The next day, business at the Krabby Patty stand was even more explosive than the first.
The news had spread through Konoha as if it had grown wings.
It traveled from the shopping district to the residential areas, from the residential areas to the Ninja Academy, and from the Ninja Academy to the various clan compounds.
Everyone was talking about that orange food cart, the yellow square chef, and the Krabby Patty that could make a person forget all their troubles with a single bite.
“Have you had one yet?
That Krabby Patty!”
“I have, I have!
I waited in line for half an hour yesterday!”
“Is it really that good?”
“It’s so good you’ll want to swallow your own tongue!”
As soon as dawn broke, a long line had already formed in front of the cart.
Linbei was forced to move the stall from the front of Ichiraku Ramen to a nearby corner—not because Old Man Teuchi had kicked him out, but because Linbei felt bad himself.
The line was so long it was nearly blocking the entrance to Ichiraku Ramen.
Old Man Teuchi didn’t mind at all.
He stood at his shop door, smiling as he watched the lively scene, occasionally helping Linbei call out to the crowd.
“Good wine needs no bush,” Linbei thought as he collected money.
“Now I don’t even need the bush; they’re following the scent directly here.”
Tom was perched on the roof of the cart, looking much more energetic today—mainly because Linbei had treated him to a deluxe Krabby Patty the night before to soothe his wounded soul.
He looked down on the queue from his high vantage point, his tail swaying slowly behind him.
Every now and then, he let out a “meow” at the customers below, drawing screams of “What a cute cat!” from the crowd.
Spongebob was a blur of motion behind the counter.
The spatula in his hand spun so fast it left afterimages, and the sizzling of the patties on the griddle hummed into a continuous symphony.
He sang while he grilled, occasionally winking at the waiting customers, making several young girls giggle.
Everything seemed perfect.
Until a figure wearing the Konoha Military Police Force uniform appeared beside the line.
Linbei was giving a customer change when he caught sight of the figure out of the corner of his eye.
His fingers paused for a fraction of a second.
Short black hair, regular features, and a gentle aura.
A tanto hung at his waist, and a kodachi was strapped to his back.
The Uchiha crest on his back was particularly striking in the sunlight.
Shisui of the Body Flicker.
Linbei’s heart skipped a beat, but he showed no outward sign of change.
He handed the change to the customer, turned around, and looked at Shisui with an expression of perfectly measured confusion.
“And you are?” Linbei’s voice held a slight tremor, the exact reaction an ordinary eight-year-old boy should have when suddenly addressed by a high-ranking figure.
Shisui smiled.
It was a very warm smile, like a spring breeze blowing across a lake.
“Hello, I am Uchiha Shisui.” He pulled a bulging envelope from his vest and held it out with both hands.
“I came specifically to apologize to you.”
“Apologize?” Linbei blinked—this time, he was genuinely surprised.
Shisui placed the envelope on the counter and then produced several scrolls from his vest, stacking them neatly beside the envelope.
“This is the stipend that was withheld from you in the past,” Shisui said, pointing to the envelope before gesturing to the scrolls.
“And these are Ninjutsu scrolls the Clan Leader asked me to give you as compensation.
The person responsible for distributing the stipends has already been punished by the Clan Leader.”
Linbei looked at the pile of items, his mind racing.
Stipends.
Ninjutsu scrolls.
Uchiha Fugaku personally intervening.
Why now?
He had only started his stall yesterday, and Fugaku had sent someone today.
Was it because of the Krabby Patties?
No, that wasn’t it.
An eight-year-old boy selling snacks wouldn’t warrant the personal attention of the Uchiha Clan Leader.
There had to be another reason.
Linbei’s gaze swept over Shisui’s face—gentle, sincere, and devoid of malice.
He then looked down at the scrolls.
Written on them were the words: Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu, Fireball Jutsu, and Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Jutsu.
They weren’t high-level Ninjutsu, but for an Uchiha orphan, they were a massive boon. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Linbei remained silent for two seconds before looking up and flashing a smile.
“Thank you, Big Brother Shisui.”
Linbei said “Big Brother” with complete naturalness.
He wasn’t doing it for nothing.
He knew very well that Shisui—among the Uchiha who hadn’t turned dark—was the type who was “righteous to a fault.” He was warm-hearted, eager to help, loyal to the village, protective of his kin, and caring toward his juniors.
If he could build a good relationship with Shisui, having a friend with Kage-level combat power was far better than having an enemy.
Hearing the words “Big Brother,” Shisui’s smile grew even warmer.
“Don’t mention it.
Since you’ve called me Big Brother, you can come find me at the Police Force if you ever need anything.”
Linbei nodded inwardly, though he kept his obedient expression.
“Big Brother Shisui, wait a moment.”
He turned to Spongebob behind the counter and raised his voice.
“Spongebob!
Three Special Krabby Patties!
Make them super delicious!”
“Super delicious Krabby Patties—coming right up!”
Spongebob’s voice trailed off into a long note.
His spatula spun three times in his hand, and the sauce bottles did two flips in the air.
The three Krabby Patties were ready in less than thirty seconds.
Unlike the standard versions, the special editions had double-thick patties, an extra layer of cheese, and the sauce was Spongebob’s secret “Happiness Formula.”
Shisui took the three Krabby Patties, leaned down to catch the scent, and his eyes lit up slightly.
He took a bite, his chewing pausing for a second before he continued, his pace significantly faster than before.
“Delicious,” Shisui said.
His tone was calm, but Linbei noticed he had already started on his second bite.
“I’m glad you like them, Big Brother Shisui,” Linbei said with a smile.
Shisui turned and left with the remaining two Krabby Patties.
His pace was much faster than when he arrived—likely hurried so he could bring them back for Fugaku to taste while they were still hot.
Linbei watched Shisui’s back disappear into the crowd, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly.
Then his smile froze.