After dinner, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not dive into his study to pore over documents as usual.
He rarely took the initiative to suggest, "Biwako, shall we go for a walk?"
"Hm?"
Biwako, who was clearing the dishes, was a little surprised. She looked up and saw the rare relaxed smile on her husband's face, and nodded with a smile. "Sure, we should go for a walk. The night view of the village is beautiful now."
"Yay! Going out to play!"
Hearing that they were going out, Asuma, who had just eaten his fill and was getting sleepy, immediately became energetic again. He jumped up from the tatami mat and ran and jumped around the room.
The family of three changed into casual clothes and walked out of the house hand in hand.
Konoha at night was a world of difference compared to a few years ago.
They walked along Hokage Avenue, supervised by Danzo.
The wide bluestone road shimmered under the moonlight.
The newly opened shops on both sides of the street had hung up bright lanterns.
Red, yellow, round, square, all kinds of lanterns lit up the entire street as bright as day, full of lively fireworks.
The air was filled with the aroma of various foods.
The entrance of the Akimichi Barbecue restaurant was still bustling with people, with a long line.
The sizzling sound of barbecue and people's laughter could be heard from far away.
The Uchiha dessert shop next door was also booming.
Young Uchiha girls, with sweet smiles on their faces, warmly welcomed every customer.
Who could have imagined that this clan, known for its arrogance and coldness not long ago, would now become the leader of Konoha's dessert world?
People came and went on the street.
There were ninja who had just returned from missions, walking in groups of three or five, arms around each other's shoulders, heading to the tavern.
There were ordinary villagers taking a walk after dinner, chatting leisurely.
And a group of half-grown children, holding newly bought candied haws, chasing and playing on the street.
Asuma had long broken free from his mother's hand, running happily in front like a happy little sparrow, looking at this and touching that, full of curiosity about this world.
He looked back from time to time, grinning foolishly at his parents, revealing a mouthful of baby teeth.
Sarutobi Hiruzen held Biwako's hand and walked unhurriedly behind.
This was the Konoha he wanted.
A strong, wealthy Konoha full of laughter.
Ninja and civilians could coexist harmoniously, and every clan could find its own place and contribute to the prosperity of the village.
Children could run freely on the streets at night without worrying about a kunai shooting out from the darkness the next second.
"Father! Father! Look! It's Uncle Sakumo's Kakashi!"
Asuma suddenly pointed not far away and shouted excitedly.
Hatake Sakumo was holding the hand of his son, who also had silver hair and wore a small black mask, walking out of a bookstore.
Kakashi was still holding a thick book that looked like an illustrated handbook.
"Sakumo." Sarutobi Hiruzen greeted with a smile.
"Lord Hokage, Madam."
Hatake Sakumo was also a little surprised to see them. He hurried forward and bowed respectfully.
"Kakashi, this is your favorite Asuma."
Sakumo patted his son's head.
Kakashi peeked his small head out from behind the book, his big dark eyes curiously sizing up Asuma.
"Kakashi, let's go play over there!"
Asuma was a natural social butterfly. He grabbed Kakashi's hand and ran towards a mask stall not far away.
"Hey..."
Sakumo wanted to call him back, but was stopped by Sarutobi Hiruzen with a smile.
"Let them go. Children should make more friends."
So, the three adults stood by the roadside, watching the two small figures not far away.
One silver-haired, one black-haired, heads together, picking out masks.
"How is the farm recently?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen asked casually.
"Everything is fine."
At the mention of the farm, Sakumo's usually expressionless face softened a bit. "The constant temperature barrier farm has been put into use, and the vegetables are growing well. Shikaku said that next spring, we can try planting some fruits."
"That's good."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Sakumo."
"This is what I should do."
Sakumo shook his head. He looked at Kakashi, who was sharing the book in his hand with Asuma not far away, and his eyes became incredibly gentle. "Being able to let these children grow up safely is our greatest success."
Returning from the walk, the night was already deep.
Sarutobi Hiruzen patiently coaxed the tired Asuma to sleep, tucked him in, and gently kissed his son on the forehead goodnight.
Walking out of the room, Biwako had already prepared hot tea for him.
"Thinking about the village?" she asked softly.
"Sort of."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, but did not rest immediately.
He pondered for a moment, walked to the coat rack, took off his casual clothes, and changed into a capable black combat suit.
"So late, and you're going out?"
Biwako was a little worried.
"Mm, to see a..."
A somewhat helpless yet appreciative smile appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face. "A... very stubborn, but also amazing young man."
With that, he walked to the window, waved to his wife, and disappeared silently into the deep night with a flash.
He was going to see someone.
A man who, in the original story, used his life to write the most magnificent poem for the word "youth."
Might Dai.
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