"Uncle, Auntie." (Said three times)
This time, without Kawaki's reminder, the three kids greeted the adults first.
"Hello, kids. Make yourselves at home from now on."
The Hatake family, which was usually sparsely populated, became lively. Natsuki's maternal love overflowed.
Her eyes were full of tenderness.
"Alright." (Said three times)
Looking at the beautiful and kind Natsuki, the three kids were touched, with tears glistening in their eyes.
"Butler, arrange them to sit next to Minato."
Kawaki didn't even look up. Kakashi was kicking and laughing happily in his arms.
If he knew how awesome his four senior apprentices would be in the future, he'd probably jump for joy.
No kidding, they'll all reach at least Kage - level strength.
In the future, he could swagger around the Ninja World.
"My older brother, Minato."
"My older brother, Nagato."
...
The butler always appeared when the master's family needed him.
"Yes, Second Young Master."
"Come with me, three young masters."
Even the somewhat sleazy butler now wore a kind smile and led the three kids to their seats.
"Your Aniki said there's going to be another war?"
Natsuki didn't distrust Sakumo, but asking Kawaki made her feel more at ease.
"The hawks in the Daimyō's mansion aren't just targeting the small Land of Rain."
"The real showdown between the big countries is yet to come."
Kawaki nodded. Maybe the Third Hokage had already started discussing the upcoming war with the Daimyō's mansion.
"Sigh, who knows how long this war will last."
Natsuki sighed. It seemed unlikely that Kakashi would have much time with his father. But fortunately, there were Kawaki's apprentices.
The house wouldn't be too lonely.
"I'll come back when it's over."
Sakumo took a sip of tea. He was definitely going to the front - line.
"Let's not talk about this. Be happy now that I'm back."
"Look how happy Kakashi is."
"I'll invite everyone over tonight to have some fun."
Kawaki pinched Kakashi's cheeks, making him giggle.
Natsuki and Sakumo were also drawn to their son's laughter. The family was in a harmonious mood and didn't bring up any more heavy topics.
...
In the evening, Kawaki invited many friends over, and they gathered at the Hatake family home.
Tsunade had analyzed the composition of the antidote and assigned the large - scale production work to other people at the hospital.
The poisoned Konoha Ninjas would soon get the antidote, for which the Third Hokage had spent a lot of money.
Tsunade's face turned from worried to happy after getting a large sum of funds.
There were many people at the Hatake family's banquet this time.
The Yūhi Shinryu family, the Dai family, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and even Nawaki brought Kushina.
There were nearly 20 people in total, including both adults and children.
As the head of the family, Sakumo sat at the main seat, smiling.
"Welcome, everyone. Make yourselves comfortable."
"Help yourselves to the food and sake."
After saying that, he toasted everyone.
Shinryu Yūhi wasn't used to such strong sake on her first sip.
Three women sat together with their children, chattering about parenting tips.
Kakashi and Red were clapping hands, while Gai was left out and was a bit anxious to join them.
"I'm planning to go to the Ryūchi Cave."
After a few rounds of sake, Orochimaru also revealed his next plan.
"I'm also planning to go to Mount Myoboku again."
Jiraiya hadn't found the Child of the Prophecy and wanted to go back to feel out what the Toad Sage had to say.
Mainly, both of them had been stimulated by Kawaki's Sage Art.
"So you're not going to participate in what comes next?"
Kawaki didn't expect that the course of events still hadn't deviated from the original plot.
After Nawaki's death, Orochimaru didn't take part in the battle, and Jiraiya stayed in Amegakure Village.
"I've talked to the teacher about it. Besides, aren't there you and Tsunade?"
Orochimaru had a cold smile on his face. The Third Hokage couldn't rein him in.
"Kawaki-kun, I'll have to trouble you to take good care of Nawaki from now on."
"Of course."
As Nawaki was his future brother - in - law, Kawaki would definitely teach him well.
"I've also talked to the teacher. I'll master the Sage Art in a little while."
Jiraiya didn't waste the past three years, so mastering the Sage Art should be no problem for him. It's just a matter of proficiency now.
"Then I wish you all the best."
Tsunade wouldn't stop the two of them. Strength was the foundation for a ninja's survival. She herself also wanted to get stronger, but she just had no idea how.
"Let's drink together."
Kawaki raised his cup, and the four of them tilted their heads back and downed the sake.
The team of sake pourers expanded from two to four, scurrying around during the meal and disturbing everyone's peace.
Nagato's eyes were covered by his hair. Sometimes he even wanted to push the hair aside, but he remembered what the teacher had said about hiding his abilities before he had enough strength.
Wherever the sake ran out, the guys would go to refill it. Yahiko was an honest boy and filled Kawaki's cup to the brim.
This made Kawaki glare at him fiercely several times.
Konan and Kushina ate and laughed. Since they weren't much different in age, all six kids had become friends.
The more people there were, the livelier the meal became. The atmosphere at the table got more and more heated, and the sake kept coming in jars.
However, this lively scene was in stark contrast to the Hokage Building.
The Third Hokage was still working. An Anbu ninja reported some information to him.
"A group of Jonin have gathered at the Hatake family. Should we keep an eye on them?"
This Anbu ninja asked with a nervous gulp. This was really not a good assignment.
If he died by chance, it would be a pointless death.
"Forget it. You can go."
The Third Hokage waved his hand with a smile and took a puff of his pipe.
He exhaled the smoke after the Anbu ninja disappeared and murmured in a low voice.
"Tsunade, please don't disappoint your teacher!"
He now had high hopes for Tsunade, while he was still observing Orochimaru.
But for him, these were all things that would happen after his death. After all, the position of Hokage was usually passed on after the previous Hokage's death.
The Third Hokage looked out of the window. It was already dark, and he still had a lot of official business to handle.
He shook his head with a smile and buried himself in his work again.
Meanwhile, the banquet at the Hatake family had ended.
The dining table was left in a mess, and only the servants were cleaning up.
At the entrance, Kawaki and Sakumo were seeing the guests off.
"Let's get together again some other day."
"Sure."
...
Watching everyone leave, only Tsunade, Nawaki, and Kushina remained.
"Sis, you stay a little longer. I'll go back with Kushina first."
Nawaki was the perfect example of a Hokage's future brother - in - law. After saying that, he waited for Kushina to bid farewell to Minato, and then the two of them left first.
Kawaki wished he could go up and give [the person, should clarify who] a couple of hard kisses on the cheek. He really had good eyesight.
"Teacher, teacher's wife, we're going back."
Minato said as he led the three kids away. This situation was no longer appropriate for them.
Can't you see how quickly Sakumo bolted?
"Go ahead."
Kawaki waved his hand, thinking that his disciples were quite sensible.
"Tsunade, let's sit for a while longer."
"I might have some after - effects from the fight with Hanzō."
Kawaki lied without batting an eye. It's been ages. What after - effects could there possibly be?
Tsunade could see through his thoughts clearly and rolled her eyes.
"Get me some desserts."
She headed towards the Hatake family first.
"Sure thing!"
Kawaki was overjoyed. If he didn't seize this great opportunity today, it'd be a real shame.
"Butler, serve the desserts."
Saying that, he caught up with Tsunade and they walked towards the quiet room together.
"Okay, Second Young Master."
No one knew where the butler was, but his voice clearly reached Kawaki's ears.
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