Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 381 A Sequel to the Banquet

"For Konoha, and for tonight's reunion."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke at the opportune moment, his voice not loud, but it instantly brought the room to life.

He smiled and raised the warm wine in his hand.

"For Konoha!"

Hashirama Senju was the first to respond, his laughter booming.

A huge copper pot sat in the center of the low table, its rim bubbling merrily.

That's the essence of Biwa Lake, simmered over a low flame with wild mushrooms and pork bones for a whole day.

The rich aroma turned into white steam, warming everyone's faces and making those faces, etched in the scroll of history, appear incredibly gentle at this moment.

"Oh my god! What kind of meat is this?!"

Hashirama was the first to pick up a piece of Konoha Pork belly with a texture as smooth as snowflakes, casually dipped it in the boiling broth a couple of times, and then eagerly stuffed it into his mouth.

He froze, and then a pure, childlike joy burst forth from him.

"tasty!"

"Big brother."

Tobirama Senju calmly put down his chopsticks and, with the rigor of reviewing confidential documents, watched the meat slices bubbling in the pot.

"Based on the structure of the meat fibers and the temperature of the broth, the optimal cooking time is seven seconds."

"If it's one second too short, the fat won't be fully emulsified; if it's one second too long, the protein will shrink excessively, affecting the texture."

As he spoke, he precisely picked up a piece of meat with his chopsticks and, under everyone's watchful eyes, dipped it into the pot.

He counted silently in his mind.

One, two, three... seven.

As you lift the chopsticks, the slice of meat reveals its perfect curl, resembling an exquisite work of art.

He dipped his finger in the special sauce made by Biwa Lake, put it in his mouth, chewed it carefully, then closed his eyes and finally slowly uttered two words.

"Perfect."

Hashirama held the bowl, staring blankly at his younger brother, his mouth opening and closing but no words coming out.

Hiruzen Sarutobi held his sake cup, feeling a throbbing pain in his temples.

Bringing these two back to life would be a tremendous boon to Konoha's development.

But for one's mental state, it will definitely be a long and severe test.

He glanced at Madara Uchiha subconsciously.

This former ninja demon sits there quietly, like an ancient sculpture blending into the background.

He used his chopsticks to cook the meat slices in the broth, then put them in his mouth.

The movements were elegant and meticulous.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was lost in thought, Hashirama Senju picked up a perfectly cooked piece of tofu, crossed half the table, and placed it directly into Madara Uchiha's bowl.

He grinned, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Try this, Ban, it melts in your mouth!"

Madara Uchiha's hand, which was holding the tofu, froze in mid-air.

He looked at the trembling, steaming tofu in the bowl, then looked up at Hashirama's innocent, radiant smile.

On that face, which was as sculpted as rock, something that had been taut for nearly a century seemed to loosen in an extremely subtle way.

"real?"

He said it in a low voice.

But he still picked up the piece of tofu, blew on it, and put it in his mouth.

"It's really good."

"Right!"

This scene slowed down everyone's movements.

Even Tsunade forgot about fighting Nawaki for the dumplings and just watched quietly.

After the banquet ended, everyone gradually left.

Tsunade, supporting her slightly tipsy grandfather, bid farewell to Hiruzen at the door.

While Hashirama Senju was still muttering "My miniature divine tree... the Hanging Gardens...", Tsunade whispered something in a low voice, only the two of them could hear, as she brushed past Hiruzen.

"Thank you, teacher."

Hiruzen Sarutobi simply smiled and nodded, watching them leave.

Madara Uchiha was the last to leave.

He walked to the door, then suddenly stopped and looked back at the clean and tidy Japanese-style room, which only had the faint smell of food left.

"Hiruzen".

"Thank you for your hospitality."

After saying that, his figure disappeared into the deep night of the courtyard, leaving no trace.

All the guests had left, and the room instantly fell silent, with only the last trace of warmth remaining at the bottom of the pot.

Biwako was clearing away the dishes when young Asuma had already fallen into a deep sleep, lying on her lap.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward and carefully took his son from his wife's arms.

Asma's little face still held a satisfied smile, and there was even a trace of glistening on the corner of her mouth.

He carried his son and walked into the courtyard.

The snow has stopped.

A cool, crescent moon hung in the night sky, casting its silvery light over the entire tranquil village.

The snow on the eaves reflected a soft light, and the air, with its winter chill and cleanliness, mixed with the lingering warmth of the house, created an incredibly comforting scent.

My belly was still warm.

That warmth flowed through my blood to every part of my body.

He lowered his head and looked at his sleeping son in his arms. The even breathing of his son was the most beautiful music in the world.

He raised his head again and looked at the village in the distance, its lights twinkling like stars scattered across the earth.

I heard soft footsteps behind me.

A warm cloak, carrying a familiar fragrance, was gently draped over his shoulders.

"It's late at night, you'll catch a cold."

Biwako's voice carried a hint of concern as she gently leaned against him.