Naruto: Stormbreaker Chapter 46: Wake Up to Reality

After leaving the office, I decided to go for a walk. With everything that had recently happened, I needed so fresh air, a chance to breathe freely, and maybe. just maybe. an expensive al. Sothing actually cooked and not stolen from the Academy pantry.

Missing a single day of training wouldn’t set back much. My muscles practically sighed in relief at the thought of a break. As I strolled through Konoha's bustling streets, I slowed my pace to fully appreciate the lively atmosphere. The sun ward my back, rchants shouted cheerful greetings because they did not know , and the scent of food wafted through the air, whispering sweet promises.

I wandered aimlessly, stopping occasionally to chat with random villagers, asking for recomndations for a decent place to eat. Eventually, after so direction from a particularly enthusiastic shopkeeper, I found myself in front of a restaurant that practically beckoned to . The gentle smoke drifting from its entrance seed to form ghostly fingers, inviting inside.

I stepped into the restaurant, and a powerful wave of nostalgia crashed over . I'd been here before. This was the sa place the ANBU had taken after the bear incident. What a bizarre coincidence. Fate really had a twisted sense of humor.

The restaurant owner, who was also simultaneously the server and chef, greeted with booming warmth, "Welco, young custor!"

Only now did I notice he was an Akimichi. Back then, I'd been too preoccupied with surviving the ANBU's silent judgnt to pay attention. I chose a seat carefully and settled in, imdiately running ntal calculations. How much could I afford to eat without starving myself later? With sumr vacation upon , I couldn't exactly "borrow" food from the Academy cafeteria anymore.

With a sigh, I pushed those worries aside. For just this one day, I would relax and let myself enjoy a proper al. A single day of indulgence wouldn’t kill .

Smiling to myself, I confidently opened the nu. Then promptly closed it after seeing the prices. My wallet nearly wept. The owner soon approached, all smiles and booming confidence, asking, "So, what'll it be today, kid?"

My head drooped, and I mumbled quietly, "The cheapest at dish you have, please."

The owner laughed heartily, a warm and reassuring sound. "Been there myself, kid! Tell you what. I'll hook you up this one ti, but don’t get used to it, alright?"

I felt a surprising wave of gratitude wash over . If every restaurant owner acted like him, they'd go broke overnight. I chuckled softly at my situation thinking to myself "I can't wait until I start taking missions and actually earn so money. I'm going to eat like a king."

The owner saw the look on my face and patted on the back with surprising force, nearly knocking forward. "Do not worry about it kid! sit tight. Good food coming up!" and left in a hurry.

Taken from , this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Grinning to myself, I finally took a proper look around. The chair beside was empty, promising a peaceful al. But just as I relaxed, a loud, unmistakable voice bood through the entrance.

"Hahaha! I have triumphed again, my eternal rival! I reached the restaurant first!" The energetic voice filled every corner of the restaurant.

A dry, bored voice imdiately followed. "I wasn't competing in the first place, Gai."

"You're only saying that because you lost, Kakashi!"

My eyes widened as two unmistakably familiar figures stepped inside. My thoughts screeched to a halt as Might Gai and Hatake Kakashi. actual legends from my past life's favorite show walked casually into the restaurant. My jaw went slack, mind frozen in awe as they took seats right next to .

The owner soon arrived with my al, a generous portion far larger than what I'd ordered. Clearly, I'd struck a chord with him. I shook off my shock, looking up at him with genuine gratitude.

"Thank you," I said sincerely. "I promise to co here again and spend plenty once I'm making money."

He laughed warmly, slapping my shoulder again. "Don't worry about it, kid. Eat up and enjoy!"

Kakashi, leaning lazily on one elbow, tilted his head slightly. "Hey, old man, since you're feeling charitable today, how about tossing in a few free sides?"

The owner’s friendly deanor flipped instantly into a terrifying glare. "Don't push your luck, Kakashi."

Kakashi quickly turned away, feigning disinterest, while Gai chuckled heartily. "Old man, bring us our usual feast! Youthful warriors need hearty fuel!"

The owner muttered sothing under his breath about freeloading rich jonin before disappearing back into the kitchen.

Just as I was about to bury myself in the delicious al before , I heard Gai’s voice aid directly at . "That's quite a feast for soone your age!"

I blinked rapidly, looking around until I realized he really was talking to . Internally, my brain was on the verge of a ltdown. Might Gai was casually chatting with , like this was a completely normal thing and sothing cracked inside .

I already knew this wasn’t a dream, but seeing both Kakashi and Gai up close made it hit different. That was it. This was real. This world was real. And suddenly, the realization caught up to .

I was here. Alone. Completely cut off from everyone I had ever known in my previous life.

I cleared my throat and tried to clear my head, forcing myself to ignore the feeling roiling inside , then answered cautiously, "I train a lot. I need all this food to keep my energy up."

Gai’s eyes narrowed, studying carefully, before a massive grin split his face. "I see! The flas of youth burn brightly within you!" He flashed his signature thumbs-up with unrestrained enthusiasm. "Keep that fla blazing, young man!"

I half-expected him to continue, but surprisingly, he let eat in peace, turning back to Kakashi to continue his friendly assault of relentless enthusiasm.

After finishing my al, I paid the owner. Before leaving, I turned respectfully to Kakashi and Gai, bowing slightly. "It was an honor eting you both."

Kakashi gave a lazy wave, his voice casual but oddly sincere. "Good luck out there, kid."

Gai pumped his fist energetically. "Rember, youth has no limits!"

With my mind in turmoil, I left them to their al.

As Noa was leaving, Kakashi’s expression shifted subtly. He quietly lowered the cover over his left eye, revealing the Sharingan briefly as he watched noa leave. He frowned slightly before covering it again with a tired sigh.

Gai, noticing the shift, glanced at Kakashi with rare seriousness. "Was that really necessary? Why use your eye on the boy?"

Kakashi shrugged nonchalantly, resuming his usual lazy posture. "Call it instinct."

Gai followed Kakashi’s gaze thoughtfully as Noa’s figure disappeared into the bustling crowd outside. "What exactly did you see, Kakashi?"

Kakashi paused, seeming to consider carefully, then finally spoke in a quiet yet certain voice, laced with intrigue. "A monster in the making."