Minato nodded. "They're training on their own. After all, Big Brother, you set the rule that they can play after training. There's no point in slacking off for a little while."
Torifu was very pleased with this. Yahiko and Konan were becoming more obedient, and Minato was slowly growing up. In a few years, he would be a capable, independent Ninja. Perhaps Torifu could soon relinquish his heavy burden and enjoy his retirement early.
"I'm going to see your Sister Naori in a bit. You guys go out and get something to eat." Torifu then pulled out several thousand Ryō and handed them to Minato.
Minato scratched his head. "I have my own money, Big Brother. I can take them out myself. I'm a Ninja now."
Torifu smiled at his words. He hadn't expected Minato to care about this; was he planning not to spend his money anymore?
"Take it when I give it to you. You're a Ninja, and I'm the Hokage who manages the Ninja."
"That's not what I meant, Big Brother..."
Torifu rubbed Minato's head. "I'm your older brother. What are you afraid of by spending my money? We're family, not creditor and debtor. Spend it without worry. Your Big Brother has more money than he can spend."
Since his older brother had spoken, Minato naturally couldn't keep arguing. He just felt that since he was a Ninja, relying solely on his brother's money felt a bit wrong, as if he were mooching off him. Torifu, however, didn't feel that way at all.
A little while later, Torifu left the house and headed toward the Uchiha Clan Compound. The streets were filled with joy. Everyone knew the Hokage-sama's wedding date was approaching, and flowers were hung up throughout the streets and alleys. These flowers were provided by the Yamanaka Clan—they were Naori's favorite, and a new batch was replaced every couple of days. The cost was split among the Ino-Shika-Chō clans as a gesture of goodwill. Torifu and Naori were naturally very touched and made a point of visiting them to express their gratitude.
The villagers also wanted to do something for Torifu and Naori. Little gifts, flowers, and blessings kept coming without end along the way. Torifu naturally stored them all in his Space Ring. These things were not valuable, but they were the villagers' heartfelt gestures. If he didn't accept them, the villagers might feel a little sad.
Before long, Torifu arrived at the Uchiha Clan Compound. The Uchiha Clan was also very lively, with laughter filling the compound all day long. After all, Naori was finally getting married; this was a celebration worthy of the entire clan. Her status was also about to become even more distinguished: the disciple of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, the eldest daughter of the Uchiha Clan, and the wife of the Third Hokage, Kumotsuru Torifu. It was not impossible that she might even become the mother of a future Hokage. She could be said to be the woman with the most titles in Konoha Village.
But Naori never cared about these things. Living her own life well was the most important thing. All these titles were just fleeting illusions. To Naori, they were useless and unimportant.
"Oh! Isn't that Hokage-sama! Please, come in!" The Uchiha clansman was also very excited to see Torifu arrive. Normally, there would be a process of checking in and announcing his arrival. Now, they let Torifu straight in. After all, he was about to be the son-in-law of the Uchiha Clan; he was practically family.
Torifu smiled at him and walked into the compound. He was immediately met by a very lively little girl with a pair of big, twinkling eyes—very cute.
"Uncle Torifu!" Aihana immediately jumped into Torifu's arms.
Torifu naturally picked her up. "Aihana. Where is your aunt?"
Aihana smiled. "She's in the house. Why did you come looking for Auntie, Uncle?"
Torifu stroked Aihana's little head, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear. "I came to discuss some things with your aunt. Where are your father and the others?"
Aihana pouted her lips. "Father took my little brother out to play and didn't take me. He said I had to watch the house."
"Haha, Aihana is a big girl now. Don't worry about those things with your little brother." Torifu then changed the subject and asked, "How are things at school, Aihana? Have you made any friends?"
Aihana poked Torifu's nose with her finger. "Uncle, really? Didn't I tell you last time? Kushina and I have a good relationship. We talk together all the time."
"Your uncle knows, I was just teasing you." Torifu then put Aihana down and told her, "Aihana, go find your mother first. Your uncle needs to chat with your little aunt for a bit."
"Okay, I won't disturb your little secret chat." She then smiled and ran off.
Torifu couldn't help but shake his head. He wondered who Aihana got her sassy little personality from; she was such a little sprite.
After Aihana left, Torifu walked straight toward Naori's room. Upon reaching the door, he found it wasn't closed. He stood at the entrance and called out, "Naori? Are you there?"
"Torifu, you're here? I'm here. Just come right in."
Hearing Naori's voice, Torifu was relieved and walked straight in. He had thought she might have gone to her sister-in-law's room to chat.
After entering, he saw Naori sitting by a low table, drinking tea. "Torifu, come quickly. Try the tea I just brewed." Torifu could already smell the faint aroma of the tea. Although he wasn't particularly fond of tea, he couldn't help but want to try it. He walked to Naori's side, took the cup of tea, and took a small sip. A fragrant aroma immediately filled his mouth.
"That's really good. Where did you get the tea leaves? I remember you didn't like drinking tea before."
Naori nodded. "I really didn't like tea. Danzō sent this over, and I thought I'd try it to see what it tasted like."
"It tastes quite good, but I don't really know much about tea, so it's a bit of a waste."
Torifu smiled at that. "What's a waste about it? Just treat it as water that tastes a little better. It's meant to be drunk. Whether you know about it or not, you're still drinking it. Are you suggesting you should chew the leaves instead?"
Naori was amused by Torifu's comment. She finished the tea and placed the teacup on the table. "Torifu, what did you come to see me about today?"
Torifu's face showed a knowing smile. Just as Naori was guessing, Torifu took the wedding attire she was to wear from his Space Ring. Torifu had prepared mannequins for them, so the outfit appeared in Naori's room along with the mannequin.
The moment the bright crimson color appeared, the entire room instantly felt transformed. A sliver of sunlight filtering through the window illuminated the golden-threaded phoenix embroidery, making it dazzling. Under the backdrop of the countless flying birds embroidered on the dress, it looked incomparably noble. Naori immediately covered her mouth in surprise, unable to believe what she was seeing was real.