The dishes had just been served when Tobirama and Ashina, the last two pieces of the puzzle, arrived at the Kumotsuru Clan's compound. Now that everyone had arrived, they all gathered around the dining table, listening to Torifu give his New Year's address. The address was sincere and brief; Torifu had intentionally shortened it, seemingly to avoid delaying everyone's meal.
"Alright, that's all I have to say. Everyone, eat and drink well tonight, and let us welcome the new year together!"
The family members raised their cups together to welcome the approaching new year. What challenges or dangers the coming year would bring, no one knew, but they were all prepared.
Dinner lasted about an hour. Hashirama and Ashina were both drunk, already slumped unconscious on the table. Torifu used a clone to send the two of them back to the Senju Clan. Mito and Tobirama, however, had not drunk excessively.
"Today your Master was too happy; he made a fool of himself for a moment. Don't you dare laugh at him." Mito said, with a hint of playfulness.
Torifu shook his head, then chuckled and said, "How could I? Master's happiness is an affirmation of my Spring Festival celebration. I'd be ecstatic if he were even happier; why would I laugh at him? Mistress, you're thinking too much."
Mito patted his shoulder: "Of course I know. I was just joking."
"Happy New Year, that's how you wish someone, right? Well then, Mistress will be leaving now."
Mito offered a New Year's greeting, then turned and left the Kumotsuru Clan's compound.
"Happy New Year, Mistress. See you next year."
Mito heard 'see you next year' and for a moment didn't react, before bursting into laughter: "Haha, alright, we two will see each other again next year."
Tomorrow would be next year.
Tobirama also confided many things to Torifu, such as how his Flying Thunder God Technique had been surpassed, and how his Water Release was about to be surpassed; he spoke of it all. But he wasn't complaining; instead, he felt genuine satisfaction that Torifu's disciples were so outstanding, and felt truly gratified. Afterward, he returned to the Senju Clan's compound with Mito.
Tsunade was picked up by Dan himself. Dan arrived about half an hour into the dinner party. His reason was that his family had already finished dinner and were preparing for bed, so he came to accompany Tsunade. Originally, Tsunade had been a little upset about not being able to spend New Year's with Dan, but when she saw Dan arrive, a smile immediately bloomed on her face. The young couple sat together, but due to the many elders present, they ultimately made no overt gestures, only holding hands beneath the table.
"Well then, Big Brother, we'll be heading off now. See you next year."
Dan waved his hand, and, mimicking Torifu, said 'see you next year'. Torifu smiled and waved them off, gesturing for them to return and rest quickly.
After the guests had been seen off, all that remained was a large mess. The adults had all had a fair bit to drink, and the tables and floor were quite dirty, requiring a good tidying up. However, this wasn't Torifu's task; it could be left to the children. They hadn't drunk any alcohol; their minds were clear, so it was natural for them to help with the work. Torifu left a clone to instruct them on how to clean, while his main body returned to their room to sleep with Naori.
As for Kushina, it seemed her grandfather had forgotten her, as she was still at the Kumotsuru Clan's compound and hadn't gone home even at this hour. Amado saw how late it was and decided to let her stay the night, returning tomorrow. This way, even if there was a mission tomorrow, there would be no worries about delays. Kushina naturally agreed; having eaten so much, she didn't want to move around much. After helping Minato and the others clear up the mess, Kushina also started to feel overwhelmed. She went straight back to the room she had been staying in for the past few days and fell asleep. The other children and Amado also returned to their rooms to sleep, choosing not to stay up late.
The next morning, it was already another year. New Year's Day was wonderfully bright, with abundant sunlight. The outdoor temperature seemed to have risen by three or four degrees, making it quite warm. It seemed the heavens knew it was a day for work, and so granted such fine weather.
After Torifu woke up and washed himself, he came out into the courtyard. Since he had drunk some alcohol the previous night, it was already nine in the morning when he woke up. Minato would have already finished his morning training by then, and likely gone off on missions. Only Yahiko and Konan remained in the courtyard. They seemed not to have received any missions, or perhaps had their own plans. Torifu didn't bother them.
The two youngsters, seeing Torifu emerge, immediately flocked around him: "Master, when are Kaito and the others leaving?"
So they were asking about this? It seemed Kaito's training had been quite effective.
"It should be within the next two days. What, you two haven't had enough sparring?"
They both nodded bashfully: "Sparring with Kaito is very beneficial. He makes progress every time, and always surprises us."
From the sound of it, Kaito was quite the genius, able to improve his own strength with every training session. However, all good things must come to an end; there is a time for every meeting and parting.
"General Mifune and his retinue will probably also leave within the next two days, and it's the same for the other Kage." Torifu patted their heads: "So cherish today's sparring. You might not be able to spar with Kaito tomorrow."
Once Mifune left, it was unknown when he would return next; at the very earliest, it would be another year before he could come again. And his disciples might not necessarily come again either.
Hearing Torifu's words, Yahiko and Konan were filled with disappointment: "Yes, Kaito is leaving. It's truly a pity; we two have only just formed a friendship with him."
"It's alright, you'll meet again someday. No need to worry."
Although he said that, Yahiko and Konan still felt very reluctant in their hearts. During these days of training, they had forged a fairly deep friendship, but it was so brief; they could only look forward to their next meeting. Afterward, Yahiko and Konan ran off to train, not continuing to disturb Torifu.
Just as Torifu had settled down, preparing to sunbathe, Amado's room door was pushed open. Amado, dressed in his pajamas, stretched lazily, then walked out feeling refreshed.
"Wow, the weather is great! A new year truly brings a new atmosphere."
He then noticed Torifu in the courtyard and asked, "Big Brother, did you do this? Or was it like this from early morning?"
Torifu chuckled in response: "I don't know about early morning, but it was like this outside when I just woke up. I thought that after all the fireworks let off last night, there would definitely be smog today, but there isn't. It's truly amazing."
Amado also exclaimed in response: "Indeed, not only is there no smog, but there isn't even a trace of gray in the sky. It's truly a wonderful year."