Chapter 274: Ichiraku Ramen
Once Nagato was out of the front door of the Hatake Clan, he slowed his pace, running a hand over his flushed face. Scrubbing his hands together vigorously, he continued walking toward the commercial street.
The words of his elders echoed in his mind, stirring his mood into a restless whirl. He had assumed it would be a normal dinner, but now he wasn't sure how to face Nonō. Perhaps she really just wanted to thank him for saving her life—that might be all there was to it.
Walking down the bustling street, Nagato blended into the crowd like any other teenager, drawing no particular attention to himself. It was just about dinnertime, and the commercial street was alive with activity. The aromas of food and the lively cries of vendors filled the air.
Although Nagato didn't frequent the area often, he knew his way around. Guided by memory, he walked straight toward the dumpling restaurant. It would soon be six o'clock.
From a distance, Nagato noticed a long queue forming in front of the restaurant, a clear sign of its popularity. Not far from the line, he spotted a familiar figure looking left and right—Nonō Yakushi.
When Nonō saw him, her face lit up with joy. "Nagato, over here!" she called, waving excitedly.
It was clear she had put effort into dressing up. Her soft hair fell neatly to her shoulders, and she wore a clean kimono that suited her perfectly. Her fair face was framed by black-rimmed glasses, and when she smiled, her eyes seemed to vanish behind them.
"I'm here," Nagato responded, quickening his steps to reach her.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said apologetically when he reached her side.
"That's fine, I just got here not long ago," Nonō replied.
In truth, she had been waiting for almost half an hour, having arrived a little early. But since it wasn't yet six o'clock, she didn't mind.