Torifu then returned to the Clan Compound. Thankfully, he didn't encounter any more acquaintances along the way; otherwise, he truly wouldn't have known what story to make up next.
As soon as he arrived home, he saw Minato sitting in the gazebo, fiddling with his phone.
"Still playing games, Minato? I think you've been at it all day."
Minato chuckled. "I didn't want to play, but Kushina called me and insisted on having a one-on-one. I've already lost several times."
This young man really had a knack for things.
"You can't keep losing all the time. You need to win occasionally, but don't use your full strength. Let Kushina think you won by luck or that you suddenly got your rhythm back. That way, she'll have the motivation to keep playing."
Minato suddenly understood. "Wow, Big Brother, you know so much!"
Torifu scoffed lightly. "These little tricks of yours are old news."
Right now, they were just friends playing a little game; it hadn't escalated to the level of romance. But in a few years, who knows? In the original story, Minato seemed to mature quite early, probably around twelve or thirteen. However, since the Land of Lightning is now a wasteland, no one will be there to kidnap Kushina. Without that catalyst, Minato will have to find his own way to confess his feelings.
Minato just smiled at Torifu's words and went back to playing the game with Kushina. Since it was a weekend, Minato could play games freely. Torifu didn't plan to interfere; after all, there were only two days off a week. It would be too harsh not to let him play on those days. Torifu didn't think he could be the type of strict Sensei, nor did he want to be one.
After Yahiko and Konan finished their morning training, the afternoon was their free time. He didn't know where they had run off to, but the courtyard was empty. Torifu didn't bother looking for them; they would return on their own when it was time to eat. He went back inside to rest.
In Sunagakure of the Land of Wind, an unexpected guest, Jiraiya, was currently being welcomed. When he arrived at the Sunagakure entrance, the guards wondered if their eyes were deceiving them. How could Jiraiya possibly appear in the Land of Wind? They eventually realized they weren't seeing things and that the person really was Jiraiya. They immediately notified the Kazekage and the elders.
Before long, the Third Kazekage arrived at the entrance of Sunagakure, accompanied by Chiyo and Ebizo.
"Are you Jiraiya of Konoha? Why have you come to the Land of Wind? Have you started traveling the Ninja World again?" The Third Kazekage spoke to Jiraiya very politely. After all, this was a Sage with connections to Mount Myōboku and a Ninja of Konoha Village, their ally.
Jiraiya laughed loudly. "Hahaha, Third Kazekage-sama, I've come on behalf of the Hokage-sama to deliver an invitation to you."
"An invitation?" Hearing this, the Third Kazekage was confused. What was the invitation about? Was it for a new invention or collaboration from Konoha Village?
Jiraiya carefully pulled out the invitation from his robe. "The Hokage-sama will be getting married in half a month and specially invites you and the Tsuchikage-sama to Konoha Village to attend the ceremony."
This news nearly caused an explosion in Sunagakure. The Hokage was getting married—this was indeed a major event! But why were they only sending the invitation with fifteen days left? There wasn't enough time to prepare a proper gift!
Seeing their expressions, Jiraiya added, "The Hokage-sama said that the thought is more important than the gift. As long as you attend, that's enough. That's why the invitation was sent at this time—he didn't want you to go to too much trouble or expense."
The Third Kazekage sighed. "The Hokage-sama is very thoughtful, but how could I possibly be light on the gift for such a major event? Thankfully, there are still fifteen days." He turned to Chiyo and Ebizo. "Chiyo-sama, Elder Ebizo, draw up a list of gifts immediately."
The two elders bowed slightly. "Yes, Kazekage-sama."
The Third Kazekage then smiled and said to Jiraiya, "Jiraiya, you must be tired from your journey. Why don't you rest for a day before leaving? Would you care to taste our special Sunagakure vintage wine?"
Jiraiya had already planned to stay for a night, and hearing that he could have wine made the offer even better. "Then I'd be honored to accept. Please, Kazekage-sama!"
"Please!"
Jiraiya followed the Kazekage and his entourage into Sunagakure. This was his first time in Sunagakure, and he wondered just how much the village had changed.
If Torifu had come, he would have been amazed. Over the years, Sunagakure had continuously purchased trees from Konoha Village—specifically, drought-resistant varieties that could prevent wind and stabilize sand. A green oasis had formed outside the walls of Sunagakure, very effectively blocking the invasion of sandstorms. Water sources had also been discovered through various techniques and explorations.
Greenery now filled the streets and alleys of Sunagakure. Various climbing plants covered the walls of houses along the streets, bearing delicate white flowers. Although the villagers' faces were still somewhat dark, they were no longer coarse; the dark complexion was purely from sun exposure. Without the erosion of sandstorms, the villagers' skin had improved.
"The changes in Sunagakure these past few years have been immense, and this wouldn't have been possible without the help of Konoha Village."
Jiraiya smiled at this. "Kazekage-sama, you've got it wrong. Konoha Village's contribution is only a small part. The Sunagakure you see today is thanks to the diligent efforts of generations of Kazekage, who have allowed a village in the desert to flourish with vitality."
The Kazekage had intended to take the opportunity to praise Konoha Village, but Jiraiya's response made him feel delighted. Indeed, Sunagakure's current appearance was inseparable from the efforts of the Kazekage. In the past, Sunagakure was weak, poor, and lacked resources. Now, it lacked nothing and had become wealthy. The village could sustain itself just by exporting some local specialties. Even if the Daimyō were to cut off Sunagakure's allocation one day, there would be no fear of the village declining.
However, the main reason was the destruction of the Land of Lightning, which eliminated a major hidden village vying for a limited number of missions. The number of missions allocated to Sunagakure had multiplied several times, directly raising the income of Sunagakure's Ninja by several levels. Hope was now widespread.
The Third Kazekage's decision to immediately seek friendship and alliance with Konoha after taking office was also an extremely correct choice. Now, every household in Sunagakure has various advanced electrical appliances and convenience facilities. This has greatly increased the villagers' happiness index. Their loyalty to the village has also naturally become higher. In the past, there were rogue Ninja wandering everywhere in the Land of Wind, but now they are almost nowhere to be found. With such a good life, who would choose to be a wandering Ninja?