Chapter 56: Guess Who I Am
The reason was simple: Naruto had used a Spatial Seal from the Sealing Techniques to enlarge his ninja tool pouch.
More precisely, he had sealed a medium-sized box inside the pouch.
From the outside it looked like an ordinary pouch, but the actual storage space was that of the box.
"This is a Specially-Made Bento."
Naruto lifted the lid with a proud grin, revealing a feast that looked, smelled, and surely tasted perfect.
"Plenty for the four of us."
He handed the lunchboxes to everyone.
"I've got a real knack for Sealing Techniques. The food's still hot—let's eat while it's warm!"
A real knack for Sealing Techniques, huh?
Kakashi's eyes narrowed; in a trance he was transported back to an afternoon many years ago.
"All right, let's dig in! Minato, come on—these dishes are enough for all of us."
In his memory, red-haired Kushina sat at the table with teen Kakashi and two teammates, while blond Minato Namikaze, apron on, poked his head from the kitchen, smiling gently.
"Coming right up."
Feeling the weight of the lunchbox in his hand, Kakashi felt his heart grow heavy too.
Truly Minato-sensei's child, indeed.
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"Naruto-kun~"
A deliberately shy voice rang out.
The black-haired girl sprang onto Naruto's back, small hands covering his eyes.
She landed light as a kitten, carrying the faint scent of daisies.
"Guess who I am!"
Naruto steadied himself and cupped her legs to keep her from slipping.
With his current senses he'd noticed her approach long ago—he just hadn't expected the pounce.
"Oh my, that voice sounds awfully familiar…"
He drew the words out, feeling the girl on his back hold her breath in suspense.
"Must be our cutest, cutest little Hanabi!"
"Correct!"
Hanabi let go of his eyes and looped her arms around his neck.
Her soft black hair brushed his cheek like a cuddly little animal.
"Big sister says you guys made Genin—any super-cool missions yet?"
She batted bright eyes, pressing for details.
She didn't notice Sasuke's subtle expression nearby, or Sakura gaping in shock.
"Yep. We just finished a D-rank: helping an old lady farm her land."
"Sounds totally not cool."
Hanabi hopped down, hands on hips, disappointment clear.
Naruto ruffled her hair. "D-ranks are safe chores—finding cats, planting veggies—paying five hundred to fifty thousand ryo. C-ranks might mean injuries, like bandit hunts: thirty thousand to a hundred thousand."
"B-ranks can pit you against enemy Ninja: eight hundred thousand to two million. A-ranks affect Village or country affairs: one-and-a-half to ten million. Top-tier S-ranks involve national secrets—ten million plus."
He recalled the databook exchange rate: One Ryo equals ten yen.
So a seventy-five-ryo bowl of Ichiraku Ramen with extra pork would cost ¥750—about thirty-seven yuan in his past life.
Prices in Konoha were anything but low.
Of course, you earn in Konoha and you spend in Konoha.
You pay a lot—but you don't actually earn much!
Jobs like helping an elderly widow farm don't pay well to begin with.
An old loner who can't even till her field counts as non-labor in the Ninja World, earns little, and can only post low-budget missions.
The Mission Office takes a cut, Jonin leader Kakashi claims his share, and the remainder is split three ways—barely enough for one bowl of Ichiraku Ramen each.
Hanabi was stunned. "Five hundred ryo, minus ten percent to the Office—four-fifty. The leader takes half—two-twenty-five. Split three ways that's seventy-five each. You can't even buy snacks!"
"Exactly. We each got seventy-five and were heading for ramen."
Naruto shrugged, sharing wry smiles with Sakura while Sasuke looked unfazed.
"Come on, my treat!"
Hanabi's eyes sparkled. She pulled out a petite purse stitched with the Hyuga crest and waved it triumphantly.
As the Hyuga second daughter she never lacked pocket money.
Her allowance dwarfed many Chunin mission fees.
"No way I'm letting you pay!"
Naruto patted her head, gentle but firm.
"My own allowance is plenty to cover all of us."
Hanabi stomped, stretching on tiptoe to raise her purse higher.
"Big sister says friends treating friends is totally normal!"
Sasuke watched quietly, suddenly picturing the dusty money boxes in his basement.
Maybe it was time those funds served their original purpose.
After the Uchiha massacre, Sasuke—as the sole survivor—inherited the clan's estate.
Though the Village reclaimed the district, Third Hokage granted him a fortune large enough for a lifetime of luxury.
Those carefully preserved riches still lay untouched in the basement.
After all, Ninja World banks charge custody fees instead of offering interest; better to keep it at home—no one dares rob an Uchiha.
"All right, all right."
Naruto finally relented, gently pinching Hanabi's puffed cheek.
"Next time we'll invite Hinata and I'll cook for everyone."
"Deal! I want Sweet-and-Sour Ribs!"
Hanabi beamed, tugging his sleeve like a happy sparrow.
"And cola chicken, sweet-and-sour pork, taro puffs, Pine-Nut Corn, Pineapple Chicken—"
She rattled the list off on her fingers, eyes shining.
"Plus everything else you've made before!"
Naruto laughed. "Fine, fine. When your sister and I both have a free day, I'll cook—if you help prep."
"Mm-hmm! I'll go ask her schedule the moment I get home."
Hanabi nodded eagerly, then turned to Sasuke and Sakura.
"Sasuke-nii, Sakura-nee, you come too! Meals are merrier with more people!"
Sasuke gave a slight nod; Sakura thanked her over and over, flattered.
The four strolled down the street; by now few villagers dared hurl insults at the newly made Ninja Naruto.
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