"Brother-in-law, don't let Shukaku's small size, bad voice, and hot temper fool you," Yashamaru said, curling up inside the kotatsu as well, his tone relaxed. "For something that small, he's actually kinda cute. A lot of people in the village really like him. Plus, with his innate Sand Release, he's a perfect fit for our Gold Panner project."
Gold panning was all about separating gold from sand. And as one of the few in-the-know, Shukaku—the One-Tail—if his identity ever went public, it would shock the entire shinobi world and put their Gold Panner product on the map overnight.
"That's why," Yashamaru continued, "after some discussion at the factory, we decided to make Shukaku the company mascot."
Of course, no one else knew Shukaku's real identity.
"…Is that so?"
Rasa found himself unsure how to respond. It wasn't that he was surprised Shukaku had become the mascot for a gold-panning-themed business—it was more that, seriously, how had this company already started thinking about marketing and endorsements?
Still, seeing Yashamaru's earnest expression, he simply sighed inwardly and let it go.
Taking a sip of the hot tea Karura had poured for him, he asked, "Staying for dinner tonight?"
It was New Year's Eve, after all. Tomorrow marked the start of a brand new year. Even Elder Chiyo's brother, Ebizō, always made it a point to return for this meal—to sit and eat with Sasori and Chiyo as a family.
However—
"Nah~," Yashamaru declined with a bright, easygoing smile. Unlike his once-delicate features, he now stood tall and muscular at over six feet, and his grin had taken on a hearty, cheerful edge. "I've already made plans with Baki and the factory workers. We're having dinner with all the migrant workers, and later tonight… we're renting out the arcade. Got a whole night of nonstop gaming lined up."
"You're really packing in the festivities," Rasa said, surprised. "You sure you won't stay?"
"Not tonight. I just dropped by to check on sis and Temari. I'll come back tomorrow night instead," Yashamaru said, nodding. "I already promised."
Besides, as the factory's deputy director, he needed to take care of the workforce. Especially with the arcade owner—if it weren't New Year's Eve, the guy would never have agreed to rent them the place overnight.
Seeing that it was about time, Yashamaru stood and gave Kankurō a light pat on the head while the kid was fiddling with his puppets.
"I'm heading out."
"Alright. If you see Gaara and Shukaku on your way, tell them to head home," Rasa said casually as he watched Yashamaru wave goodbye and leave.
He chuckled to himself.
"This… isn't so bad, actually."
At the very least—
He hadn't ended up dragging his brother-in-law down with him.
Turning toward Karura with a smile, he said, "Time to get dinner ready."
The new year was almost here.
...
"Hahaha! Come on, dig in, eat up!" Ebizō laughed heartily as he looked at the steaming reunion dinner Chiyo had prepared. He picked up a piece of grilled fish and plopped it on Sasori's plate. "Sis really nailed this one—perfectly golden on both sides. Smells amazing!"
"It's thanks to the Kazekage's high-quality seasoning," Chiyo chuckled, visibly older now but still cheerful. She took a seat and also gave Sasori a piece of meat. Her gaze, though clouded with age, softened as she looked at her grandson. "It's already been two years since you came back, hasn't it?"
Sasori remained silent.
He looked down at the full bowl of rice and plates of food, then glanced at his grandmother and granduncle on either side of him. Still saying nothing, he picked up his chopsticks and started eating quietly.
"Let's eat then."
Seeing this, Chiyo sighed in her heart but kept her smile bright and warm.
"Come on, everyone—dig in! Hahaha! It's been another great year."
Her grandson was home. She and Ebizō were still alive and well. Watching Sasori eat the food she cooked with her own hands… what more could she ask for?
"Yeah~ It's been a good year. In just a few short years, Sunagakure's changed so much," Ebizō nodded. "Though, it does feel weird that almost no one's going out on missions anymore. Everyone's just… working civilian jobs. Kinda worries me a bit."
"What's there to worry about? It's not like all the shinobi are working desk jobs," Chiyo replied, shaking her head. She kept eating at a leisurely pace. "Didn't the Kazekage say he was going to expand the academy's ninjutsu curriculum next year? I bet we'll see the number of graduates double. Then those who want to be ninja can still do so, and those who want jobs can get jobs."
"But if they don't get real combat training… the quality of rookie shinobi—"
"Stop overthinking it."
Chiyo cut him off before he could finish.
"That's the Kazekage's concern, not ours. We just need to do our own jobs properly. The Great Northern Water Diversion Project can't afford any mistakes. The village has been putting more and more emphasis on environmental protection lately. Even the factories and academies have started organizing tree-planting events. Maybe in the future, Sunagakure won't even be a desert anymore."
As she spoke, she pulled out a massive bottle of soda from under the table.
"And over the past few years, has the Kazekage made any bad decisions? Just trust him. We're already old—we don't need to meddle anymore."
She gave the bottle a gentle shake.
"This is that special soda I asked Kabuto to bring. No need to refrigerate it in winter—come on, everyone drink up! Eat and drink as much as you like tonight. I'm having a drink too."
"I was actually hoping for a proper drink… but ever since the Kazekage cracked down on counterfeit alcohol, the kind of liquor I used to love is nowhere to be found. Turns out it was fake?! It tasted amazing—smooth, fragrant, one sip and I felt like I was floating!"
"What liquor? If you're drinking anything, drink our own village's Scorpion Sake. That stuff's great—warms you up real good."
Can't believe you're not even supporting our local products and went for fake alcohol.
"Scorpion Sake…" Ebizō muttered as he accepted a bottle. He'd been hoping for something else tonight, but since this was all there was, he'd just have to deal with it. He looked up at Sasori, who still hadn't said a word since the meal began. "You know, you could've invited Kana and Kabuto over too. It'd be livelier with more people."
It really was a little dull right now.
"Those two are over at Rasa's place tonight," Chiyo said, shaking her head. "Better not interfere."
"Yeah, true." Ebizō nodded. Then after a pause, he looked at Sasori again, as if something had occurred to him.
"Sasori—"
Even though Sasori didn't respond or even look up, he didn't seem to mind.
Instead, Ebizō smiled kindly, his eyes gentle.
"Next year… I might finally have some time to relax. When that happens… how about I take you out for a walk? I know there are reasons… but staying holed up in the back mountains all the time isn't good for you."
He finished speaking.
Sasori finally looked up, eyes cold, lips curling into a faint smirk.
"You think the Kazekage would ever let me go outside?"
Please.
What a joke.