Chapter 112: Changes

Torifū had just finished washing up when he casually replied, "If you want to go play with Ryūfū, go ahead. You don't need to specifically notify me."

This male voice was none other than Torifū's summoned beast, the divine crane Aokumo. Over these past two years, it and Ryūfū had learned to speak and use ninjutsu. It was now a significant part of Torifū's combat strength.

"Alright then, we're going out to play."

Before Torifū could say anything else, there was a flurry of wingbeats from outside the window. Clearly, Aokumo and Ryūfū had already flown off. Torifū had originally thought about having Aokumo and Ryūfū breed little divine crane chicks, but looking at them now, still running wild like children every day, Torifū felt he'd have to wait until 12 years to hold any divine crane babies. So, he just let it go; let nature take its course.

"These two children, they truly give this hen no peace."

Another woman's voice came from outside the window, full of melancholy. "Snowflake, you don't need to worry about them so much. Their combat strength is already very high, enough for self-preservation."

The once very ordinary old hen had also learned to speak within these two years. Torifū had named her Snowflake, which suited her appearance as a white old hen. Snowflake learning to speak was completely unexpected by Torifū. He had only intended for her to live comfortably until her lifespan ran out, as a way of repaying her for hatching Aokumo and Ryūfū. But to his surprise, her body had actually become more robust. And finally, she learned to speak. If this didn't prove that the divine chakra within Aokumo and Ryūfū had nourished Snowflake, Torifū couldn't find a better explanation.

After Snowflake learned to speak, she would chatter constantly every day, like an old hen-aunt, caring most about her two children. Having lived together for several years, they could all be considered Torifū's family. The once quiet compound was now lively every day, and Torifū didn't dislike this feeling at all.

"Although that's true, what mother doesn't worry about her children? Are you going out today too?"

Torifū pushed open the window and saw Snowflake walking and talking in the yard.

"Yes, it's Tobirama-sama's inauguration ceremony as Hokage these next few days. Almost all the ninja in the village have to go."

Snowflake tidied her feathers. "Go, all of you go. I, an old hen, won't interfere in your young people's lives."

Seeing her dramatics made Torifū's eye twitch. Since when did a chicken guilt-trip like a mother-in-law? Too lazy to say anything more, he got dressed, had a simple breakfast, and headed out.

It was worth mentioning that Katō Mamiko's child was also born last year; it was a boy named Kon. Torifū even gave him some of his childhood toys; children of that age could perfectly practice grasping. Whenever he had free time, Torifū would also go to see Dan and Kon; they were now like brothers. As long as Torifū wasn't on a mission, Dan would follow him around like a little shadow.

Over these two years, Torifū had also grown considerably taller, now around 1.7 meters, already considered quite a mature person. His reputation and prestige in the village were quite high. This was mainly because none of the missions, big or small, that Torifū had undertaken had ever failed. Moreover, he was humble, treating both ordinary villagers and established clans with fairness, never with prejudice.

Hashirama had even tried to assign a few subordinates to Torifū so he would have help when not on missions with Hiruzen and the others. However, Torifū always refused with various excuses. The main reason was that Torifū believed subordinates had to be personally trained and trustworthy. Otherwise, in a fatal danger, they might betray him. After being refused several times, Hashirama no longer insisted.

Torifū walked down the street. Different from two years ago, Konoha Village in the morning was noticeably much livelier now. Over these two years, with the development of Konoha Village, people from surrounding small villages had continuously moved to Konoha to live. There was even a samurai family that wanted to settle in Konoha to learn ninjutsu. After the ninja investigated their identity, Hashirama agreed to their joining Konoha Village.

Torifū strolled leisurely until he reached the vicinity of the central street, when a voice called out to him. "Hey, Torifū, still so early?"

"Aren't you early too, Naori?"

Naori was dressed in a dark blue robe, her purple hair cascading down her back. Two years had passed, and Naori had grown even more beautiful. However, she was still a bit shorter than Torifū.

"Kagami-nii must be busy preparing for the inauguration ceremony, right?"

Naori smiled. "Yes, Tobirama-sama wants to appoint nii-san as his assistant." Torifū had vaguely sensed this since the Five Kage Summit two years ago.

"Kagami is the young head of the Uchiha clan. Will your father agree?"

"My father isn't someone who clings to traditions. He naturally wouldn't let nii-san miss such a good opportunity to hone his abilities." Torifū also felt he had overthought it. After all, being the Hokage's assistant was a very important position. Moreover, it greatly honed one's abilities, and Kagami should also learn how to be a good clan head from it in the future.

"By the way, Naori, why are you up so early?"

Naori made a mischievous expression. "Guess. If you guess right, I'll tell you."

Torifū could only give a helpless smile. Naori was truly becoming less like a mischievous little girl when she was alone with Torifū.

"I guess you have a mission. Otherwise, you'd be up later."

Naori rolled her eyes. Of course, she had a mission; did he even need to guess that?

"Alright, I'll tell you. I'm helping nii-san pick up the Hokage's cloak from Madam Beni."

"The old lady from the embroidery shop?"

"That's right! Only Madam Beni in all of Konoha Village is qualified to embroider the Hokage's cloak. Her craftsmanship is exceptional."

Torifū nodded. He might not have recognized 'Madam Beni' on name alone—embroidery was far outside his interests—but the Embroidery Shop was practically a Konoha landmark. Its reputation had been cemented fourteen years ago when the owner crafted the First Hokage's cloak, and demand never waned.

"If you are not busy, why don't you come with me?"

Torifū naturally didn't refuse Naori's invitation; after all, he had nothing else to do.

"Let's go then, I don't have any missions today."

Now, Torifū and Naori no longer needed to follow Hashirama for training every day; they only needed to train two or three days a week. This was because Hashirama had nothing left to teach, and the two had long since mastered what he had taught them previously. This also meant Hashirama had more time to spend with his beloved granddaughter.