Byakuren shook his head. "Not really. He was like a gust of wind, coming and going in a hurry. I'd only known him for a few days before he disappeared again. So, we weren't really friends, but we did spar once."
Torifū's interest was suddenly piqued, hearing that the Mizukage and his own grandfather had actually sparred. "What was the outcome?"
Byakuren thought for a moment; after getting older, many things weren't as clear in his memory. "It was a draw, but I could tell he held back." Byakuren didn't let his own pride prevent him from speaking honestly; instead, he stated it openly.
Torifū's favorable impression of the Mizukage grew from average to very good, especially since the Mizukage and his grandfather had some connection.
At this point, Ishikawa, flying in mid-air, also said with a smile, "Your grandfather was incredibly wild in his youth. He challenged almost every strong individual in the entire Ninja World to a spar." Torifū scratched his head, surprised that his grandfather, of whom he had a very vague impression, had been such a hot-blooded youth in his younger days.
"He earned quite a reputation in the Ninja World with his Cloud Release, but unfortunately, he eventually turned to dust." Ishikawa's words carried a hint of regret. After decades apart, he hadn't expected the spirited person he knew to have become a mound of yellow earth. He muttered in a voice only he could hear, "I lived longer than you, so I still won, Senyo."
Through casual chats with the Mizukage and Tsuchikage, Torifū's previously blurry memories of his grandfather gradually became clearer. Kumotsuru Senyo, Torifū's grandfather, had a very long-term vision. When his own son consistently failed to master Cloud Release, he decisively chose to join Konoha Village, making Konoha a protective umbrella for the Kumotsuru clan. This allowed the family enough time to overcome the predicament of a broken lineage. If not for that, the Kumotsuru clan might have been completely absorbed by others during Konoha's third year. The Cloud Release passed down through generations and their vast family wealth would have become spoils of war for others. It now seemed that this plan was very successful; Torifū had successfully learned Cloud Release and upheld the Kumotsuru clan. He would surely bring glory to the Kumotsuru clan once more in the future.
The Mizukage and Tsuchikage chatted with Torifū with great interest. Getsuji and Mū, behind them, tried to interject multiple times but couldn't get a word in. They could only follow behind. Byakuren and Ishikawa talked with Torifū extensively about the Ninja World of their youth, things Torifū had never known. Even Kagami listened intently.
Walking and chatting this way, they soon arrived at the gates of Konoha Village. The two Kage's recollections of their youth had just begun when it ended. They felt a bit regretful, remembering all the heroic deeds they hadn't shared. However, returning to their villages was more important.
"Young Torifū, your personality is completely different from your grandfather's; you are very humble, much better than him. You should keep it up."
"I never thought I'd get along so well with a seven-year-old child today, but it will be difficult to see you again next time."
Both Kage offered Torifū words of advice or encouragement as they parted, and Torifū responded to each. As Ishikawa said, a village leader typically wouldn't leave their village unless there was a major event. And by the time the next Five Kage Summit came around, it would be a new generation replacing the old.
"Mizukage-sama, Tsuchikage-sama, I wish you a safe journey."
Byakuren and Ishikawa smiled and nodded, then set off for their respective villages. The two teams' destinations were completely opposite, so they couldn't chat along the way. This might be their last meeting in their lives.
Watching the two teams gradually disappear into the distance, Torifū also let out a sigh. Not just because the mission was over and he felt liberated, but more so because he had gained so much, and for a moment, he didn't know how to process it all. Things like the customs of the early Ninja World, wars between clans, and so on. The older generation particularly cherished the current peaceful life; unless absolutely necessary, most people probably disliked war, except for the warmongers of Kumogakure.
"Alright, Kagami-nii, the mission is over, so you should have a holiday. You can finally rest."
Kagami also let out a sigh, mimicking Torifū. "Finally liberated! These past few days have exhausted me." In truth, Kagami's mission was primarily mentally and emotionally taxing, not physically. Making the Kage from all over the world feel comfortable during their stay in Konoha Village was quite a difficult task. Only someone as meticulous as Kagami could handle it. Torifū honestly asked himself, and he knew he couldn't do it.
However, thankfully, everything was over, so he stopped thinking about those things. Now he should consider where to go and have fun during his holiday. Torifū didn't bother with these details; planning trips was more suitable for girls.
[Ding - Congratulations to the host for completing the Chaos Event: Five Kage Summit, Completion: S+, Reward: 20,000 Peace Points.]
Wow, that's pretty sweet! Torifū had thought this mission would only give him about ten thousand Peace Points at most, but it was double his estimate. Perhaps it was because he completed the mission perfectly. This way, the Peace Points Torifū had spent on exchanging two puppets yesterday were replenished.
'Just as I said yesterday, I'll save them for now.' After all, his current puppets were sufficient; he didn't need more. So, he decided to save his Peace Points and only spend them later when he came across useful or interesting items.
"Torifū, the mission is over. Let's go report to Hokage-sama first."
Torifū's thoughts were pulled back by Kagami. He decided not to think about Peace Points for now and followed Kagami to the Hokage's office to report. Just as they reached the door, they heard Hashirama and Tobirama discussing something, occasionally mentioning the Hokage. But when Kagami knocked a few times, the conversation inside abruptly stopped.
"Come in."
Kagami and Torifū entered the office. Hashirama was looking at them with a beaming smile. "Well, have all the Kage left Konoha Village?"
Kagami stepped forward and reported the mission to Hashirama and Tobirama, as this was his responsibility. Torifū was only there to help. Hearing Kagami's report, Hashirama nodded in satisfaction, and Tobirama also wore a wide smile.
"Kagami, you executed this mission splendidly. Your sensei and I are very pleased."
"This can be considered your first step towards becoming a capable ninja. Did you learn anything during this mission?"
Indeed, although Kagami's mission had been very tiring, he had gained a lot. Sometimes, he could chat with ninja from other villages, and even have small spars. If he was lucky, he could even chat with a Kage, though it was mostly the Mizukage and Tsuchikage. Kagami believed they were more talkative because of their age.
Tobirama was very satisfied with Kagami's report but still encouraged him to keep working hard. He then curiously asked Torifū and the others a question.