Not for now. Return to the hotel

The evening air in Wave is thick with the scent of salt and the distant, rhythmic hammering of your clones finishing the day’s work. You step into the lobby of the hotel youre staying, noting the floorboards polished to a high mirror sheen that reflects the warm glow of paper lanterns. Normally, you don't stay in a hotel for a mission. However, the current mission is a diplomatic mission, one that Konoha pays to have a nice room prepared for you, and commands you to stay in that room. Some abascus cruncher back at the village calculated that paying for fully board room in Wave will give a good reputation to Konoha given that you're it's goodwill ambassador.

You hear a rumor that the hotel owner and Konoha admin office actually fought regarding who will provide boarding to you; the hotel wanted to sponsor your accommodation while the office insisted to pay. The only reason why the hotel backed off was the office actually threaten to send you to the competitor who is willing to receive the money.

Orie is there behind the heavy wooden counter, her posture graceful despite the years of hard labor she endured under Gatou’s shadow. She is a woman in her early forties, with hair the color of midnight streaked with a distinguished silver at the temples, and eyes that have seen far too much sorrow to be fooled by a simple smile.

"Welcome back, Naruto-san," she says, bowing low. The movement causes the silk of her dark plum yukata to pull tight across her shoulders.

You lean against the counter, enjoying the way the lantern light plays across her features. "Place looks good, Orie-san. Busy day?"

"The port is thriving, which means my rooms are full," she replies happily. She pauses, her expression softening into something more personal. "I heard of your success at the council today. My daughters... they are still in the Fire Country, working to send money home. Because of what you’re building here, I hope to bring them back by the year’s end. This village is becoming a place where a family can actually stay together."

As you talk about the rapid changes in Wave, you notice the other staff moving through the halls. Most are young women, their faces bright with the newfound security your presence provides. They cast quick, shy glances your way, the hero who had saved Wave..

Orie steps out from behind the counter, her movements fluid and purposeful. "You look exhausted, Naruto-san. A hero shouldn't have to hunt for his meal after a day of politics. While you had your meal at other places these few days, we hope to serve you our special today."

"Special?"

"Naruto Ramen Special."

"Ramen?"

"Yes. Murata-san, our ramen chef is a proud man, but he went and bowed his head at Teuchi-san to learn the recipes. We're working on the paperwork and certification, but eventually, we hope to have an affliate ramen shop adjoined to the hotel.

"An Ichiraku Ramen shop in Wave? Would that makes sense?"

Orie-san smiled. "We're keeping it hush hush so that our competitors couldn't figure that out until it's too late." The smile became predatory. "Eventually, we'll corner the market in the whole nation."

"People here like ramen?"

"People here want to eat 'Ichiraku Ramen', the one their hero eats." Orie-san stopped in front of your suite. "Please enjoy the private onsen. I will personally prepare and serve your ramen dinner in your suite afterward.

Even though the hotel backed off from the fight, it did it halfway. Instead, you were hosted in its most expensive suite, the Naruto Suite. Yes, it was named after you. Go figure.

You let out a low, appreciative whistle, your eyes roaming over the dignified curve of her hips as she turns toward the kitchen. "Personal service from the owner herself? You certainly know how to make a man happy, Orie-san."

She stops and looks back over her shoulder, a small, enigmatic smirk playing on her lips. "I know how to take care of a guest who has given so much to this land. Please enjoy the bath. The water is hot, and I believe you wouldn't like your noodles to lose their spring."