8 Chapter 8
The old man wore a traditional brown robe that seemed to have witnessed countless seasons. His demeanour exuded wisdom, making him a living repository of the village's history. A mop of silver hair framed his face, and a pair of spectacles perched on the bridge of his nose, accentuating the keenness of his gaze.
"Ah, young ones, welcome," the elderly shopkeeper said with a warm smile, his voice carrying the weight of years spent in the Shinobi world. His eyes twinkled with a knowing gleam, recognising the curiosity that sparkled in the children's gazes.
Shikamaru, Choji, and Naruto found themselves drawn to the shelves, their eyes flitting from one artefact to another. Aged kunai, scrolls sealed with symbols lost to time, and masks that once concealed the faces of enigmatic warriors adorned the space.
As the trio explored, the shopkeeper observed with a silent acknowledgment of the children's thirst for knowledge. Occasionally, he would share anecdotes, each story transforming the inanimate relics into living echoes of the past.
Kazuki, despite being a seasoned visitor to the relic shop, maintained an air of reverence as he perused the items on display. The elderly shopkeeper, with a keen eye, sensed the young Nara's familiarity with the artefacts. The shop had become a hidden haven for Kazuki, a sanctuary where the echoes of the past whispered to him in the language of forgotten Shinobi.
The relic shop held a trove of relics, each with its own untold story. Kazuki's fingers danced over the aged bindings of scrolls, tracing the intricate patterns on ancient weapons and lingering over masks that once veiled the faces of enigmatic warriors. The shopkeeper, well acquainted with Kazuki's penchant for unravelling the mysteries of the past, observed him with a knowing smile.
This particular visit was rooted in routine for Kazuki, a ritual that had been unfolding for nearly a year. The shopkeeper, a collector of curiosities from wandering merchants, presented a peculiar blend of genuine artefacts and seemingly mundane items. Among the assortment of relics, Kazuki once unearthed a tattered book, its pages yellowed with age and written in a language lost to contemporary scholars.
The book, initially overlooked by casual observers, held secrets that beckoned Kazuki's keen intellect. The coded language concealed within its pages proved to be a puzzle that consumed two months of his time. With unwavering determination, Kazuki deciphered the arcane script, unveiling a treasure trove of sealing arts knowledge.
The contents of the tattered book were nothing short of profound. The intricate fuinjutsu inscribed within its fragile pages surpassed the mundane, ascending to a level that could rival the esteemed Scroll of Seals.
"Kid, there's a new batch of items over in that corner. Go through it if you would like; I haven't sorted them out yet," the old shopkeeper said to Kazuki without turning towards him, as he happily entertained the trio.
Kazuki, catching the old man's words, made his way to the corner mentioned and began inspecting the neatly stacked items. Among the diverse assortment—old scrolls, books, antiques, and more—a few tattered scrolls initially caught his attention. However, none met his expectations. Finally, his discerning eye fell upon an old, large, and exquisite box. Though its appearance seemed unassuming, the wood used for the box hinted at its immense value. When Kazuki attempted to open it, he discovered that it was sealed with intricate seals, signalling the precious contents within.
Setting aside the sealed box for further exploration, Kazuki continued sifting through the remaining items. After about half an hour of patient examination, he decided on the old case, two tattered scrolls, and a sizable book. The old man, still immersed in entertaining the trio, was weaving tales around each item, emphasising their uniqueness to capture the kids' interest.
Meanwhile, Shikamaru held an antique Shogi set crafted from crystal, and Kazuki couldn't help but suppress a smile. On the other hand, Shikamaru clutched an ancient-looking calligraphy set. The old man's exaggerated storytelling had effectively intrigued the kids, with Naruto and Choji also grasping a couple of items each.
As Kazuki approached the trio, completing his selection, he marvelled at the choices made by the young ones. Shikamaru's interest in strategic games, Naruto's fascination with an ornate kunai set, and Choji's fascination with a unique food pill container were all emblematic of their individual personalities.
After spending nearly another hour exploring the intriguing relics and antiques, the trio of young Shinobi were satisfied with their selections and gathered at the counter to finalise their purchase. The old man, now behind the counter, mentally calculated the total bill with a gleam in his eyes.
"That will be a total of 987,500 ryo. Since you're a regular here, I'll round it off to 980,000 ryo. So, will that be cash or an IOU, kid?" The old man inquired, his anticipation for the monetary exchange evident.
The three youngsters, stunned by the quoted amount, unconsciously began placing the items back on the counter. Even Kazuki, momentarily taken aback, responded with a teasing tone, "Old man, aren't you being a little greedy? That's almost the fee for issuing an S-class mission, you know."
The old man, nonchalant and amused, retorted, "Kid, the things I sell here are treasures, not roadside junk. You can leave the items if you can't afford them."
Kazuki sighed, realizing the playful banter with the old man, but the young trio was still grappling with the cost. Naruto, in his small but emotionally intelligent manner, expressed his reluctance: "Kazuki niisan, I don't think I like these items. There is no need to buy them. We can try some other shops later."
"Haha, Naruto, worry not. Big Brother Kazuki's pockets are filled with ryos. Don't worry about it. Quick, pack those items for us, old man," Shikamaru reassured, while Kazuki produced an IOU for the quoted amount.
The old man, happy to have secured the sale, packed the items onto sealing scrolls provided by Kazuki. Naruto, reassured by Shikamaru and Kazuki, took the scroll with tear-stained eyes, feeling warmth from the care and kindness shown to him. The old man, recognising Naruto's situation, presented a lifelike miniature wood carving set of the Hokages as a complimentary gift, bringing a genuine smile to Naruto's face.
"Here you go, kid. This is a complementary gift for the purchase," the old man said, and Naruto, with gratitude, accepted the wood carving set. Kazuki and the trio thanked the old man before leaving the shop.
Continuing their shopping spree, they purchased more gifts and clothes for the kids in Naruto's orphanage and indulged Choji's growing hunger with snacks from little stalls.
After an hour, they reached the highlight of Choji's day—the new Nara restaurant.
Situated on five floors, the Nara restaurant was a marvel of architecture and ambiance, personally designed by Kazuki. A harmonious blend of traditional Naruto world aesthetics and a modern touch, the restaurant prohibited alcohol on the first two floors. The top floor, designated for VIPs, was an open-air space.
The ground floor welcomed patrons with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The decor included wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and intricate Nara clan symbols subtly embedded in various elements. The second floor, mirroring the first in design, catered to those seeking a more private dining experience.
The third and fourth floors showcased the fusion of tradition and modernity. The walls were adorned with scrolls depicting the Nara clan's history, while smartly placed screens provided a glimpse into the kitchen, where skilled chefs prepared the delectable dishes.
The VIP floor, the fifth and final level, was a masterpiece. With an open-air setting, patrons enjoyed an elevated dining experience under the stars. Elegant wooden furniture, soft cushions, and ambient lighting created an enchanting atmosphere. The panoramic view of the village added to the restaurant's allure, making it a sought-after destination for special occasions.
As the trio of kids and Kazuki entered the restaurant, the aroma of carefully crafted dishes wafted through the air, tantalising their senses. The waitstaff, dressed in traditional attire, welcomed them with a courteous bow. The Nara restaurant, a testament to Kazuki's vision and the Nara clan's dedication, stood as a culinary haven for the people of Konoha.
The restaurant manager, a seasoned individual who took pride in offering exemplary service, personally approached the trio to welcome them. With a respectful bow, he guided them to a private booth on the second floor. The booth exuded an air of intimacy, adorned with wooden furnishings and soft cushions, providing a comfortable yet elegant dining experience.
As they settled into their seats, the dedicated staff presented each of them with a meticulously crafted menu. The dishes featured a delightful blend of traditional Naruto world cuisine and recipes from Kazuki's past life, making the menu truly exquisite.
Choji, ever the food enthusiast, couldn't contain his excitement and asked Kazuki if he could order everything on the menu. Kazuki, with a chuckle, responded, "Choji, let's not waste food. Order what you can finish." Shikamaru, overhearing the conversation, smirked knowingly, well aware of Choji's voracious appetite.
Naruto, wide-eyed and eager, was experiencing the novelty of such a fine dining setting for the first time. The array of unfamiliar dishes intrigued him, and his excitement was palpable.
As the trio perused the menu, the manager, sensing their curiosity, approached them with a warm smile. "If you have any questions about the dishes, feel free to ask. We want to ensure you have the best dining experience," he offered.
Shikamaru, always the strategist, glanced at Naruto and teased, "Naruto, make sure you don't mistake the tablecloth for a napkin. This is a high-class place, you know." Naruto, despite not entirely grasping the joke, chuckled along, eager to embrace the jovial atmosphere.
The waiter patiently explained the details of each dish, describing the ingredients and preparation techniques. Choji, undeterred by Kazuki's advice, enthusiastically pointed to various items on the menu, exclaiming, "I'll have one of these, two of those, and, oh, definitely one of these special ones!"
Kazuki, amused by Choji's enthusiasm, simply nodded. Shikamaru, known for his laid-back demeanour, leaned back in his chair and commented, "Well, if Choji can't finish it all, I'm here to help." Choji shot him a playful glare, realizing that Shikamaru might indeed take advantage of the situation.
Naruto, though unfamiliar with the customs of fine dining, watched the interactions with curiosity. He tentatively pointed to a dish, asking, "What's this one?" The waiter, recognising Naruto's innocence, patiently explained the details, earning a nod of understanding from the young orphan.
As the orders were placed, the trio eagerly awaited the culinary delights that awaited them. The ambience, the laughter, and the prospect of flavorful dishes created an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy, turning a simple meal into a memorable experience for the young kids.
Amidst the joyful atmosphere in the restaurant, the ambiance shifted as a loud commotion erupted from a nearby booth. The manager, who had been overseeing the trio's dining experience, excused himself and promptly made his way towards the disturbance. After a brief exchange, he returned to Kazuki with a concerned expression.
"Young master, I apologise for the inconvenience. It appears there's a group causing trouble in one of our booths. They seem to be deliberately creating chaos and disrupting the other customers' dining experience," the manager explained, glancing back at the source of the disturbance.
Kazuki, maintaining his composure, leaned in to hear more details. "What seems to be the problem, and how can I help?" he inquired.
The manager sighed, "It's a group of shinobi who have been recently causing disruptions in various Nara establishments. They're demanding special treatment and causing scenes to intimidate staff. Unfortunately, they're creating a hostile environment, and we're doing our best to handle the situation without escalating matters."
Kazuki, frowning at the news, considered the best course of action. "I don't want the kids to be exposed to unnecessary trouble. Please handle this discreetly and also send someone to inquire about the background of these ninjas," he said, glancing over at Shikamaru, Choji, and Naruto, who were curiously observing the unfolding events.
