Time skip
Streets of Konoha – Festival Night
The village bathed in warm golden hues as lanterns swayed overhead, casting gentle shadows along cobblestone paths. Shops brimmed with customers, their doors ringing with every entry and exit. Street vendors shouted over one another, calling out the names of skewers, dumplings, fried octopus balls, and sweet dango. The scent of sizzling food clung to the air, thick and comforting.
In the middle of the festivities wandered a group of nine young ninja—Haruto, Naruto, Hinata, Ino, Sakura, Shikamaru, Choji, Kiba, and Shino—laughter and energy flowing between them like a current.
"Haha! Look at that guy!" Kiba barked out, pointing at a man who'd just slipped trying to kick a ball into a moving basket. "He tripped over his own feet!"
Naruto grinned. "That was my brother's idea, you know! Look how long the line is now."
"No way," Ino said, turning to Haruto, eyes wide with disbelief. "That was really you?"
Haruto crossed his arms proudly and tilted his head, his red bangs swaying slightly with the breeze.
"Of course," he said with a dramatic flair. "Sometimes, my own genius actually terrifies me."
Hinata blinked in surprise at his confidence while trying to hide a soft smile.
Before anyone could respond, Naruto grabbed Haruto by the collar. "Enough gloating! Let's do something that matters! Like... an eating competition!"
"Count me in!" Choji shouted, practically glowing.
"Oh boy," Shikamaru mumbled. "This is going to be a mess."
The group moved through the crowd to a nearby booth, where a long row of tables and chairs awaited challengers. Paper lanterns above swayed gently, flickering shadows over eager faces. Villagers began to gather around, drawn to the sudden energy.
Festival Eating Stage –
A sizable crowd formed, murmuring in anticipation. Some cheered, others gossiped.
"How much do you think that fatty can eat?" a voice muttered, and others snickered behind cupped hands.
But just as Choji lowered his eyes, a sudden shift passed through the crowd. A ripple, like a forgotten memory returning. The same people who mocked him moments ago suddenly started cheering.
"Let's go, Choji!"
"You've got this, big guy!"
Choji blinked in confusion. Then he turned to Haruto, whose eyes briefly shimmered gold before fading back into deep ocean blue. He said nothing—just offered Choji a subtle thumbs-up.
The announcer's voice boomed: "Welcome, one and all! Round one begins now! Ten mega bowls of piping hot ramen! Eat as much as you can—the one left standing wins!"
The air buzzed with excitement as the bowls were served.
Five Minutes Later
Steam still curled from the untouched bowls of some competitors. Naruto slumped in his chair, arms hanging at his sides, groaning. "Only... three? I thought I was stronger than this…"
Shikamaru had given up after two bites. "Why am I even here?" he muttered, dozing off.
Kiba tapped out after one bowl. "I'm saving room for grilled meat," he grinned.
Ino delicately finished a single bowl, wiping her lips. "A girl's gotta maintain her figure."
Haruto managed four, but slowed down as sweat formed at his temple. Even his legendary willpower wavered.
And then there was Hinata.
Quiet, graceful, expression calm… yet in front of her, a towering stack of empty bowls—eight, almost nine.
She wasn't even sweating.
As the final spoonful disappeared into her mouth, she softly placed her chopsticks down and exhaled like a breeze had passed through her.
The announcer's jaw dropped. "And the winner is… the pale-eyed girl in lavender! What's your name, miss?!"
Hinata stood up, bowing politely. "H-Hinata."
A burst of applause shook the square.
Naruto, mid-fall from his chair, hit the ground with a dramatic thud. "Whaaaat?!"
Choji, stunned, blinked slowly. "She… she beat me…"
Haruto smirked in silence. "That… was...totally expected."
---
Moments Later – Round Two
The announcer waved to the excited crowd. "Only three contestants remain! Moving on to the spicy round!"
Three large trays were unveiled with a dramatic flair. On each were steaming dishes: pepper-coated dumplings, blazing curry, and a crimson soup with warning labels on the side.
"Level 10 Heat—Warning: Not for the weak-hearted!"
Ino winced. "Oh no. Not a chance. Count me out."
Haruto chuckled. "Wise choice."
As others cleared out, Hinata stepped forward again. Her face serene, her eyes unwavering.
The host laughed nervously. "You sure, miss? These dishes are—"
Before he could finish, Hinata already started.
One dumpling down. Then the second. She sipped the soup like it was morning tea. Her expression never changed—elegant, composed.
The crowd watched in silence. The man holding the mic looked slack jawed
And then… she was done.
She wiped her lips gently with a napkin and bowed again. "Excuse me," she said softly.
The crowd exploded.
The announcer raised his arms. "Hinata Hyūga is officially tonight's Festival Eating Champion!"
"She made a record for eating the phase two faster than anyone!" Everyone exploded with new found energy
As well as a golden badge which was given to hinata...
He handed her a shining golden badge with a ramen bowl emblem engraved in the center.
As the applause continued, Naruto stood slack-jawed. "How… did she even…?"
Ino elbowed him. "You'd better step up your game, hero."
Hinata walked back toward the group, badge in hand, her cheeks faintly pink as she looked at Haruto.
Haruto gave her a long look… then smiled. "is it real gold" haruto said pointing
Hinata blinked as if she expected something else"no I don't think so..."
As haruto and Hinata talked kiba stood before choji
Kiba crossed his arms. "Remind me not to challenge her again…she's a big eater!"
Choji nodded slowly, still processing his defeat.