Chapter 85: Hiruzen and Biwako

Otherwise, even without arrogance, he wouldn't easily chat with an ordinary person on the street for so long. Time was meant for valuable people or matters.

Watching the village gradually become lively, Torifū continued to wander aimlessly. Today was his day off, and he had already completed the small task of building a good relationship with the Hyuga clan ninja. Now, the time was his own.

As for finding Jiraiya and Orochimaru, Torifū decided to let nature take its course. After all, the war was still far off; it was just a matter of looking out for them a bit, no need to rush. Speaking of which, both Orochimaru and Jiraiya were commoners. Perhaps asking Kosuke about this would yield some results? But Kosuke should be in school now, and Torifū couldn't just go directly to the academy to find him. Besides, Torifū had been busy accepting and completing missions, and it had been a long time since he last saw Kosuke and the others. Indeed, it was better to let nature take its course. Torifū decided it wouldn't be too late to ask when he next ran into Kosuke.

And so, it was nearly noon, and Torifū was still wandering the streets, having almost circled all of Konoha. Almost everyone in the village recognized Torifū, so he had to greet people as he walked, which was quite tiring. As noon approached, Torifū decided not to eat out and prepared to head home.

Just then, Torifū encountered two familiar faces: Hiruzen and Biwako. This surprised Torifū; it seemed they had reconciled again. Before, Hiruzen had been caught peeking into the women's bathhouse by Biwako, which led to Biwako scolding Hiruzen fiercely and ignoring him for two straight months. Hiruzen had used every flattering and appeasing trick in the book, only managing a slight improvement. But now, it seemed the two had completely made up.

Torifū initially didn't want to interrupt their private time, but Hiruzen spotted Torifū just as he was about to turn away. "Hey Torifū! Where are you off to?"

Since he had been called out, Torifū had no choice but to turn around and chat for a bit. Honestly, he really didn't want to witness their public display of affection.

"It's Hiruzen-nii and Biwako-nee. I was just about to go home for lunch."

This wasn't the first time Biwako had met Torifū. Every time they met, she had a very good impression of him.

"Hello, Torifū. Hiruzen is off today, and we're about to go for lunch. Would you like to join us?" Biwako's arm was linked through Hiruzen's, looking very sweet.

Although she had politely invited him, Torifū knew it was just a courtesy. Of course, even if it were a genuine invitation, Torifū wouldn't go; he would be full just from all the public affection.

"No, no, I won't disturb your time together. I'll eat at home later." Torifū playfully refused repeatedly. Hearing the phrase "time together," a slight blush spread across Biwako's face.

Hiruzen scratched his head. "Hehe, it's a rare day off today, so I thought I'd take Biwako out for a meal. Do you have any recommendations?" Hiruzen usually ate at home, as the family cooks were no worse than those outside. This time, bringing Biwako out, he genuinely didn't know what to eat, and Biwako kept saying "whatever..." This gave Hiruzen a headache, but now seeing Torifū, he felt like he might be saved!

Torifū thought for a moment, and the image of the barbecue restaurant owner appeared in his mind. "There's a barbecue restaurant run by the Akimichi clan that Naori and I often go to. The food is really good." If the barbecue restaurant owner were there to hear his living cash cow promoting his business, he would probably cry tears of gratitude. He then introduced some of his favorite barbecue dishes to Hiruzen, and just listening to him made one's mouth water. Even Biwako's interest was piqued. Although she didn't say it, Torifū could tell that Biwako wanted to go.

"Alright! That barbecue restaurant it is then! I definitely trust Torifū. What about you, Biwako?"

Biwako smiled faintly, clearly in a good mood. "Hearing Torifū describe it, my mouth is watering too. Let's give it a try then."

Hearing Biwako's affirmation, Hiruzen finally felt relieved. He really had Torifū to thank this time. Otherwise, he might have genuinely ruined this rare date. Biwako had only just forgiven Hiruzen; if he had messed it up, their relationship might have ended.

Hiruzen gave Torifū a thankful look, and Torifū understood, nodding to signal that it was no problem.

The three then chatted about some everyday topics. Before long, it was almost noon. Hiruzen and Biwako had to bid Torifū farewell and head to the barbecue restaurant, even jogging a little, afraid there wouldn't be any seats if they were late. Torifū couldn't help but laugh at the sight. At this rate, they would probably get married in two or three years. All Torifū could do was wish them well.

After parting ways with the two, Torifū also prepared to go home for lunch. If it weren't for the three extra mouths to feed at home, Torifū definitely wouldn't have chosen to eat there. The old hen was fine, pecking at insects in the courtyard, but the two young cranes were different. Their appetites were astonishing. Torifū had to buy five or six pounds of fresh small fish to feed them; this seemed to make them grow faster. When he was with the two young cranes, he always felt somewhat refreshed, he wondered if it was because they were celestial cranes.

As soon as he returned to the clan land, the young cranes that were still flying in the air landed. They rubbed against Torifū's face, like two little cats.

"Alright, alright, I know you're hungry." He then took out two large basins of small fish from his space ring and fed them. The two young cranes ate happily, devouring the fish like a whirlwind; the two basins full of fish were gone in no time. After eating, they lingered with Torifū for a while before flying off to play again. Torifū took this opportunity to observe them closely. These two cranes seemed to be a male and a female. Could they breed little cranes? If so, he could leave them for his descendants or disciples to contract. The two cranes would surely have long lifespans, perhaps even becoming beings like the Great Toad Sage in the future.

Torifū shook his head, feeling he was getting ahead of himself. It was still uncertain what would happen, and he was already thinking about the future. The two young cranes were full, but Torifū was still hungry. Fortunately, he had bought some vegetables on the street earlier, so he could make something simple to eat for himself. Torifū wasn't too demanding about food; after all, food back then didn't have many seasonings, and everything tasted the same whether at home or outside. There simply wasn't the rich variety of cuisine and seasonings that his previous life had, so he only aimed to fill his stomach.