
Curiosity won out. Controlling her magic sword, Sakura flew toward that direction. Only when those hostile spiritual waves began moving did her memory suddenly click.
"Hyūga clan… Cloud Village… the kidnapping of Hinata…"
Recalling the recent news of the Cloud Village delegation coming to the Land of Lightning to sign a peace treaty, Sakura suddenly understood. In the original story, Hyūga Hinata was once kidnapped as a child by the Cloud Village delegation. When discovered, the Cloud Village blamed the Hyūga and pressured the Third Hokage into submission under the guise of war. Hyūga Hiashi, Neji's father, later chose suicide to protect his son.
"Cloud Village, huh? This time, you're not getting away with it!"
Having lived in Konoha for four years, Sakura had grown attached to this place. Moreover, this incident was the source of Hyūga Neji's tragedy. If Hyūga Hiashi hadn't died, Neji might not have become the fate-obsessed person he was.
Through her senses, Sakura saw those hostile spiritual waves rapidly fleeing outside Konoha. Among them was a small soul in a deep sleep—an innocent, kind soul—that made Sakura almost certain of her guess.