After travelling to the city, Naruto stops at a ramen stand to get a bite to eat. While there a drunken patron enters the stand. He is Kuroda, a washed up artist whose has been repairing a valuable painting named Symbol. After he nearly passes out, another man enters the stand. This is Sergeant Matsushima, who is in charge of protecting the painting once Kuroda finishes his repairs. After Matsushima leaves, the owner of the stand gives Naruto a free bowl of ramen in exchange for Naruto taking the artist home. Naruto manages to bring the passed out artist to his studio.