(Ichiraku Ken POV)
It was a beautiful morning to start. At dawn, I had just come back from the market, bringing all the ingredients to my dad's ramen shop, Ichiraku Ramen.
It's funny when I think about it. I was transmigrated to this world as a six-year-old boy in the orphanage.
When I learned this is where Naruto takes place, I was excited. I tried to enroll in the Ninja Academy, but reality hit hard—they rejected me.
It was simply because I was a talentless nobody. They said I had such low chakra reserves that it was close to none. It's normal because the boy I took over came from a civilian family.
I'm just a chill guy, though.
I accepted my reality and moved on.
I'm not planning to become a carbon copy of Rock Lee or a weapon master like Tenten. Like, come on, who the hell uses shuriken these days? Kunai is so last year.
This world is about who has the highest chakra reserves, bloodline limits, how many nature transformations you have, and stuff.
Although I realized that even with just a drop of chakra inside my body, I had a stronger body compared to my past life. But just by working out, I still wouldn't get close to Shinobi strength.
While it's a shame that I couldn't do Rasengan, it's good to live again.
Thus, life brought me to this place where I started again.
Teuchi found out I was a talented cook because I was a cook myself in my previous life.
I was hired and started working at Ichiraku Ramen since then.
As I grew closer to him, he ended up adopting me. Just like that, I became Ichiraku Ken.
"I'm sorry, but we're not open yet."
I looked at the person who had just come in, even though I had only cracked the shop gate open a little.
"It's me, Ken."
A man with this positive vibe around him smiled at me. It was none other than my dad, Teuchi.
"Oh, it's you, Dad. By the way, you're late."
"Haha! Seems I'm getting old. I couldn't handle a little alcohol and ended up tired this morning. But it seems like you didn't need my assistance, Ken."
"Yeah, I think I can do the prep alone without trouble."
"Hahaha! You're just being humble, son."
"Not really, I still need Ayame to help me serve the customers while I focus on cooking."
The truth is, I want to tell him to just retire. Spend his time growing something or take a vacation somewhere.
Even though this restaurant didn't change much, we don't live in poverty. Using my little knowledge, I suggested that we make instant ramen. I also copied things from my old world like the convenience store.
Now, we hold the 7-Eleven franchise that's spread across the Five Great Nations.
Still, with all that, we decided to keep the ramen business because this is what Ichiraku means.
"Yeah, you're right. I think it's time for you to take over the restaurant."
"What? You're not kidding, right? I thought cooking ramen was your life, Dad?"
Teuchi laughed. "That's true. But I'm proud that my children can take over my legacy this soon. Especially since I have a reliable son."
I smiled. "Alright then."
"Not so fast, kid. Now, put everything you have into it. I'll change my mind if you don't meet my standards. Serve me one bowl of miso ramen."
"Right away!"
Since I was done with the prep, all I needed was to cook the noodles. After some time, I finished making a bowl of miso ramen.
"Please enjo—"
Synchronizing...
When I placed the bowl on the dining table...
I could hear an artificial, articulate woman's voice just speak? Also, a virtual blue screen appeared, floating right in front of me.
"What is it, Ken?"
Dad looked at me, puzzled.
"It's... nothing. Please enjoy the ramen."
I went back to the stove, but the blue screen kept following me, staying in my vision.
Ding!
Welcome to the Customers System, host!
By serving customers in your ramen restaurant based on how important they are in their respective stories, the host can gain system points, and random gifts!
Would you like to start?
Wait, is this for real? That legendary system that only appears in novels and fanfictions I used to read is happening to me now? That's nuts!
Silently, I said yes in my head.
Understood!
Following this list, please select the Power System of the world the host wishes to use. Unfortunately, the host can only use one power system. Please take your time before considering it.
Naruto
One Piece
Jujutsu Kaisen
Dragon Ball
Hunter x Hunter
Demon Slayer
Bleach
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
Fate
Black Clover
Tokyo Ghoul
The list of names I still vividly remembered from my past life. The system told me I could only choose one of these?
"I'm full. I think I'm going to pass this restaurant to you without any burden, son."
Dad snapped me out of my thoughts.
"Cool. Don't worry, I'm going to live up to your expectations, Dad."
He laughed. "HAHAHA! Take it easy, son. I won't put any pressure on you. If you want to keep it like this or expand the restaurant, I'll leave it to you and Ayame. Alright, keep going, Ken. I guess I'm going fishing today."
When he left the shop, I sighed and looked back at the virtual screen.
"Alright... what should I choose..."
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A/N:
I just watched Izakaya Isekai and got inspired by the anime. As for whether I'm going to continue this story. I have no idea. If I enjoy it, maybe it's a yes. Daily updates will depend. Each chapter will be around 800 to 1500 words.