Because in their minds, growing up meant becoming stronger, becoming more formidable ninja.
Yet, in their parents' minds, they wished for their children to remain children forever, happy and carefree.
However, fledgling birds would one day grow full feathers, leaving their nests to soar through the skies alone.
Torifu had long since prepared for this.
The group moved quickly, returning to the Kumotsuru Clan's compound in ten minutes.
After entering the compound, Amado was still nowhere to be seen; he was probably still in the backyard laboratory researching bicycles.
Torifu couldn't be bothered with him. Night had already fallen, and it was time to rest.
Minato and the others also returned to their respective rooms to sleep. Tomorrow would be the last day of the year.
It was also the time for the Spring Festival celebrations, so they all needed to wake up early.
...
At seven o'clock the next morning, Torifu awoke from his sleep.
Naori beside him was still asleep. She had been busy all afternoon yesterday and had gone to bed quite late, leaving her exceptionally tired.
Torifu didn't disturb her, quietly heading to the washroom to freshen up before leaving the room.
In the courtyard, Minato was also awake, going through his routine morning exercises.
"Big Brother, you're awake? Was my voice too loud?"
Torifu waved his hand, "No, I just couldn't sleep. You keep training; it's impossible to hear you from inside the house."
Minato was thus reassured. Torifu usually didn't wake until eight, which was why Minato had asked.
Not long after, Yahiko and Konan also woke up and skillfully joined the morning exercises.
"Kaito probably won't be coming today. After all, we need to prepare for Spring Festival related matters, and even if he came, he wouldn't be able to train for long."
Yahiko and Konan had already expected this, so they weren't too surprised. "Alright, Master, is there anything we need to help with this afternoon?"
Torifu thought carefully; it seemed there really wasn't anything.
These past few days were supposed to be holidays, but Kaito came every afternoon to spar with Yahiko and the others, so the two children hadn't really rested much.
They might as well let them play all day today; training could wait until tomorrow.
Yahiko and Konan were naturally very happy to hear this. After their morning exercises, they began planning where to go play today.
Minato was also on the phone, inviting Kushina to come out and play.
Everyone was quite busy, and Torifu was no exception.
The holographic projection device could finally be put to use. Torifu was currently pondering where to place it to achieve the best effect.
Some time ago, Torifu had input many projection materials into the holographic projector.
Among them was something Torifu had spent a long time imagining, something that best captured the festive spirit of the New Year.
To present the best effect to the villagers, careful planning would definitely be required.
Time passed quickly. It was already half past eight, and most of the clan members in the compound were awake.
Snowflake was strolling around the compound, flying up and down occasionally, seemingly aware that today was a special day.
However, even after evolving into a Phoenix, it hadn't changed its habits, still acting like a wandering chicken.
"Why haven't I seen you go out to play recently?"
Snowflake flew to a short tree beside Torifu and sighed, "Ryūfū is about to lay eggs, so I need to help take care of them. Besides, there's nothing much to play with, so I might as well stay home."
"Huh?" Snowflake's words completely confused Torifu. How many years had it been since these two cranes last laid eggs?
Even their two children hadn't brought back a single crane from outside, making Torifu feel that the crane family wasn't thriving. Now, suddenly, he was told Ryūfū was laying eggs again?
"When did this happen? How come I don't know?"
Torifu visited the crane nest almost every day. Although there were no wars now and summoning beasts weren't needed, Aokumo and Ryūfū were considered family, so he naturally greeted them daily.
Yet, Torifu hadn't noticed any signs of Ryūfū preparing to lay eggs.
Snowflake, however, suddenly covered its mouth. "Oh no, I let it slip! The young couple told me not to blab; it's a surprise!"
Torifu looked at Snowflake with a hint of helplessness. What kind of surprise was this? It was more like a fright.
Nevertheless, it truly was a joyous occasion. The Kumotsuru Clan's cranes were about to increase again.
How many eggs would she lay this time, he wondered?
He could look forward to it a little.
"Seriously, with the New Year approaching, to actually have such good news – that's excellent, excellent."
Thinking of this, Torifu's mood brightened even more.
He casually took out a handful of herbs from his ring. "Keep some for yourself, and send the rest to Aokumo and Ryūfū. Say it's a New Year's gift, and forget about the egg-laying."
Snowflake stretched its wings. "Got it!"
Then it flew off to the crane nest.
Fortunately, there wasn't anyone in the courtyard at the moment. The children had all gone out to play, and Naori was inside making breakfast for Akihara.
Therefore, only Torifu had heard about Ryūfū laying eggs.
"Whew, good thing."
"Not just one person, I'm here too."
Amado's voice came from inside the room, and then he was seen pushing open the door with a mischievous grin.
"Ryūfū is pregnant, that's great news! Why not tell everyone?"
Sometimes Torifu really wanted to know what kind of constitution Amado had. Whenever he wanted to find him, Amado was always busy.
But when he didn't want to find him, he always appeared.
It was truly quite exasperating.
"Tell them what? I said it was a surprise. If everyone knew, wouldn't Aokumo and the others have planned this surprise for nothing? Don't you understand cooperation?"
Amado nodded. "Alright, alright, I know. I won't say anything, then; just the two of us will know."
Seeing Amado being so understanding, Torifu felt relieved.
But before he could fully relax, a childish voice rang out. "I know too!"
Akihara forcefully pushed open the room door! He stood at the doorway with his hands on his hips.
He looked at Torifu with cunning eyes. "Papa, I know your secret too!"
Seeing this scene, Torifu felt utterly exhausted. He helplessly massaged his forehead. "Little ancestor, you know again."
Akihara covered ground quickly, taking three steps as two, and rapidly came to Torifu's side. "I heard! Aunt Ryūfū is pregnant! She's going to have baby cranes!"
Akihara's voice was quite loud, startling Torifu, who immediately clapped a hand over his mouth. "Shh! This is a secret, you can't tell anyone! Otherwise, I won't buy you any more treats!"
Hearing this, alarm bells rang in Akihara's heart! He immediately covered his own mouth, simultaneously making muffled noises.
This was his way of indicating that he wouldn't tell, urging Torifu not to stop buying him treats.
Torifu smiled knowingly. This was the good thing about children; they were very easy to fool.