This time, the three little ones didn't wait for Kawakaze to greet them—they immediately shouted for help.
"Hello, don't be shy. Treat this place as your own home from now on."
The once quiet Hatake residence had become lively, and Natsuki's maternal warmth began to overflow.
Her gaze was full of tenderness.
"Hey."
The three children looked at the kind and beautiful Natsuki, their hearts touched, eyes glistening with tears.
"Butler, please place them near the water gate."
Kawakaze didn't even lift his head. Kakashi waved his arms and legs in delight while laughing.
If he knew how extraordinary his four siblings would become in the future, he might have jumped for joy.
It wasn't an exaggeration to say they were on the level of movie stars. From now on, he could have the potential to dominate the ninja world.
"My brother, Minato!"
"My brother, my brother!"
…
A butler always appears when the master needs him.
"All right, second master."
"The three little ones, come with me."
The poor female butler smiled kindly and led the three children to sit down.
"I heard from your brother that there will be more wars?"
It wasn't that Natsuki doubted Shōmō, but she felt more reassured asking Kawakaze.
"The ultimate goal of the feudal military factions is not just the small Rain Country. The next war will be the main event."
Kawakaze nodded—perhaps the Third Hokage had already begun negotiations with the feudal lords for the next battle.
"Oh, I don't know how long this war will last."
Natsuki sighed. Kakashi's father might not be able to accompany him, but fortunately, Kawakaze still had several disciples. The house wouldn't feel empty.
"I'll come back after the competition is over."
Shōmō took a sip of tea. He was undoubtedly heading to the front lines.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Come back and live a good life. Look how happy Kakashi is."
"I'm inviting everyone over tonight to play."
Kawakaze pinched Kakashi's cheeks, making him giggle. Natsuki and Shōmō were also drawn in by their son's laughter. The family enjoyed a moment of pure joy, without discussing any serious matters.
…
That evening, Kawakaze called many friends, and they gathered at the house.
Tsunade had analyzed the antidote's components and left most of the preparation work to the hospital staff.
The poisoned Konoha ninjas would soon receive the antidote, and the Third Hokage would pay a heavy price for it. When Tsunade received a large sum of money, her expression shifted from worry to joy.
This time, even more people attended the Hatake family banquet. The Yūhi Shinkū family, the Dai family, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and even Nawaki came with Kushina. Altogether, including adults and children, nearly twenty people were present.
As the head of the family, Shōmō sat at the head of the table, smiling.
"We welcome everyone. Please, don't hesitate. There's plenty of food and wine."
After saying this, he shook hands with each guest.
It was Yūhi Shinku's first time drinking such strong alcohol, and she felt a little uncomfortable.
Three women sat together holding their children, chatting about parenting experiences. Kakashi and Hong applauded, while Kai was left out, eager to join in.
"I plan to go to Dragon Pool Cave," Orochimaru revealed after three rounds of drinks.
"I also plan to visit Myōboku Mountain," Shirai added. He hadn't yet found the child foretold in prophecy, so he wanted to verify the Sage Toad's words. The main reason was that both of them had been influenced by Kawakaze's magic.
"So you won't participate in the upcoming events?"
Kawakaze hadn't expected the situation to unfold exactly as planned. After Shirai's death, Orochimaru did not participate in the war, and Jiraiya stayed in the Hidden Rain Village.
"I already told the teacher. Besides, we still have you and Tsunade."
A faint smile appeared on Orochimaru's face. Even the Third Hokage couldn't control him.
"Kawakaze, next time please take good care of Shirai."
"Of course," Kawakaze replied. He would certainly guide his brother-in-law properly.
"I also told the teacher that mastering this immortal technique requires time," Jiraiya said. He hadn't wasted the past three years, so mastering magic should be no problem for him. The only thing lacking was proficiency.
"Then, I wish you all the best."
Tsunade wouldn't interfere. Strength was essential for a ninja's survival. She herself wanted to grow stronger but didn't know how.
"Let's have a drink together."
Kawakaze raised his cup, and the four drank in unison. The team serving drinks grew from two to four, running around the table, making it impossible to dine peacefully.
Nagato's eyes were hidden behind his hair. Sometimes he wanted to lift it, but he remembered the teacher's advice—to keep it hidden until he had enough strength.
Whenever wine ran low, a few people would refill the cups. Yahiko, an honest child, poured a full cup of wine for Kawakaze. This earned him a sharp glare.
Konan and Kushina ate and laughed. The age gap wasn't large, so the six children had already become friends.
The more people there were, the livelier the meal became, the atmosphere more energetic, and the wine flowed freely. Yet the lively atmosphere didn't match the Hokage's office building.
The Third Hokage was still working, and the Anbu reported news to him.
"A group of Jonin have gathered at the Hatake residence. Should we continue monitoring them?"
The Anbu gritted their teeth—it wasn't an easy task. If someone died unexpectedly, it would be a waste of life.
"Forget it. You may leave."
The Third Hokage waved with a smile, taking a puff from his pipe. After the Anbu left, he exhaled the smoke and muttered softly,
"Tsunade, please don't disappoint the teacher."
He placed great hopes on Tsunade, while Orochimaru continued observing her. But for him, all this would happen after his death. After all, the Hokage position would only pass to others posthumously.
The Third Hokage looked out the window. Night had fallen, and he still had many duties to handle. He smiled, shook his head, and continued working.
Meanwhile, the Hatake family banquet concluded. The dining table was a mess, only the servants remained to clean up.
At the door, Kawakaze and Shōmō saw off the guests.
"We'll meet again another day."
"That's good."
…
Once everyone had left, only Tsunade, Shirai, and Kushina remained.
"Big sister, please sit for a while. I'll accompany Kushina back first," Shirai said. He was the model of an ideal brother-in-law to the Hokage. After saying this, he waited for Kushina to say goodbye to Minato before leaving with her.
Kawakaze wanted to step forward and kiss him twice—he was truly thoughtful.
"Teacher, master's wife, we're heading back now," Mitsuru said as he left with the three children, noting the occasion was no longer appropriate for them.
Didn't you see how fast Shōmō ran?
"Go." Kawakaze waved, thinking his disciples were sensible.
"Tsunade, let's sit for a while."
"I may have some lingering effects from the battle with Hanzō," she said.
Kawakaze never stammered when lying. After all this time, how could there be any lasting effects?
Tsunade saw through his thoughts and rolled her eyes.
"Bring me some desserts. First, to the Hatake residence."
"All right," Kawakaze said, overjoyed. If he didn't seize this perfect opportunity today, he might die prematurely.
"Butler, bring the desserts."
He said this as he caught up with Tsunade, and together they walked toward a quiet room.
"All right, second master."
No one knew where the butler was, but Kawakaze clearly heard the voice.
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