"You mentioning it just reminded me, shall we head home then?"
But Naori shook her head. "This isn't urgent. Don't you have clones? Just have a clone do it. Let's enjoy walking around a bit more, the three of us. It's rare to have a festival like this."
"Alright, you're right. I'll send a clone back to cook."
Torifu quickly performed the jutsu, assigned the task, and then sent the clone home.
"Okay, now we can wander around a bit longer. Want to go chat with your brother and them? I just saw him."
After the beast was repelled, the villagers no longer worried about the incident and began to enjoy the food and scenery. They took photos in every alley. These familiar streets had become magnificent with the New Year decorations. Lanterns hung high, like little red suns.
Just then, Torifu saw something that surprised him.
"Hey, Naori, look quickly."
Torifu nudged Naori, then pointed in a direction. Naori looked that way and was instantly stunned.
"This… isn't that Amado? And Anka? Why are they together?"
"No way…"
Naori could hardly believe her own guess. Could it be that Torifu sent Amado out to find a partner, and he actually found one? However, Anka and Amado had met a few times before. Perhaps they were discussing work issues for tomorrow. After all, work was officially starting tomorrow, so it was normal for them to communicate in advance. One shouldn't believe everything one sees.
"About this, I'll ask Amado tomorrow. We still have to go home and eat soon, so let's not let this affect the festive mood."
Naori nodded upon hearing this. Such a thing was indeed not suitable to be brought up at a large gathering; it would make it seem like the entire family was interrogating Amado. If it turned out to be a misunderstanding, wouldn't that be terrible?
However, Torifu's active matchmaking spirit was aroused. If Amado and Anka truly had feelings for each other, he would definitely go all out to set them up. Moreover, Torifu knew Anka inside and out, so he wouldn't have to worry about Amado being deceived.
"Alright, stop looking. It wouldn't be good if we're spotted."
Naori tugged at Torifu, signaling for him to leave. After looking back repeatedly, Torifu finally left with Naori. At the same time, Naori warned Akihara not to mention what he saw today! Akihara naturally agreed wholeheartedly.
The two walked for some more time; the Spring Festival was now nearing its end. Villagers on the streets gradually began heading home, but fireworks continued to be set off without pause. This demonstrated the benefit of timed releases. The display lasted almost continuously throughout the night, with beautiful fireworks constantly blooming in the skies above the Hidden Leaf Village. There didn't seem to be any news of fires breaking out anywhere. This left Torifu quite satisfied.
"Alright, we've walked enough. It's time for us to go home."
Saying this, Torifu pulled out his phone and called Hashirama: "Master, don't forget to come to my place for dinner tonight."
Hashirama, wherever he was strolling with Mito, arm in arm, utterly blissful, replied, "Alright, we'll be right there."
After Torifu hung up, he also went home with Naori, not forgetting to tell the villagers to continue having fun before they left. But as soon as Torifu left, the villagers felt the festival was over, and large numbers of them chose to head straight home. After playing outside all night, it was quite cold, and since the Hokage had gone home, ending their fun for the day felt perfectly fine. The entire night's fireworks show, coupled with the never-before-seen monster appearing in the Hidden Leaf Village, was truly unforgettable. Even decades later, they would likely easily recall what the first Spring Festival was like.
When Torifu and Naori returned to the clan compound, Amado was already in the yard. Minato and Kushina also returned with them. Yahiko and Konan had surprisingly returned with Tsunade. According to Tsunade, Dan stayed with the Kato family for the New Year, while she celebrated with Hashirama.
"Alright, no matter whose house you're celebrating at, you'll definitely be well-treated. Please sit down; dinner should be ready soon."
While Torifu and Naori were enjoying their romantic stroll on the streets, the clones had already started cooking with great enthusiasm. Wafts of fragrant aromas were now drifting from the kitchen.
"Hahahahaha, Torifu, you truly broadened Master's horizons today!"
A familiar booming laugh came from the doorway. Torifu looked up and, seeing that it was indeed Hashirama, smiled and went to greet him.
"Master, Mistress, you're here. Please sit down quickly."
After wandering outside all night, Hashirama's legs were indeed a bit sore. He found a random spot in the yard, set down the chair Torifu offered, and rested his feet. Then Hashirama remarked with a sigh, "That beast was so massive, it felt comparable to a Tailed Beast. Its weakness, however, was too obvious and deadly; that's why we successfully repelled it."
Torifu smiled slightly, "Master is right. If we hadn't exploited its weakness, it would have taken quite a bit of effort to repel it."
Hearing Torifu's explanation, Hashirama nodded, "Exactly! This monster was truly formidable, but it's already in the past. If we can repel it once, we can repel it countless times. There's nothing to fear." Hashirama laughed heartily. During this beast attack, he had merely watched from a distance on another street, with no intention of offering assistance. Sure enough, Torifu easily defeated the beast.
Hashirama had no worries from beginning to end, for he knew Torifu could definitely resolve the crisis. Otherwise, he wouldn't have held the Spring Festival event as scheduled, nor would he have gambled with the safety of all the Hidden Leaf Village's residents. But if Hashirama knew that all of this was just a virtual projection created by Torifu using a projector, he wondered if Hashirama would give Torifu a good beating. However, Torifu would never let anyone know this secret.
The master and disciple discussed the Spring Festival event at length. As they talked, the dishes were all prepared. There were eighteen dishes in total, enough to feed the entire large family. Just as the food was served, Tobirama and Ashina, the last two pieces of the puzzle, arrived at the Kumotsuru Clan. Now everyone was present, and they all gathered around the dining table, listening to Torifu deliver his New Year's address.
The address was sincere and brief. It seemed Torifu had intentionally shortened its length so as not to delay everyone's meal.
"Alright, I'll stop here. Everyone, eat and drink well tonight. Together, let's welcome the new year!"
The family members raised their cups together, anticipating the coming new year. No one knew what challenges or dangers the year ahead might hold, but they were all prepared.