In contrast, Hakushi found that the elder Shikora, although holding an important position within the Uchiha Race, had a great personality, and did not oppose the matters concerning him and Ruri, but rather agreed more.
What an open-minded elder.
"Don't be fooled by his amiable appearance, his political maneuvering is more terrifying than the Third Hokage. To this day, I can't see through what he's thinking or plotting. In any case, be a little cautious."
Ruri's expression was serious.
"Is he really that scary?"
"He's the kind of hardliner who can talk and laugh with you one moment, and handle you with a smile the next. In his heart, he's already made up his mind about what's useful and not useful to the family."
Hakushi was a little surprised to hear Ruri speak about the seemingly gentle and kind elder Shikora in such a way.
"In the early years, many Uchiha clansmen opposed him becoming the leader of the radical faction, but after just a few years, only his voice was left in the Uchiha Race. Those who opposed him have all disappeared, either having died on missions or mysteriously gone missing. Among the Uchiha Race, he's the person most feared by the Hokage faction."
"Is that so?"
Knowing Ruri wouldn't exaggerate, it seems that elder Shikora is indeed an extraordinary figure.
Old but not dead is called a thief... is that the meaning here?
After all, he's survived the Warring States Era, the founding of Konoha, outlasted the First and Second Hokage, and is still present under the rule of the Third Hokage, a genuine living fossil.
It's not an exaggeration to call him a witness of the ages.
But... what does this have to do with him?
He's a man favored by their family's future star, anyway, surely they won't plot against him?
Thinking this way, Hakushi felt much more at ease.
◎
December soon passed, and time moved into January.
With the New Year's festival approaching, Konoha Village began to bustle with activity.
Ninjas stopped their mission work, only special profession ninjas continued to work overtime on their posts.
Many Konoha Ninja defending the borderlines also returned to the village for the New Year.
However, Hidden Sand Village remained calm and had no sign of initiating war.
Except for the large orders from Shion Flower Company containing medical supplies bought by Hidden Sand, which still urged Shion Flower Company to accelerate the production of medical supplies, not just medicines but also medical gauze, cotton, bandages, etc., Hakushi began to doubt whether Hidden Sand Village had given up the idea of attacking the Land of Fire.
Could it be that Hidden Sand Village wants to happily celebrate the New Year, hold a lively festival, and then start the war after the New Year?
If so, then the Third Kazekage might actually be quite humane.
It's like not wanting to see blood during the grand festival of the year, after all, starting a war in the New Year is an ominous sign.
On the night of Konoha's New Year festival.
"How about it?"
Ruri, having changed into her kimono, gracefully turned around, showing off her stunning figure to Hakushi.
Her long black hair, akin to silk, floated around her, the light blue kimono refreshing and elegant, adorned with a few beautiful and brightly colored patterns. Around her waist, a moonlight-colored silk belt was tied into a bow at the back, adding a sense of liveliness. Her eyes softened, lacking their usual coldness.
"You're beautiful."
Hakushi responded, somewhat dazzled.
It seemed like leaving Konoha after the New Year might not be a bad choice.
The real headache was explaining it to Ruri, deciding when and how to be honest …
Though normally decisive, why was he faltering at such a crucial moment?
Holding hands with Ruri, they walked out of the Uchiha Race's territory.
Reaching the village's commercial street, they were met with a sea of people.
Instead of calling it a village, Hakushi preferred to use the word town to describe the size of Konoha Village.
At a barbecue stall, they bought some skewers, eating as they walked, and even played a feeding game publicly on the street.
Though feeling slightly ashamed and embarrassed, seeing Ruri's blushing yet somewhat happy face, Hakushi shamelessly continued.
"Cough, cough..."
Due to eating too quickly, he choked a bit.
"Idiot, you're eating too fast."
"Sorry, it's just too good."
"What exactly is so good?"
Ruri looked up at Hakushi.
Against the backdrop of the beautiful and bustling festival, her long black hair beautifully flowing to her waist was as gentle as moonlight, her gaze flickering slightly.
"Uh..."
The question was indeed philosophical—was the food good, or was the unmarried young woman 'good'?
Just as Hakushi was about to answer, a familiar voice interrupted, laced with a teasing tone:
"Is it fun to play with flash bombs, you two kids, in a place like this?"
Tsunade, wearing a blue kimono decorated with light yellow floral patterns, exuded a bit of a noble demeanor.
Moreover, she possessed the kind of great charisma that would make many warriors fight tooth and nail.
Next to her, Shizune, wearing a small version of a kimono, was curiously watching Hakushi and Ruri.
She hadn't expected the seemingly ordinary Hakushi-senpai to have such a beautiful girlfriend.
She had underestimated him.
This was what she thought in her heart.
"Tsunade-sensei, and Shizune, you're here too?"
"How could one not come out for a big drink during such a lively festival?"