The night was as dark as ink, blanketing the entire village of Konoha in tranquility.
Sarutobi Hiruzen walked on the road home, his steps lighter than ever before.
With the internal threat of the Uchiha gone and the beast that was Danzo tamed, the entire village, under his control, was advancing towards a stronger future at an unprecedented pace.
This feeling of having everything under control gave him, a transmigrator, a sense of down-to-earth stability for the first time in this unfamiliar world.
Pushing open the door to his home, a familiar, warm aroma of food wafted over him.
"You're back."
Sarutobi Biwako peeked her head out from the kitchen, a gentle smile on her face.
Unlike usual, she didn't just offer a simple greeting. She came forward and naturally helped him take off the Hokage robe that symbolized power and responsibility, carefully hanging it on the coat rack.
"You seem to be in a good mood today?" she asked softly as she smoothed out the wrinkles in the robe.
"Mm, I've taken care of some troublesome matters," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a smile, changing his shoes in the entryway.
He looked at his wife's silhouette, busy under the light, and his heart softened.
No matter if he was the calculating Hokage or the ruthless chess player outside, as long as he returned to this home, he could take off his mask.
On the dinner table, there were several exquisite home-cooked dishes, as well as a pot of steaming oden.
"Try this. I learned to make it today."
Biwako picked up a piece of daikon radish that had been stewed until tender and placed it in Hiruzen's bowl.
"Not bad."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a bite and praised her generously, "It's much better than what they sell outside."
"You're just a sweet-talker."
Biwako laughed at his teasing, her eyes crinkling with gentleness.
The two of them didn't talk about anything related to the village or work. They just shared the little things in life, like the most ordinary couple.
Hiruzen talked about how he went to the training ground today and saw Jiraiya get sent flying by one of Tsunade's punches again for slacking off.
"That kid, I made him write a ten-thousand-word self-criticism, but he still hasn't learned his lesson. I think he'll never be free of Tsunade's fists in this lifetime."
Biwako giggled as she listened, placing another serving of food on his plate.
"What about Orochimaru? That child always seems so cold and doesn't have many friends. You should pay more attention to him."
"Don't worry," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, taking a sip of miso soup. The warmth spread from his stomach throughout his body. "That kid is a treasure now. I've arranged for him to be in the new Medical Department as Tsunade's deputy and chief researcher. He spends all day in the lab now, researching something about cell activity. He's happier than anyone."
"That's good," Biwako nodded.
Under the warm lights, amidst such light-hearted chatter, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt the tension he had carried all day completely melt away.
After dinner, Sarutobi Hiruzen collapsed onto the living room sofa with a contented sigh.
Biwako cleared the dishes, brewed a pot of hot tea, and then walked behind him. Her slender but strong fingers gently landed on his tense shoulders and began to knead them.
"Mmm..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen hummed in comfort, closing his eyes.
Biwako's technique was very professional; it was clear she had specifically learned it.
The pressure was just right, accurately relieving the soreness in his shoulders and neck.
"Today, the Uchiha matter... it's all been resolved, right?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his eyes and turned his head to the side to look at her, a little surprised.
"How did you know?"
"It's all over the village," Biwako smiled, her hands not stopping. "They're all saying you used thunderous methods to purge the traitors of the Uchiha and promoted a new captain. Now, everyone in the village is saying that Lord Third Hokage is the most decisive Hokage since Lord Second."
"It's all just rumors," Sarutobi Hiruzen said with a noncommittal smile.
"I know that everything you do is for the village."
Biwako's movements paused. She walked around to the front of the sofa, knelt down, and looked up at her husband, her eyes full of seriousness and sympathy.
"I know you're under a lot of pressure and carry a heavy burden. Many of your decisions may be incomprehensible to others."
She took Hiruzen's hand. It was covered in thick calluses from years of forming hand seals and using ninja tools.
"But, Hiruzen, you have to remember."
"No matter what you do outside, no matter how others see you, when you come back to this home, I will always believe in you and support you."
"Because you are not just the Third Hokage of Konoha."
"You are my husband, the pillar of this family."
"So, don't push yourself too hard."
An immense warmth instantly flooded Sarutobi Hiruzen's entire body.
He looked at this woman before him, a woman who was not heavily featured in the original story, who was even somewhat vague.
At this moment, she had given him, a lonely transmigrator, the warmest support.
The next morning.
After washing up and changing into a practical set of combat attire, he walked out of the house with a wave from Biwako.
Today, he was going to the Ninja Academy.
He was going to teach a special lesson to the future flowers of Konoha.