The next day, when Kushina and Minato Namikaze learned what had happened, they looked at Satori Hyūga with reluctance.
To them, Satori had long been both a companion and a friend.
But due to his status, Satori was unable to leave the village to see the scenery in other places.
Kushina said, "You just stay well in Konoha. Minato and I will complete our mission properly. When we come back, we'll tell you all about it."
Minato Namikaze also added, "I originally thought your special family status made things different for you, but never expected such restrictions."
Only now did they realize that as a member of the Hyūga Main House, Satori also bore unavoidable responsibilities—he could neither leave Konoha nor abandon his duty to protect his family.
Originally, they'd thought Branch House members were like birds trapped in gilded cages, but now it seemed like even the Main House members were caged birds as well—albeit dressed more finely and granted higher status.
Satori waved a hand dismissively. "You two just focus on doing your mission. Don't worry about me—I've never been all that interested in missions anyway."
"Oh, and take these. You can eat them along the way."
Satori took out a sealing scroll from within his robe and handed it to Minato Namikaze, instructing him, "These are instant noodles I had custom-made—they're suitable for eating during missions when you're in the wild without any food."
"If you've got some time while traveling, feel free to try them. Also, let me know if there's anything I need to improve."
Inside the sealing scroll were the very instant noodles Satori had ordered Teuchi to make. He'd tasted them himself—they were decent enough—but he knew personal preferences didn't always match the public's. That's why he offered them to Kushina and Minato for testing.
It was also a provision for their journey.
"Hey, kids, it's time to move out!" Jiraiya called out from nearby.
The B-rank mission assigned by Hiruzen Sarutobi was to escort a merchant caravan into the Land of Rain; upon reaching their destination, the mission would be considered complete.
With slight reluctance, Minato and Kushina bid farewell to Satori before joining the large merchant caravan departing from the village.
Under normal circumstances, merchant caravans wouldn't hire newly minted Genin to handle such tasks.
But since Jiraiya—an elite Jonin—was part of the team, the leader of the merchants agreed. After all, one of the Three Legendary Sannin carrying such a renowned title across the ninja world was guarantee enough.
As soon as they left Konoha's borders, Kushina was initially quite excited, curiously observing the unfamiliar surroundings.
However, as time wore on and the endless swaying in the wagon grew unbearable, her enthusiasm quickly faded.
At noon, during their break, the entire merchant group came to a halt and picked a flat area to light fires and prepare meals.
"Minato, how long until we reach the Land of Rain?" Kushina asked.
Minato shrugged. "Probably a few more days' travel."
"This journey is so boring. Not even a single bandit or robber has appeared," Kushina muttered, lowering her head and staring unhappily at the Military Rations Pill in her palm.
"Oh right! Quickly get out that sealing scroll Satori gave us—didn't he bring us something delicious?"
Minato Namikaze pulled out a Sealing Scroll from within his robes and, with both hands forming Hand Seals, released the seal on the scroll.
With a burst of smoke,
several strangely shaped, barrel-like objects appeared on the scroll—clearly some kind of novelty item.
"Is this instant noodles?" Kushina asked curiously, picking up one of the cups and grabbing the attached note to read the instructions.
The note gave step-by-step instructions on how to prepare it.
"This ramen can be soaked, boiled, or even crushed and eaten dry like snacks. It really does sound pretty good."
Kushina became interested and began preparing it according to the directions.
As she took a bite, the instant noodles were crispy and crunchy, releasing a burst of sweet and savory flavor in her mouth.
Because the noodles were fried, they still tasted delicious even when eaten dry.
"I never expected eating them plain to be so tasty. I wonder how they taste when boiled or soaked."
Kushina immediately fetched some water and began cooking the instant noodles as instructed.
Minato was just as curious and eagerly waited beside her, watching until the water boiled before adding the noodles to the pot.
Jiraiya, watching this unfold, disapproved and said, "As ninjas, we should always stay alert and observe our surroundings while traveling. We can't let food consume all our attention."
He took out a Military Rations Pill and quietly swallowed it.
Though the pill didn't taste great, it provided sufficient nutrition and was an essential item for ninjas on missions.
Just as he was chewing, the water came to a boil and the noodles and seasoning were added.
Before long, the entire camp was filled with a mouthwatering aroma that whetted everyone's appetite.
"Gulp, what smells so good?" someone asked.
"It seems to be coming from the food brought by the ninjas in our group."
"What are they eating? Why does it smell so amazing?"
"Sniff sniff, I think I just smelled tonkotsu ramen!"
...
The assembly began chattering among themselves, their eyes unconsciously drifting toward Kushina and Minato.
Jiraiya reacted faster than anyone else—he instantly dropped the Military Rations Pill and hurried over to stand beside Kushina and Minato, grinning widely, "Hey hey, what are you two eating?"
He stole a couple of glances but saw something completely unfamiliar, instantly piquing his curiosity.
"Is this the food Satori Hyūga brought along for us during the journey?"
He watched Kushina scoop out some chewy-looking noodles from the pot, unable to stop himself from staring wide-eyed.
Being the closest, he caught the strongest whiff of that irresistible aroma—it was almost overwhelming.
"Professor Jiraiya, care to join us for a bite?" Minato offered.
Trying hard to contain his excitement, Jiraiya was about to agree when Kushina cut in, "Who was it that just said ninjas shouldn't focus only on food, that we should keep watch for enemies, and that a simple Military Rations Pill is enough?"
Jiraiya scratched his nose awkwardly, but soon enough, faced with the temptation of those noodles, he abandoned his principles entirely.
"Ahem...Minato, give me a bowl. Let's see what kind of great stuff Satori Hyūga managed to come up with."
Forget honor—nothing could resist the temptation of tasting these instant noodles.
The rich aroma of the broth was utterly irresistible to Jiraiya.
Gulu gulu...
Holding the bowl in his hand, he devoured the entire bowl in just a few gulps, immediately feeling a deep sense of satisfaction.
The taste was surprisingly delicious and pleasant, making him feel completely refreshed and itching for another bowl.
"I never thought that little brat Satori Hyūga could create something this tasty. Not bad at all for a kid."
In this world, MSG hadn't even been invented yet, so food generally lacked flavor. However, Satori Hyūga had added his own special seasoning, extracted from grains—a total game-changer.
In an instant, it conquered Jiraiya's taste buds.
Meanwhile, the ordinary villagers from the caravan could do nothing but watch enviously, mouths watering uncontrollably.
Licking his lips, the caravan leader approached with a smile, trying to strike up a conversation.
"Excuse me, what kind of food are you all eating? I'd be willing to pay to buy some."
Kushina immediately stepped forward to shield the remaining buckets of instant noodles and refused, saying, "This isn't for sale—it's something given to us by a friend."
Minato Namikaze chuckled. "It's not for sale, but if you're really interested, I can ask my friend for you."
"Great, thank you very much, young man," the caravan leader hurriedly thanked Minato Namikaze, all the while secretly planning to unload the goods and return to Konoha from the Land of Rain as soon as possible.
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