Chapter 351: Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou [351]
Konoha.
On this day, Konoha was basked in sunlight, with clear skies stretching endlessly.
The villagers were all smiling and busy with their daily lives. However, inside Ichiraku Ramen, Uzumaki Naruto was noticeably downcast.
"Ramen's ready, Naruto."
With warm smiles, Teuchi and Ayame, as always, served Naruto a special bowl of ramen with extra toppings.
"Thank you, Uncle Teuchi."
Naruto's voice was filled with gratitude, but today his expression was visibly gloomy. Beside him was Iruka-sensei, who had come specially to comfort him.
"Iruka-sensei, do you think I'm really that useless? Lately, it feels like everyone's become distant."
Naruto had been thinking a lot these past few days. Although many in the village now acknowledged him, for some reason, the distance between him and his old companions seemed to keep growing.
In all of Konoha, apart from the late Third Hokage, Iruka had the deepest influence on Naruto—almost like a teacher and a father.
"Well, Naruto, how should I put this..."