Chapter 88: Everything is for Konoha

Hashirama thought for a moment, but since he hadn't developed a more suitable training method for his two apprentices, he could only helplessly nod, "That's right, it will be the same tomorrow."

Time continued to pass, and in the blink of an eye, two and a half months had gone by. Today was the day of the Five Kage Summit in Konoha Village, and Torifū, as the Hokage's disciple, was allowed to attend. Torifū naturally agreed to this grand event, while Naori accompanied Kagami to entertain guests from other villages. The two simply had different roles and no real disparity in importance.

Over these two and a half months, the village had been bustling with preparations. Everyone wanted to ensure that people from other villages wouldn't look down on their own. Therefore, every detail was meticulously handled, and under Tobirama's arrangements, they held rehearsals every few days to prevent any mishaps at the crucial moment.

The Kage from other villages were expected to arrive in Konoha Village at noon, so Torifū didn't need to rush. After dressing and washing, Torifū went to feed the two young cranes. A month ago, Torifū had already named them: the male was Aokumo, and the female was Ryūfū. The names sounded quite fitting for celestial cranes, and the young cranes seemed to like them, so Torifū stuck with those names.

Over these past two and a half months, Aokumo and Ryūfū's size had surpassed that of normal cranes, reaching twice their usual size! Ordinary adult cranes looked like month-old chicks next to Aokumo and Ryūfū. Their size was now sufficient to carry Torifū into the sky, and Torifū had tried a few times, feeling pretty good about it. He just needed to get used to it to control them better.

After all, Aokumo and Ryūfū hadn't fought alongside Torifū yet, so their coordination wasn't perfect. Torifū didn't force it; coordination wasn't something that could be achieved overnight but was built up over a long period of continuous practice. Anyway, there was still plenty of time, so Torifū wasn't in a hurry.

After feeding them, Aokumo and Ryūfū flew off to play again. These two cranes often stayed out all day, going to who knew where. But every night, at dinner time, they would return right on schedule, which left Torifū speechless. Seeing them gone, Torifū also left the clan compound.

Stepping out, Torifū noticed that the streets were significantly busier than usual. The vast majority of the people were ninja disguised as villagers. After all, this was Konoha Village's first negotiation with other villages. If any part of the discussion didn't go well and the other villages decided to band together to attack Konoha, they needed to be ready to defend themselves immediately. However, such a thing was almost impossible to happen. The village's preparations were merely a precaution. With Hashirama, this great Buddha, holding down the fort, even if the other four Kage had eight hundred times more courage, they wouldn't dare cause trouble in Konoha.

He bought some food at a familiar shop, then Torifū headed to the Hokage Building to report. For today's Five Kage Summit, Torifū had specially worn a black and gold robe, the attire for important occasions. But to his surprise, when he entered the office, Hashirama and Tobirama were dressed incredibly casually. They looked as if they were just going about their daily lives, with no change in their attire. Instead, Torifū stood out like a flamboyant peacock. If he were to stand behind Hashirama in that outfit, all eyes would surely be on him.

"Sensei, Tobirama-sama, why are you dressed so simply?"

Seeing Torifū enter, Hashirama put down his speech draft and smiled, "The summit is not a big deal, just some village leaders chatting."

"Tobirama made it so formal, which I'm already unaccustomed to. If I were to wear armor or something, it would be too restrictive."

Well, it seemed even Hashirama had his nervous moments. Perhaps he deliberately dressed this way to avoid looking nervous during the summit and affecting the village's image.

"Alright then, I'll change back into my regular clothes later, or else I'll be uncomfortable."

Hashirama also nodded. It was their own home, after all; there was no need to be so ostentatious.

"Today's summit is not only about discussing peace but also about letting you youngsters see the strengths of other villages."

"It's also to lay a foundation for your future."

Torifū understood Hashirama's meaning: the ninja from each village would spar with each other, and in the process, they could roughly understand some of the other village's strengths.

Tobirama chuckled as he placed a hand on Torifū's shoulder, "Kid, don't be too rough."

Torifū agreed. Of course not. You invite people to your village for a meeting, and before the meeting even properly begins, you beat their son black and blue. Does that look good? No, it doesn't.

The meeting venue was on the second floor of the Hokage Building. Tobirama had specially arranged for it to be spacious enough so that the Kage wouldn't feel constrained. Hashirama, meanwhile, picked up his draft again, muttering something.

Torifū figured it was just the opening remarks, nothing worth listening to, so he took the opportunity to go to another room and change his clothes. Like his master, he wore regular attire: a white robe with gold threads. This was already Torifū's most common clothing; after all, he was a clan head, and his clothes had to reflect his status.

He then returned to the office. Tobirama was organizing the issues to be discussed at the meeting, and Torifū leaned over to take a look. Not only were there issues of peace, but also matters concerning inter-village development and trade. These were all practical issues, not superficial ones. After a glance, Tobirū conscripted him to help with the organization.

A moment later, a knock sounded, and Naori and Kagami arrived at the office. Hashirama put down his draft again. In truth, he had already memorized the content, but reviewing it a few more times helped alleviate his nervousness.

"It's Naori and Kagami. How are things, is everything going well with the reception?"

Naori nodded. "Don't worry, Sensei, the reception is being conducted strictly according to Tobirama-sama's procedures." She then added, "The Kage and their escorts will be staying in Konoha for three to five days, and their accommodation and meals have been arranged appropriately."

Hashirama naturally trusted his brother's procedures, and he trusted these children a hundred percent. He only had some doubts about himself.

"Excellent. Try your best not to clash with ninja from other villages, but if they provoke you, you are free to retaliate."

Naori and Kagami acknowledged the order. This way, Konoha wouldn't seem overly arrogant to other villages, nor would it appear weak and easily bullied. They then turned to head to the village entrance to welcome the guests. In a few hours, the other four Kage would arrive in Konoha Village.

"How are the defenses holding up?"

Tobirama immediately replied, "I entrusted this to Hiruzen and Danzō; they should have already begun implementing them."

Hashirama sensed that there were many ninja on every street in the village, wearing ordinary clothes, making them difficult for most people to detect.

"They are ninja with strong counter-intelligence abilities; even a Kage would have difficulty finding them. They are our Konoha elite."

"Very good. Everyone has worked hard."

"Everything is for Konoha."