A/N: Heya guys and gals! Sorry for the INCREDIBLY long wait. For once, it wasn't because I'm a lazy cunt. Anyways, I am back and working on both another chapter for this story as well as a new chapter for DotN. Might take a while though. You know me (somewhat). That aside, I hope you enjoy the new chapter. Haven't done this in a while, hope it is satisfactory none the less. If you find spelling errors or other stuff, tell me please. If there's to many I will probably get a beta. It worked without one so far but going over the old chapters I found a few mistakes anyways.
Now, without further ado, I bring to you (Marshal) [No, shush. That song is copyrighted, girls. Do you want to get me in trouble?]
Chaper 2: From Past to Present
After the meet and eat with Sanji, Naruto had gotten to know him better, offering to let him sleep in his apartment. Sanji refused at first but after a long discussion and learning that Naruto was probably more hardheaded then his captain, he accepted.
He only had one condition. He wanted to give the boy something in return, so he would teach him cooking.
Sanji moved into the apartment with him, sleeping in the hammock he brought for his trip. He bought meat and fish, vegetables, spices and what ever else from the market, showing Naruto how to pick them.
He cooked for him, showing the blond boy how to do it and once he thought Naruto could manage, he made him cook the learned recipes.
Overall they had a good time. When Sanji first took Naruto to the market to get stock up the kid's empty fridge though, he learned that the whiskered blond didn't have it easy.
[Flashback]
He noticed the stares aimed at him and the glares aimed at Naruto.
When they came up to a stand, the merchant was glaring as well.
"You aren't welcome here, brat!" The man shouted, making to grab the closest, non-edible thing he could throw at the younger blond.
Sanji noticed this and frowned, before raising his leg and swiftly bringing it down on the man's hand. His reaction was to scream out a profanity before glaring at the older blond.
"You wouldn't actually treat a customer like that, right?" Sanji asked, throwing the man on behind the stand a creepy look, who couldn't help but shiver.
"O-of course n-n-not, b-but..." The merchant, close to soiling is somewhat expensive looking robes, was interrupted by a glaring Sanji.
"But what?" He asked with a dangerous edge to his voice. "You should be careful with your next words. I am usually a gentleman but I have no problem kicking your ass into the local hospital. I'm sure they have excellent food there you could try with the straw you'll be eating from."
The merchant's shivering intensified under the combination of the threat, glare and pressure applied to his hand. Choosing his next words wisely, a fearful "W-what would you like to b-b-buy?" was all he got out.
Satisfied, Sanji pulled his leg back before turning to an awestruck Naruto.
"Okay, now watch closely. Do you know what this is?"
Naruto only shook his head.
"Alright kid, this is leek. It goes well with..."
[Flashback end]
When they were done shopping and on their way back, Naruto voiced how awesome he found that kick and how strong Sanji was. So, seeing his interest and the treatment he got, Sanji decided to teach his little apprentice his way of fighting as well.
For over one and a half years, Sanji taught Naruto as much as possible, which was a lot, seeing as the boy was quite the quick learner if properly motivated.
He took far easier to his fighting style then the cooking but he learned both quite fast, especially after he started using the fighting lessons as reward for learning recipes and how to prepare the different meats, fish and vegetables, the use of knifes and other tools, etc.
But his break was coming to an end. Luffy wanted to meet up with them after two years, like the last time. He had prepared Naruto for this day, telling him a few times about the crew, his adventures with them and that he wouldn't stay forever.
Despite this, it was a hard farewell. He promised Naruto to come visit with the whole crew the next time. Naruto was barely able to hold back his tears. But by the end of it, he was crying and had snot running from his nose and even Sanji was crying anime rivers while repeatedly telling himself he wouldn't cry.
When he was a few meters away, Naruto shouted "You will see, curly brows! Next time you come to visit, I'll be a better cook then you! I will be the best!"
Sanji chuckled and wiped his eyes, then turned one last time.
"Good luck with that, fish cake! I may have taught you all that you know, but it's still not close to all I know!" He shouted, "See ya!"
And with that, he was back on his way to meet his crew. And Naruto was set to deliver on his promise. He was Naruto Uzumaki, after all. And Naruto Uzumaki never broke his promise.
One year later, outside Konoha
"Thanks for the delivery, Oji-San!" A tall, blonde teen said. He was clad in black dress pants and a white dress shirt. Sunny blond, spiky hair and sky blue eyes revealing him as, who would have thought, Naruto.
He was talking to the leader of a trade caravan only passing through the land of fire.
Waving at the now leaving caravan, Naruto grabbed the small cart, filled to the brim with fresh goods and wheeled it back to Konoha, more specifically, his restaurant.
After his time with Sanji, he had continued to hone his skills and learn new things. And, on a fateful day, more specifically the Hokage's birthday, he had cooked up a fine meal and brought it to the old man's office.
After having a good laugh at Sarutobi's eyes threatening to fall out of his head from surprise and the old man's recovery, the old man suggested opening a restaurant. After all, Naruto already had a location, it wouldn't take too much effort and money to change a few of the bottom level apartments into a restaurant.
Naruto agreed quite happily, Sarutobi got the paperwork for this done as well as organizing the necessary workforce. He even got Naruto into a village subventions program for new businesses, paying the rest himself. Naruto had insisted to pay him back, but Sarutobi had insisted on it being a gift. Naruto may be headstrong, but Sarutobi was the Hokage. Go figure.
As a little extra surprise, Sarutobi had the whole building renovated as well.
With that done, Sarutobi suggested renting out some of the flats. Naruto added his own idea, a hotel for travelers. So now, he was the proud owner of the All Blue Restaurant, Hotel and Apartment Complex.
Due to his reputation in the village, it was never really overrun with customers but he still had quite the customer base. A lot of higher ranked shinobi, even some Chunin, ate at his restaurant frequently. The weird, porn reading, one eyed, good for nothing Kakashi, his rival Gai, his childhood crush Kurenai, the crazy, hot, half naked snake lady Anko, the chain smoker Asuma and his nephew, a strange kid named Konohamaru, as well as his two friends and, of corse, the Hokage.
Additionally, the Hokage would suggest staying in his hotel to every visitor, diplomat or merchant coming to his office.
The hotel was coming around nicely as well. Of course it was never actually full but with mostly rich people coming in who gave some hefty tips for his good prices and not having to hire anyone for maintenance, it made profit.
The Hokage, in order to keep Naruto's cost low, had taught him the kage bunshin no jutsu. It was applicable to many things and gave the boy a decent sized workforce. It was the least the Hokage could do, seeing who the scroll of sealing actually belonged to.
It also opened the possibility for Naruto to learn cooking much, MUCH faster.
Entering the restaurant through the back, Naruto quickly checked on today's special dish which was cooking on the stove before putting away the fresh stocks, mostly exotic spices and veggies. When that was done he went inside and unlocked the door, greeting his unsuspecting first customer of the day.
"Good morning, Hinata-chan!" He greeted cheerily, before adding "You look as cute as always!"
In response, the girl first jumped back a bit in surprise before turning a shade of cherry at the compliment. When Naruto saw her starting to sway, likely on the verge of consciousness, he quickly pulled out her normal order, waving it under her nose like smelling salts.
"Two cinnamon buns with icing, as usual." He grinned. "So, you are becoming a Genin today, right?"
Hinata could only nod, still recovering.
"Well, I am sure there is no reason for you to be nervous! How about coming back after the ceremony for a quick celebration? I'm sure Hiashi-San wouldn't mind and you can bring Hanabi-chan too. It's on the house!"
Hinata looked at him in surprise. "T-t-that w-would be gr-great, N-n-Naruto-k-k-..." She stopped, not able to get the suffix out, to shy to address the target of her obvious affection in that manner. "B-but y-you d-d-don't h-have to d-do it on t-the house. Tou-sama l-lo-l-l-likes your f-food here a-and he w-won't t-t-take it f-for free."
Naruto grinned. "You are working on your stuttering, aren't you, Hinata-chan? I have to say, you seem to be making great progress, even though I think that it only adds to your charm. Our flaws are what makes us perfect, don't you think?" He said, inching a bit closer to the now reignited face of Hinata.
Hearing this and the fact that Naruto's face was coming closer, she felt her head become light and her sense of balance dwindle. She gave a cute squeal causing Naruto to step back and give her space to recover.
"Well, I hope to see you later, Hinata-chan. And great your father in case you are too busy to celebrate!"
"Y-yes. G-good b-b-bye, Naruto-k-k-"
Naruto smiled and she turned around, making her way to the academy.
After the early encounter, Naruto had a quiet day so far. No one came by so far, many of his usual customers busy with the soon-to-be Genin. Thus, he was indulging in the only weakness he picked up from his time with Sanji. An addiction. Unlike Sanji however, it was nothing as unhealthy as smoking. It was candy. Homemade lollipops to be exact.
He had started it when Sanji introduced him to making pastry and even candy. Even the older blond had to admit that Naruto's lollipops were delicious, though he could never understand how someone could get hooked on them. Smoking was the only thing good enough to get hooked on. It was relaxing, too!
He had started making them with caramel flavor but now he made them in lots of different flavors. From Apple to red bean soup, even a "Hinata special". Go figure.
Thinking back how this all started, Naruto had a good hearted chuckle. It all started when...
A/N: Cliffhanger! Anyways, congrats to making it here. If you liked it, leave a review showering me in compliments, if you didn't, cuss me out OR leave some criticism so I know where I went wrong. Or do both, it's your decision really.
Still, I hope most of you enjoyed it. There will be some more chapters before I get any relationships started but if you'd like a girl in there, make a suggestion in the comments or pm me. I make no promises but maybe your girl makes it into the story and even into the harem. I also answer any questions that aren't related to the story to come, so shoot away.
Now, with all said and done, I wish you a nice weekend and Pentecost! Hope to see you all in the next chapter! Sl4p out.
