Torifu took out a few more chairs and placed them in front of them.
Ōnoki ignored them and continued, "Hokage-sama, we've all heard about Konohagakure being attacked. Our nations are a community; we'll certainly help you."
Regardless of whether Ōnoki's words were sincere or not, he at least said them and genuinely intended to act.
This touched Torifu.
"Don't panic just yet, everyone. Let's sit down and discuss this calmly. However, I can guarantee that protective measures are already in place, and the village will not suffer any damage."
Hearing Torifu say this, Ōnoki and the others felt somewhat relieved.
Indeed, upon reflection, if the Hokage knew such news and could still leisurely bask in the sun, he must have been completely confident.
However, it was said that this monster hadn't appeared in a very long time, and its current strength was still unknown.
It was best not to be careless.
"Hokage-sama, that may be true, but none of us have experience dealing with such a monster. The weaknesses recorded by your ancestors might not still apply to this monster. We should make more preparations."
Ōnoki still spoke with a worried expression, trying to persuade Torifu, hoping he would take the matter more seriously.
Lest Konohagakure truly suffer any harm, for then no one would be able to enjoy the New Year.
Torifu smiled slightly, "Tsuchikage-sama is right. Weaknesses are merely one means of dealing with it. If it cannot be defeated by that, then I will personally eliminate this monster."
The Kazekage saw Ōnoki about to say more and interjected, "Haha, Hokage-sama is right. If weaknesses truly cannot defeat this monster, then the rest of us will also help you."
"With so many Kage here, are we afraid we can't defeat one monster? Besides, whether this thing will even appear is still unknown. Perhaps it's just a legend from the records, as it hasn't shown up for a hundred years."
The Kazekage's words were relatively calm, offending neither side, but it was precisely because of his words that Ōnoki's emotions stabilized.
Torifu was actually a bit puzzled at first, wondering why Ōnoki was so anxious about Konohagakure being attacked.
It was as if Iwagakure itself was about to be assaulted.
But Torifu had no idea that Ōnoki feared any damage or decline in Konohagakure's strength would disrupt the current favorable situation and the peace of the shinobi world.
He did not want to return to an era of war. Since ancient times, the shinobi world had been plagued by constant warfare, until a ninja like Senju Hashirama emerged, bringing relative peace to the world.
But it was only on the surface. The difficulties of each village still lay before them. Iwagakure's climate was arid, with plains of rock and hard soil everywhere, making cultivation impossible.
Growing food was a problem, and Sunagakure was the same. The harsh climate made survival incredibly difficult, which was why they were forced to wage war.
Otherwise, they would slowly wither away.
Although Hashirama maintained peace, the core issues of each village were not resolved. So, when he stepped down, the people of the shinobi world, believing him dead, immediately plunged into war.
The result was brutal; the entire Land of Lightning was annihilated.
Then Torifu took office, and the various nations still submitted to his strength. In the face of absolute power, no one dared to instigate war.
But soon the Kage discovered that this new Hokage not only possessed strength but also had an excellent mind.
Innovative inventions continuously emerged and could be mass-produced.
He also united several nations that were previously like fire and water, promoting mutual trade and cooperation.
This made every nation prosperous, and even deserts like Sunagakure saw countless oases sprout.
Who, under such circumstances, would still want war?
Apart from the roughnecks of Kumogakure, other nations were forced into war due to issues of survival.
If the problems of survival were resolved, then naturally no one would want to fight, as every individual's life was precious.
Ōnoki, seated in his chair, realized his emotions had been overly agitated just now and spoke awkwardly.
"Hokage-sama, I was a little impulsive just now, forgetting your strength, but my intentions were absolutely good."
Torifu nodded, "I understand, Tsuchikage-sama. Your concerns are all for Konohagakure's safety, and I'm very touched. But as Konohagakure's Hokage, I certainly love this village more than anyone. So, rest assured."
With that, Ōnoki responded with a chuckle.
As for Konohagakure's defenses, Torifu still didn't reveal too much to them, merely mentioning it briefly.
Afterwards, they began discussing other topics.
Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, it was past four in the afternoon. After Ōnoki and the others left, Torifu remained at home.
During this time, Amado completed a new round of redesign and upgrades for the bicycles, fixing all the flaws discovered during testing.
Now, they should be ready for direct production.
Meanwhile, the streets of Konohagakure were already starting to bustle. Naori, Akihara, and the children had also returned from outside, preparing for the whole family to go out together.
"Amado, you should come along too. Experiments can be done anytime, but the Spring Festival only comes once a year."
Torifu said with a smile.
Amado nodded repeatedly, "Of course! This is the first Spring Festival of this scale; I absolutely have to go out and see it."
Then he stretched, "Give me a moment, I need to get myself ready."
Less than ten minutes after he went back inside, Amado emerged a completely changed man.
His full beard was completely shaved off, he wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, and a few silver strands were mixed in his otherwise black hair.
He exuded an exceptional aura of sophistication.
His clothes had also been changed to the red attire worn during the Spring Festival in previous years, looking very festive and appropriate.
"Alright, let's go."
The family thus headed out, everyone dressed in the previous year's Spring Festival attire, creating a very unified look.
When they met villagers on the street, they would all smile and say, "Happy New Year."
Villagers who had initially used other greetings also learned to say it, universally wishing others "Happy New Year."
Konohagakure was quickly immersed in the festive atmosphere of the New Year.
The sky gradually darkened, and as the streetlights on every road in Konohagakure illuminated, the large red lanterns hanging by the villagers' doors also lit up.
They glowed a brilliant red, looking incredibly beautiful.
It was just that the villagers' clothes were of various colors, not very uniform.
However, Torifu didn't insist on such uniformity. It was a festival, after all, and it was better for everyone to relax; there was no need to make it so serious and standardized.
"Hokage-sama, Happy New Year!"
"Happy New Year, Hokage-sama! Naori-sama! And Minato-sama!"
"Konan-sama is here too, Happy New Year!"
The villagers all greeted them with great enthusiasm, and the crowd grew larger and larger.
"Happy New Year, everyone! Have you seen the lantern displays on Central Street? What do you think of them?" Torifu asked with a chuckle.
"Oh? Torifu-sama, are you talking about that dragon? I've already seen it, it was absolutely breathtaking!"