"What do you mean by 'squatting'? You really can't talk properly," Sarutobi Hiruzen pursed his lips in mock annoyance.
"As for why I'm here… my wife is getting her hair done tonight, so I had to come out alone to figure out dinner."
Uchiha Tatsumi made a knowing sound.
The Third Hokage really was kind-hearted. Though known as the "Professor" and feared on the battlefield by enemy shinobi during the Second Great Ninja War, he was always gentle with the children of Konoha—regardless of whether they came from clans or were civilian-born. He never acted high and mighty.
To Uchiha Tatsumi, Hiruzen felt like the friendly grandfather next door… though technically, the man was only in his late thirties or early forties at this point.
"What kind of ramen do you two want? It's on me. Don't be shy."
After quite a wait, it was finally their turn. Hiruzen adopted the air of someone who'd take offense if you dared be too polite.
Kushina looked at Uchiha Tatsumi.
Tatsumi glanced up at the top of the menu board.
There it was: the most expensive ramen at Ichiraku. Even though he'd eaten here plenty of times, he'd never tried that one.
"Then we'll have the pork and scallion ramen—with two extra eggs for me, thanks!"
"I'll have the same as Tatsumi!" Kushina chimed in happily.
Hiruzen nodded. After all, Ichiraku ramen was reasonably priced. Three bowls wouldn't be too—
What?! Sarutobi sucked in a sharp breath. That price… was outrageous.
Why not just rob him outright?
"What's wrong, Uncle Hokage? Too expensive? I can skip the eggs," Tatsumi offered with an understanding expression.
"No, no… I've just had some inflammation lately. Toothache, you know," Hiruzen replied awkwardly.
Truthfully, the Third Hokage didn't have much discretionary income. Most of his salary went to official duties and family needs. What little pocket money he had… was usually saved secretly—for certain literature.
His precious savings were meant for the latest issue of Icha Icha: Love Tactics.
Sarutobi gave the stand owner a pitiful look, hoping for a discount.
But no such luck. The boss was unmoved. Cold-hearted.
So that meant…
One issue of Icha Icha would have to wait.
Soon enough, the bowls of ramen—hot and freshly made—were placed in front of them.
"Uncle Hokage, why didn't you get any eggs?" Kushina asked curiously, peering at his plain bowl.
"You two are still growing. You need nutrition. I don't," the Third Hokage replied with a warm smile.
Tatsumi smirked. Yeah right—more like you ran out of money.
"Thank you for the ramen, Uncle Hokage," Tatsumi said politely.
"You're welcome. Just a little gesture of goodwill between the Hokage and the youth of the village!"
"Ohh, so generous. I'm moved. You should join us for dinner more often, Uncle Hokage!"
"...…."
"Here," Tatsumi said, placing one of his eggs into the Third Hokage's bowl.
Hiruzen blinked, surprised. He looked at Tatsumi, briefly speechless.
"What's wrong, Uncle Hokage?" Tatsumi asked, touching his own face. "Is it because I'm too handsome for all ages?"
"No… I just suddenly thought of your father, Kagami," the Third Hokage said with a soft sigh.
"In the blink of an eye, it's been years since Kagami passed. Back then, it was us and our sensei—the Second Hokage. Now most of those old friends are gone…"
He trailed into silence, lost in memories.
"Ahaha, don't mind me. Just the ramblings of an old man," Hiruzen chuckled, shaking his head.
Then he reached out and tousled Tatsumi's hair gently.
"So… do you two have any dreams for the future?"
Here we go again, Tatsumi thought. Is this a Hokage thing? Always asking about 'dreams'?
Kushina beamed. "I want to be Konoha's first female Hokage! Someone already supports me—right, Uncle Hokage?"
"Ohh, that's impressive, Kushina! Sounds like you'll be taking my job in a few years," Hiruzen said with a chuckle.
"What about you, Tatsumi?" he asked, turning to the boy.
"I want to be like my father. I want to protect the village and the people important to me," Tatsumi replied, eyes resolute.
Believe it or not—Hiruzen did believe it. And that was enough.
Now wasn't the time to talk about wanting immortality or becoming the King of Shinobi. If you didn't want to draw suspicion or get marked as a future defector, you had to toe the ideological line.
This was basically a political review. The "correct" answer aligned with the Will of Fire.
Maintain ideological consistency with the Hokage.
Have awareness in your heart, discipline in your words, and action in your hands.
Sure enough, the Third Hokage gave a pleased nod, clearly reassured.
"In the future, you'll both be pillars of Konoha—the next generation of the Will of Fire. So take good care of each other."
"…Even as lovers, if it comes to that," Hiruzen added with a teasing smile that only men understood.
Kushina turned beet red.
"Alright, I've eaten enough. I should be heading back. You two, don't stay out too late."
There was a glimmer of comfort in the Hokage's eyes. He wasn't quite old yet—but in the shinobi world, life was short. Most ninja didn't live past their forties due to constant warfare.
He didn't know how much longer he'd be around.
But as long as the village had children like this, Konoha would endure.
"Lord Hokage!"
Hiruzen, who had just stepped out of the ramen shop, was immediately recognized.
Nearby shinobi straightened and bowed respectfully.
"It's fine," Hiruzen said, waving it off. Then he walked away slowly—his pace steady, his back just slightly hunched.
Like an old man.