Even Kakuzu wasn't entirely clear about the situation in the Amegakure region. If Torifu allowed them to travel alone and they encountered danger, what would happen?
"I will also dispatch a Clone to the Amegakure region to oversee the situation. You can report anything directly to my clone when you get there."
Minato, Yahiko, and Konan all nodded. They had expected that Torifu wouldn't simply send some shinobi for such an important matter.
Following this, the three discussed the specific details with Torifu: whose command to follow upon arrival and various other minor matters. Torifu was like a father to children about to embark on a long journey, always having endless advice and warnings.
"Alright, that's the general situation. You can start packing your bags. When Konohagakure's main force departs, find some people to travel with."
Minato nodded. "Understood, Big Brother. I will take good care of Yahiko and Konan."
With that, Minato returned to the house to pack. Their departure would likely be in the next two days. Yahiko and Konan naturally also went back to their room to sort their belongings, packing all their useful things into Sealing Scrolls. These scrolls were essential items for shinobi on long journeys, allowing them to carry provisions like food and water, as well as daily necessities. They weren't as convenient as a Spatial Ring, but they were generally the same category of item.
After the three children left, Torifu prepared to get up and stretch. He had been lying in the chair for so long that his body felt a bit stiff.
Just then, his cell phone rang.
"Hello, Hokage-sama. With everything that's happened, are we still on for dinner at your house?"
Torifu smiled slightly. "Of course. Naori has already gone out to buy groceries. The situation in the Amegakure region won't affect Konohagakure for the time being, and it certainly won't affect our dinner."
Anka on the other end of the line chuckled. "That's true. Well, Hokage-sama, I'm off work now. I'll go home to change my clothes and then come over to your house."
Torifu agreed, telling Anka not to rush, as there was still some time before dinner would be ready.
Meanwhile, Amado, who was secretly listening inside the house, suddenly grew nervous. "Anka is coming to the Kumotsuru Clan compound? What's going on? The New Year's festival is over, so if she was going to visit, it should have been yesterday."
Though he was puzzled about why his Big Brother had invited Anka, Amado had to admit he was very happy.
"I can't believe it! I have to spruce myself up!"
Amado was currently covered in unknown grime, his face a patchwork of black and white. He had clearly been conducting some research just moments ago. If he went out to see Anka looking like this, the goodwill they had built last night would likely plummet to zero instantly.
"Ugh, seriously, Big Brother! Why didn't he tell me sooner? Now I'm in a total rush!"
Amado quickly washed his face, brushed his teeth, and neatened his messy hair. After removing the stains from his face, he shaved and put on a new set of clothes.
"Phew, this looks much better."
At this moment, if Torifu saw him, he would find Amado completely unfamiliar. His attire was truly refined, and he looked even more energized than he had yesterday. Looking at his handsome self in the mirror, Amado smiled with satisfaction, seemingly aware of his own good looks.
The somewhat self-satisfied Amado pushed open his door and saw Torifu strolling in the courtyard. Hearing the sound, the latter looked over and was instantly stunned.
"What? Are you going to a royal party? You're dressed so ostentatiously."
Torifu's comment immediately made Amado feel speechless. "What do you mean, 'ostentatiously'? This is just my everyday attire. It's a basic courtesy for a scientist."
Seeing his slightly narcissistic expression, Torifu raised his hand high. "Speak properly, or this might hurt quite a bit."
Amado swallowed hard and finally decided to drop the act. "Fine, fine! I heard we had a guest coming over. I can't exactly meet a guest with a face full of dirt, can I?"
Torifu looked at Amado with a smile that didn't diminish. "Oh? You're getting dressed up so grandly—this is practically formal wear for you—just for one guest? Why don't you do this when Hiruzen and the others come over for dinner?"
"I… I just… Oh, Big Brother, why do you care so much! Brother Hiruzen and I are too familiar, so I can be more casual. Tonight, your secretary is coming, isn't she? I don't know her, so naturally, I need to leave a good impression."
The smile on Torifu's face remained, but he decided not to tease him anymore. "Alright, alright, whatever you say."
Amado still didn't realize that the only reason Anka was coming to the Kumotsuru Clan compound was that Torifu had arranged it to help him and Anka progress further, by bringing her over for dinner. This fool was still trying to pretend for Torifu's benefit, which was honestly hilarious to watch.
But Torifu was pleased; it showed that Amado was putting in some effort this time, even managing to dress up. It seemed he really was quite taken with Anka.
However, Torifu's role was limited to this. If Anka didn't like Amado, or if Amado failed to win her over, Torifu wouldn't interfere. Torifu was only responsible for making the connection; everything that followed was up to Amado to handle himself. Whether he could have a happy life was entirely up to his own efforts.
"When Anka arrives later, don't scare her. Just be natural, and don't try too hard. You met yesterday, right? Just find that feeling again."
Amado didn't fully grasp why his Big Brother was saying all this, but he was grateful for the advice.
"Got it, Big Brother, don't worry."
Amado gave a thumbs-up. Torifu hoped he would be able to deliver, yet also hoped he wouldn't try too hard and mess up his own future happiness.
After about forty minutes, Naori returned, and Anka was with her. The two were chatting and laughing as they entered the compound.
"Naori, Anka? Did you two run into each other on the street?"
Naori smiled. "We did. I was buying groceries and chatting with the villagers, and I happened to bump into Anka, so I brought her back with me."
"Hokage-sama, good evening," Anka said with a smile.
"Good, come into the courtyard." Torifu then looked at Naori. "Am I cooking dinner tonight, or are you?"
Naori patted her chest. "I will. Since it's Anka's first time at the Kumotsuru Clan compound, I'll show her what I can do."
The three then walked into the courtyard together.
Hearing the voices, Amado walked straight over to meet them.