Steam rose from the counter in shimmering curls as the last of the ramen was slurped away. Raven set her chopsticks down and leaned forward, her violet eyes studying Ino thoughtfully. "Ino, your family teaches the Mind Transfer Jutsu, right?"
Ino nodded, brushing a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Yeah, but it's really hard. I have to fall asleep with my real body when I transfer my mind into someone else's to take control of their body."
Raven tilted her head slightly. "Why don't you give me an overview of how it works?"
Ino straightened up, clearly pleased that someone was actually interested. She rested her elbows on the counter, her tone proud. "Well, the Mind Transfer Jutsu lets me project my consciousness into another person or even an animal to control them. My family, the Yamanaka Clan, specializes in communication and mind techniques—spying, interrogation, coordination on missions, stuff like that. The main drawback is that my body's left defenseless while I'm possessing someone else. That's why it's tricky. If my target dodges the jutsu, I'm stuck in limbo for a few seconds before I can return."
Naruto's eyes widened as he leaned forward in awe. "Wow, you're so cool! You can invade people's minds and control them!"
Ino puffed out her chest proudly. "That's right. I can control people remotely with my mind, so don't cross me, Naruto Uzumaki—or I might just embarrass you by making you wear a pink tracksuit instead of orange!"
Naruto almost dropped his chopsticks. "You're evil!"
Raven laughed lightly. "She's just teasing you, Naruto."
"I love orange!" Naruto complained. "It matches my hair! I can't wear anything but orange!"
Raven sighed, resting her chin in her hand. "I think you just don't have any proper training in what real clothes look like. Maybe I should help you pick out something decent."
Naruto crossed his arms and frowned. "I don't even know you that well! This is our first time meeting! Why do you assume I only own orange clothes?"
Raven's eyes glinted with humor. "I bet you only have orange outfits at home, don't you?"
"That's not true!" Naruto shouted, cheeks turning red. "I have other things besides orange clothes!"
Ino squinted at him. "Then how come every time I see you, you're wearing that same orange tracksuit?"
"Because I like orange, okay?! Jeez!" he huffed.
Ino crossed her arms. "Uh-huh. Or is it because that's the only thing the shopkeepers in Konoha will sell to you? My family isn't ignorant, Naruto—we know how you're treated in the village."
Naruto's face fell, his voice lowering. "Nobody's bullying me. Everyone treats me just fine."
Raven's expression hardened slightly. "Are there people bullying you, Naruto?"
He exhaled heavily, staring down at his empty bowl. "What can you expect? People call me the village demon. They say I'm responsible for the Nine-Tails attack that killed so many years ago. There are rumors everywhere. Most shopkeepers refuse to sell me anything, so the orphanage lady has to buy food for me. Otherwise, I'd only be able to eat ramen."
The air around the table grew quiet. Ino and Raven exchanged a look that said more than words could.
Ino spoke softly. "Naruto, you should stand up for yourself. If they won't sell to you, tell the authorities. The Third Hokage wouldn't allow that if he knew."
Raven let out a quiet chuckle under her breath. "I wonder. I really wonder about that."
Ino tilted her head. "Wonder about what?"
"Nothing," Raven replied quickly. Then, in a firmer tone, "Anyway, Naruto, we'll get you better clothes today."
Naruto blinked, confused, as Raven straightened her posture and said decisively, "I've got time, so let's all go out and do some shopping. It'll be a nice little outing for us. Since I've met you two—and Hinata—I actually have friends in Konoha now."
"Who says I'm your friend?" Naruto muttered.
"Yeah, who says I'm your friend, Raven?" Ino added, tilting her head.
Raven put her hands on her hips. "What are you two, tsunderes?"
Both turned red instantly. "No!" they shouted in unison.
"Whatever," Raven said with mock seriousness. "I like making friends—and today, you two are my friends. Besides, I defused Ino harassing you for your ramen, Naruto. You owe me, so you have to hang out with me."
Ino huffed but smiled faintly. "Fine, maybe I'll tag along. I could use a new hair scrunchie anyway. I like keeping my hair in a ponytail."
"Good," Raven replied. "Maybe some new clothes too, Ino. It'd be fun."
"I don't know about the clothes," Ino said, "but the scrunchie idea's fine."
"Then it's settled. Let's finish our ramen and go shopping."
Naruto pumped his fists. "Ooh, shopping spree!"
Yumi, now finishing off Raven's stolen ramen, raised a paw with noodles dangling from her mouth. "Ooh, I need a new comb for my tails so you can brush me, Raven!"
Raven gave her a deadpan look. "Who says I'm going to brush your nine fluffy tails?"
Yumi grinned slyly, licking broth from her whiskers. "Whatever. You know you love brushing them."
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