It wasn't anyone else's fault regarding talent; Umino Ikkaku's talent was the lowest among the trio. Both Shinku and Kosuke surpassed him in talent and strength; this was the sorrow of an ordinary ninja. There was nothing for it; destiny was preordained. Among the strong in this ninja world, true grassroots ninjas were few and far between. Most either possessed family bloodlines or powerful Kekkei Genkai, or they were the disciples, grandsons, or sons of a Kage. It was incredibly difficult for commoner ninjas to rise up.
"Ah, if you encounter them, please pass on a message for me. A child's talent doesn't represent everything; proper guidance, pointing them towards the right path, is what parents truly need to do."
Shinku nodded after hearing this. "Alright, I'll convey it."
Afterward, the two families chatted for about five or six more minutes before bidding each other farewell and leaving.
Torifu had barely taken a few steps when he ran into another acquaintance: Oyashirō Tsuki from next door. The Oyashirō Clan was now remarkably prosperous; their former prison, Hell Valley, had become their ladder to wealth. Although the development of Hell Valley was now nearing its end, and it wouldn't sustain extraction for many more years, the Oyashirō Clan had indeed become wealthy, and could now be considered among the great clans. However, their clan still lacked a ninja capable of holding the fort. The strength and numbers of their new generation of ninjas were also not particularly abundant. It was a family that still needed to develop, but one could say its potential was limitless.
Torifu chatted with Oyashirō Tsuki, and after asking about the Oyashirō Clan's recent situation, the two parted ways.
Afterward, he also encountered Jiraiya, Hiruko, and Orochimaru – these three were also old bachelors. Ever since Torifu had known them, he had never seen them dating. Jiraiya would frequently go off on journeys, which at least helped him gain experience. Meanwhile, Orochimaru and Hiruko would spend all day holed up in the village's laboratories, immersed in research. However, after so many years of research, they didn't seem to have any notable achievements. Although Torifu felt helpless regarding them, he honestly did support them.
Konoha Village currently wasn't exactly developing technology, but rather was capable of manufacturing technology. Amado couldn't fully explain the principles behind certain electrical devices; he only knew how to build them according to the blueprints. Thus, Torifu's true scientists could genuinely advance Konoha Village's technological level. These two fellows were arguably the best candidates. Moreover, both of them were very interested in this field, occasionally coming to Amado to discuss things thoroughly. Torifu also wasn't worried about their 'past offenses.' Hiruko's defection from the village was due to his poor talent, always being overlooked, and his inability to realize his ambitions. But now he was Hiruzen's disciple and a recipient of Konoha Village's Sannin title. Whatever experiments they wished to conduct, Torifu would fulfill their needs, so there was naturally no question of defection. As for Orochimaru, the death of his parents, coupled with the deaths of Dan and Nawaki, had cast a shadow over him, making him obsessed with death. He was determined to find a way to achieve immortality. However, his parents were currently watching lanterns on a certain street. With such a complete family, he hadn't experienced any dark periods. Compared to the original world, the current Orochimaru was practically a blank slate. He might not even know how to write the words 'betrayal' or 'defection'.
Torifu chatted with these three children for a while, answering some of their questions regarding their training and research. Then they each went their separate ways.
"Ah, it's really interesting coming out for a bit. So many people I haven't seen in ages. It's good to have this opportunity today to meet them. We were all such good friends when we were kids, sigh."
Naori heard him and patted Torifu's shoulder. "It can't be helped. Your status is too high; you stand at the pinnacle of Konoha Village and even the entire ninja world. This situation is inevitable."
Torifu naturally knew this; the identity of Hokage had obstructed many friendships. Friends he used to chat and play with as a child now addressed him as Hokage, or Torifu-sama, the moment they opened their mouths. Torifu no longer even had the heart to reminisce about old times.
"Perhaps, after I'm no longer Hokage, I'll be able to relax a bit."
Naori shook her head. "Don't think about those things yet. You're still the Hokage, and you're already thinking about abdicating. What would happen if others heard you?"
"My wife speaks wisely."
Torifu chuckled, ending the topic.
Time flew by, and the sky grew darker. The lanterns on Konoha Village's streets shone even brighter. The hanging red lanterns were now at their most beautiful. Each glowing red lantern made Torifu feel as though he had truly returned home for the New Year, and for a moment, he was filled with emotion. He remembered that during the New Year, relatives would also visit his old home. It was lively, but everyone had their own agenda, and Torifu didn't feel particularly affectionate towards them. But here, he had not only friends and teachers, but also a wife and children, and a group of villagers who loved, trusted, and followed him. Compared to that, this place seemed to have a stronger sense of home.
As the sky grew completely dark, it seemed it was time for the main character to make its appearance. Naori, who had been anticipating the monster's arrival all evening, was now a bit impatient. "Torifu, this monster isn't really not coming, is it? That would be quite disappointing."
Torifu spread his hands. "I don't know either. After all, I can't control whether it comes or not. If it doesn't come, all the better; Konoha Village will be more peaceful."
Although he said this, he had already mentally informed his clone on the cliff to begin operating the holographic projection. Countless pieces of footage scrolled across the screen, finally landing on the item Torifu wished to project.
The Nian Beast.
This was something Torifu had racked his brains over for a long time before successfully incorporating it into the media library. It was a New Year's gift Torifu had prepared for the villagers, though he didn't know what the effect would be, or if the grand gift would turn into a fright. He hoped the villagers wouldn't be too scared. After finding the Nian Beast, the clone directly clicked 'project'.
Suddenly, a deafening sound echoed throughout Konoha Village! All the villagers stopped what they were doing. Their hands trembled slightly with excitement!
"Is it here?! Is it here?!"
"It must be! The monster really came! This sound couldn't be fake! There are no animals near Konoha Village that make this kind of roar!"
Just as the villagers' exclamations began, the back mountains of Konoha Village suddenly lit up! For a moment, flames shot into the sky! Countless fires rose from the back mountains of Konoha Village! And the roar became even more deafening! Naori, at this moment, couldn't help but clench her fists, muttering, "It's here! It's here! It's really here!" Meanwhile, Torifu watched the mountaintop with a smile, where his clone had not yet completed all its tasks.