Soon, all the dishes were served. The two of them chatted and grilled meat, utterly relaxed.
"Speaking of which, it's been a long time since I've seen Koharu-nee and the others."
It was only when Naori mentioned it that Torifū realized with a start that it truly had been a long time since they last met. Ever since Tobirama took office, Sarutobi and the others had all been promoted to guards and secretaries. Kagami was still seen often, as he always had to help Tobirama with some matters in the office. But Hiruzen and the others were truly nowhere to be seen. Perhaps the guards were all hidden in the shadows? Torifū wasn't too sure, and they rarely went on missions together anymore.
However, this was also good. If Torifū went on missions alone or with Naori, the choices were entirely up to him. It allowed for more freedom. Of course, having more people had its advantages. When everyone went on missions together, there was always an endless stream of topics, and the journey was always very pleasant.
"Anyway, we're resting during this time. Let's see when they're free, and we can all get together." Naori agreed with Torifū's suggestion, so the two began to discuss, planning to find a good time. They continued to eat and chat, and time quickly passed. When they finished the meat, they kept ordering more, eating even after many other diners had left. Finally, before they ate so much they couldn't move, they reached a conclusion.
After paying the owner a full three thousand ryō, Torifū and Naori left the barbeque restaurant content, parting ways and heading home.
On his way home, Torifū passed by the Kato clan compound and found En in the yard. He was playing something with Dan. Seeing this, Torifū didn't disturb them. He quieted his footsteps and quickly left. En seemed to have become friends with Dan. Their friendship was currently blossoming, and if Torifū were to interrupt, Dan's attention would all shift to Torifū. This friendship might then fizzle out. Honestly, after all that, Torifū just thought children were too troublesome, constantly "Nii-san, Nii-san" as soon as they met. It was perfect that there was someone his age to play with him.
Upon returning home, Torifū comfortably lay on his bed and fell asleep. The strenuous journey of the past half month had prevented him from getting much sleep. Now, it was time for a good rest.
In the Sarutobi clan compound, the now bald Sarutobi Sasuke was chatting with Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Hiruzen, what do you think of this new clan?"
Hiruzen pondered for a moment, then said, "I haven't interacted with them yet, but I hear they are a clan with a Dōjutsu Kekkei Genkai."
Sarutobi Sasuke nodded: "Your father here just went to visit them. I must say, they look a bit miserable, all sallow and gaunt. But their spirit is good, and I didn't see the special eyes Hokage-sama mentioned; I suppose they haven't awakened them yet." Hiruzen nodded. Although he had only observed the clan from the shadows, he clearly saw that their bodies were very weak. Even the most ordinary ninja had better physiques than them. After hearing from his teacher about their clan's past experiences, Hiruzen felt sympathetic. Any clan would struggle immensely to survive in such an environment.
"I believe this clan has unlimited potential, so I stuck my neck out and was the first to approach them. I don't think the Uchiha and Hyūga clans will send anyone to interact with them." There was nothing wrong with this statement. Originally, Konoha Village only had two Dōjutsu clans, whose positions were irreplaceable. The Sharingan and Byakugan were incredibly precious throughout the entire ninja world. Now, a third Dōjutsu clan had arrived. Although their clan power was weaker and posed no short-term threat to the status of the two major clans, the future was hard to say. This was especially true for the Hyūga clan. After the death of the old Hyūga clan head, the current Hyūga truly didn't have any particularly strong ninja. Their strength couldn't compare to the Uchiha's, and with their main family and branch family system, clan members were becoming estranged. The main family only considered enjoyment, while the branch family was dispatched like slaves. If they didn't change, their decline was only a matter of time.
"I must say, that kid Torifū truly has good fortune. To be able to find a Kekkei Genkai clan from such a remote place."
Hiruzen also laughed heartily: "Yes, when he came back to report, I was listening from the shadows and was a bit stunned, thinking he made it up."
After Hiruzen spoke, Sarutobi Sasuke tapped him on the head: "You have the nerve to say that? He's ten years younger than you, and you can't even beat him. You're disgracing your old man."
"You can't blame me!" Hiruzen protested, clutching his head: "It's your fault for not having a Kekkei Genkai. You don't have one, so your son naturally doesn't either, but he does!"
"Several times I was about to win, but then his Kekkei Genkai resolved it. It's a shame."
"Hmph! You can't beat him, so you're blaming your old man? I'm going to give you a good beating today!"
The father and son chased each other around the room, making a mess of the entire place, with books and scrolls scattered everywhere. When Hiruzen's mother, Sarutobi Miya, returned, she immediately kicked both father and son out of the room and gave them a thorough scolding.
After Miya's anger subsided, the father and son sheepishly re-entered the room. Hiruzen saw his mother sitting in a chair and immediately went behind her to help massage her shoulders. The father and son took turns coaxing her for a long time until she finally calmed down.
Miya rubbed her temples, easing her headache, and said to Hiruzen: "You're a grown man, why are you still playing around like a child?" She then shifted her gaze to Sasuke, who was gloating: "And you! I say, you're practically half-buried already, why are you so immature?" Seeing the conflict spread to himself, Sarutobi Sasuke immediately straightened his face, assuming an attentive posture.
"Always like this, never a moment of peace."
Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked Hiruzen: "How are you and Biwako doing recently? You're quite busy every day now; you haven't been neglecting her, have you?" Hiruzen vehemently denied this: "We're doing great, how could it be like you say! I go shopping and eat with her every day, you don't need to worry too much."
Finally hearing some good news, Miya was still very fond of Biwako. Although she came from a common background, the Sarutobi clan didn't care about that at all. Most importantly, their relationship was very stable, and they hadn't argued much over the years. Living in harmony was always best.
"Very good. Then you two should prepare to get married in the next two years. Your father and I have already prepared the betrothal gifts; we're just waiting for our new daughter-in-law to arrive." Hiruzen was instantly dumbfounded. Just moments ago, the conversation was still about shopping and eating, everything perfectly normal. How did it suddenly jump to his new daughter-in-law arriving?