"Uh..."
"Aunt Mikoto didn't tell you I was coming to your house for dinner today?", Aoba asked puzzled.
"Seem... seems like she did... I'll go wash my hands first," After speaking, Sasuke ran off as if escaping.
Aoba helplessly shook his head, put down the vegetables, and returned to the kitchen.
Sasuke, who had finished washing his hands, tiptoed and hid behind the door frame.
Secretly watching the two people in the kitchen chatting and laughing while cooking together.
Seeing the happy smile on his mother's face, Sasuke bit his lip, 'Maybe... this isn't so bad.'
'But I absolutely can not accept Aoba...'
———
Two days later, Shizune and Temari were at Konoha's main gate to welcome Chiyo and her party who had arrived as promised.
"Granny Chiyo," Temari greeted Chiyo somewhat happily.
"You've had a hard time recently, Temari," Chiyo affectionately patted Temari's hair.
"No, actually, the people of Konoha have treated us quite well," Temari thought Chiyo misunderstood something and quickly explained.
After all, aside from the limited range of activity, there was nothing to worry about in terms of food, clothing, and shelter.
Even better than Sunagakure...
Chiyo pondered slightly. Looking at Temari's appearance, she had indeed grown a bit rounder compared to before leaving Sunagakure.
"Elder Chiyo, welcome to Konoha," Shizune also came forward to greet her.
After being searched, the group from Sunagakure headed together toward the Hokage building.
Along the way, Shizune behaved very reservedly.
By contrast, Chiyo appeared quite enthusiastic.
During this time, Chiyo also actively struck up a conversation with Shizune, even talking about things from the time of the Great Ninja War.
In fact, if both sides really talked seriously, there truly was a subtle history between them.
Back during the Great Ninja War, when Konoha and Sunagakure clashed, all of the poisons Chiyo made were broken down by Tsunade.
But Chiyo looked completely unconcerned and even kept praising Tsunade's achievements in medical ninjutsu, as well as Aoba's rare talent.
Of course, Shizune knew Chiyo was just making conversation, deliberately getting close to Konoha's leadership.
However... Her attitude had softened considerably.
As long as you praised Aoba, they were good friends.
With every stretch of the journey, Chiyo's impression of Konoha deepened.
This was a village completely different from Sunagakure.
Everywhere was vibrant and full of life.
Unlike Sunagakure Village, which looked withered and lifeless.
In Sunagakure Village, in order to survive, many ninja accepted dangerous and low-paying missions. Even the sky was gray.
Although it's not good to say this, Konoha had just recently been attacked by Sunagakure.
But the people here weren't shrouded in the shadow of war at all, their eyes were still full of brightness and vitality.
Chiyo sighed in her heart, 'Konoha's foundation is indeed too deep.'
No matter how many wars it experienced, it could always stand up from the ruins quickly. But Sunagakure Village would fall into dust after just one setback.
'Just like now.'
Because of a small act of selfishness from Rasa, the whole village was plunged into eternal damnation.
'There will always be a way... I believe the wisdom of future generations will find a path for Sunagakure, but before that, I must protect the foundation of Sunagakure...', Just thinking of the "village-selling treaty" Konoha offered, Chiyo's expression darkened immensely.
Her change in expression was all seen by Temari.
The girl gently gripped Chiyo's old hand, using this way to comfort her.
Feeling the girl's concern, Chiyo also showed her a kind smile.
'Children are the future of the village.'
———
Unknowingly, the group arrived below the Hokage building.
"You all wait here for a moment," Shizune went up first to ask about the situation.
Not long after, Shizune returned, bringing Chiyo and Temari into the Hokage building.
But what surprised the two of them was that the person sitting in the main seat was Aoba. Tsunade was sitting in the secondary seat to the side.
As for the others, including Shizune, they all very tactfully left the room.
This was also Aoba's first time meeting this Granny Chiyo.
If you go by the average lifespan of a ninja, seventy years old was already quite long-lived.
She wore a soft hat on her head, a scarf around her neck, her eyes half-closed, and a kind smile on her face, just like many kindly old grandmas.
But Aoba knew that even three years from now, she'd still be able to fight Sasori head-on.
"This must be Aoba. As expected of Tsunade's disciple, truly a brilliant student from a brilliant teacher," Chiyo was only stunned for a moment before quickly adjusting her demeanor.
Her first sentence immediately praised both Tsunade and Aoba.
They say one shouldn't slap a smiling face, since she was being so polite, they naturally had to return the courtesy.
"Granny Chiyo, please sit. Whatever it is, we can talk slowly."
"Then thank you."
Chiyo sat on the sofa, and Temari obediently stood behind her.
Speaking of which, Temari still didn't know why she had been brought here.
She had been called over by Shizune without warning.
After sitting down, Chiyo didn't immediately state her purpose.
Instead, she praised Konoha for quite a while, with such flowery language that Aoba even felt a bit sorry for the old lady.
"Actually, Elder Chiyo need not envy Konoha so much. Perhaps before long, Sunagakure will catch up," Aoba interrupted Chiyo's compliments. Though it was pleasant to hear, if it went on, it would soon be time to get off work.
"Aoba needn't comfort this old woman. I only hope Sunagakure can live in peace," Chiyo smiled in self-deprecation.
"Granny Chiyo, don't worry," Aoba smiled and said, "Since Sunagakure agreed to our terms, then according to the agreement, we will naturally provide assistance, help you improve the environment, enhance infrastructure, promote employment, increase income, and help you build Sunagakure into the second Konoha."
"This...", Chiyo showed a hesitant expression on her face. What Aoba said sounded too good, she couldn't believe it, "Actually, as long as Konoha is willing to share some commissions with Sunagakure, we'll be content."
Aoba shook his head with some disappointment, "Elder Chiyo, is the role of a ninja only about killing and fighting?"
"What do you mean?"
"A ninja accepts commissions, but that's just to feed their families. But aside from taking village commissions, ninjas can also earn money through other work."
Aoba explained, "For example, when Konoha's ninjas go to Sunagakure to establish outposts and help you improve the environment, many workers will be recruited. These jobs can be done not just by ordinary people, ninjas can also do them."
"As long as a ninja is willing to take off their forehead protector, they can naturally find the job they want."
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining Patreon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through Patreon.
https://discord.gg/bYAfGyp98y