The day had arrived.
Ichigo stood before the Konoha Ninja Academy, the morning breeze fluttering the newly hung cloth banner overhead:
The Hidden Spoon
Hand-painted in confident, swirling strokes, it felt like a silent promise to himself: This is your new beginning.
"Now then, Let's win the war"
——
Iruka had managed to get permission for him to use the courtyard behind the east wing—a shaded area where cherry blossoms would fall in the spring and where students often ate lunch during warm weather.
It was perfect spot.
Ichigo unfolded his portable cooking station, the chakra stove humming softly, and set out the day's ingredients:
Fresh boar meat and rabbit thighs (dungeon harvested, cleaned, and portioned).
Bamboo shoots and wild onions for stir-fry.
Steamed rice, ready for onigiri.
His secret chili-oil dipping sauce.
The prized "Chakra-Infused Mystic Eggs" for tamago toppings.
It took him some time to decide what to cook, Although he couldn't just bring dishes from his previous world here, Sure he can cook similar dishes but it would be too quick to let them have a Divine taste.
His chakra steel knife gleamed under the morning light. Pots were lined up, ingredients measured, sauces prepared. A pot of dashi broth simmered quietly, scenting the air with warmth and umami.
System Notification:
Mission: "Academy Food Demonstration"
Objective: Serve food to the Academy Head, Iruka, and at least 10 individuals.
Bonus: Customer Feedback UI Unlock + 2 Gacha Tokens.
Status: In Progress.
Ichigo took a deep breath, tied his chef headband tighter, and smiled.
He is extremely nervous however Ichigo knows he can pull this off. Let's start!
——
Iruka appeared first, waving and jogging over, a warm grin on his face. "You're really doing it, huh?"
Ichigo chuckled. "Can't back down now. Today, you're my official taste-tester."
Iruka's eyes twinkled. "I'm honored."
"Not gonna lie, I do feel nervous"
"Well, I can assure you, the food you make is delicious, Ichigo. And I know you can do this"
"Thanks, Iruka. You are the best!"
They were soon joined by Academy Headmaster Morita, an older man with a weathered face and kind eyes, who surveyed the setup with curiosity. Behind him, a few chunin instructors lingered, whispering about the smell.
Then the lunch bell rang.
Children flooded the courtyard in groups, some running, others dragging friends by the wrist. The smells—grilled meat, spicy sauce, fragrant rice—drew them in like moths to a flame.
"Is that food?"
"Smells so good!"
"Sensei, can we try some?"
Iruka smiles at Ichigo. "Well, here are your customers, Ichigo"
Ichigo's heart pounded, but he kept his expression calm. "Alright, everyone. Line up if you want a taste. First come, first served."
The fire stove roared as Ichigo worked.
His movements were efficient and precise: rice balls pressed in perfect triangles with a light dusting of sesame salt, grilled boar skewers basted in a garlic-chili glaze, fluffy tamago slices layered over rice with a touch of sweet soy.
Chakra flickered from his hands as he infused the rice and meat with gentle pulses, ensuring warmth and flavor retention, while also adding slight buffs—nothing drastic, but enough for focus and energy.
[Buff Applied: +5% Focus, +Minor Stamina Boost for 30 minutes]
Ichigo begins serving.
Iruka took the first bite, starting with the skewer, and froze, eyes widening as the tender, juicy meat practically melted in his mouth.
"W-What did you do to this?"
Ichigo laughed. "Secret recipe. Eat up."
The Headmaster followed, trying a rice ball. His eyebrows shot up.
"This... this is exceptional. Better than anything I've eaten in the cafeteria."
Ichigo had noted everyone goes for rice balls first then they try his other dishes. He keep it in mind.
A kid pouting at first, took a cautious bite of the boar skewer—and immediately started devouring it with sauce smeared across his cheek.
A shy girl named Mika tasted the tamago rice ball and squealed, "It's so fluffy!"
A trio of energetic boys fought over the last piece of spicy rabbit thigh, then fell into stunned silence as the spice kicked in, leaving them with wide, teary eyes and goofy grins.
Even Choji, who was passing by on a break, caught the scent and popped his head over the wall.
"WOOOAH, IS THAT MEAT?!"
Before Ichigo could react, Choji was in the line, moneyless but drooling. Ichigo chuckled, handing him a rice ball for free.
"Tell me what you think."
Choji took a bite, paused, then tears formed in his eyes. "It's... so good!"
Ichigo's heart swelled. Seeing these smiles was worth every mission, every sleepless night grinding dungeons, every sore muscle from washing dogs and weeding fields.
As the children and instructors continued to eat, the system interface glowed in Ichigo's peripheral vision.
[Mission Complete: Academy Food Demonstration]
+2 Gacha Tokens
+500 EXP
Customer Feedback UI Unlocked
Title Earned: "Hidden Leaf's Hidden Chef"
Daily Sales Option: Activated
A new translucent screen popped up, displaying customer reactions:
Customer Feedback
"Best rice balls I've ever had!" – Mika
"I could eat this every day." – Iruka
"It's spicy but awesome!" – Random kid
Ichigo wiped sweat from his brow, reading the comments with a grin.
——
Headmaster approached, finishing his lunch with a satisfied sigh.
"You've exceeded expectations, Ichigo. You have permission to operate this stall here permanently, provided you maintain cleanliness and continue to manage the crowd. If you wish, we can even work out a lunch contract for the Academy."
Ichigo's breath caught. A contract? Steady income, stability, and the chance to feed more people?
He bowed deeply. "Thank you for the opportunity."
Iruka patted his shoulder. "Told you, Ichigo. You're doing something special."
Ichigo straighten up and smiles wide. Yup, it was gonna get even better. All thanks to Iruka idea!
Ichigo is sure gonna bake him a lot of goodies for this!
The last of the children left, licking sauce from their fingers, waving back at Ichigo.
"Come again tomorrow!" he called.
His stove powered down, and he looked around the courtyard. The cherry blossoms above rustled gently, petals falling around him as if the world was applauding.
For the first time in a long while, Ichigo felt... right.
He had once been a nobody, an average shinobi with no clan, no special talents, and no direction.
But today, he was Ichigo, the Hidden Spoon's Chef—and his journey was just beginning.
At least nothing bad happen, so it is a bonus.