The Hatake family walked along Hokage Avenue, which had been personally supervised by Danzo, the Cornerstone of Konoha, and was now fully connected.
This road truly lived up to its name as "Konoha's No. 1 Road."
The surface was paved with a special blue-gray stone slab, feeling quite solid underfoot.
The width of the road was even more exaggerated, much wider than expected. It was more than enough to hold a Konoha Human Bullet Tank race.
The maple trees transplanted on both sides had begun to turn red, their fiery leaves swaying in the autumn wind, looking exceptionally beautiful.
What surprised Yoshiko even more were the rows of brand-new shops on both sides of the road.
"Oh, look, is that shop newly opened? Is that the Uchiha clan's fan symbol? They've opened a dessert shop?"
Yoshiko pointed to a shop not far away with a sign that read "Uchiha Sweets," saying in surprise.
There was a long line at the entrance, and the air was filled with a sweet aroma.
"Mm, it's Lord Hokage's new policy."
Sakumo looked at the booming business of the shop, a hint of imperceptible pride in his tone. "Lord Hokage encourages them to use the interest-free loans provided by the village to participate more in commercial activities."
"Look at that one, it's a fabric shop opened by the Hyuga family. They use the Byakugan to inspect the warp and weft density of the fabric. The clothes they make are said to have no defects at all, and they sell very well."
Sakumo pointed to another shop.
Yoshiko listened in a daze. She felt like she hadn't properly gone shopping in half a year, and the changes in the village were so great.
The streets were bustling with people, and everyone's face was beaming with heartfelt smiles.
There were ninja who had just returned from missions, walking with their arms around each other's shoulders, discussing where to go for a drink; young mothers holding babies, chatting with neighbors about family matters; and a group of children who had just finished school at the Ninja Academy, laughing and chasing each other.
This scene of peace, prosperity, and tranquility was almost unrealistically beautiful.
"Father, look! Fan!"
Kakashi's little finger pointed excitedly at a team of patrolling ninja not far away.
It was a team from the Konoha Military Police Force. They wore uniform attire, with the striking Uchiha fan symbol printed on their backs.
The leader saw Sakumo. He immediately stopped, stood at attention, and bowed respectfully to Sakumo.
"Lord Sakumo!"
The team members behind him also stopped in unison, casting respectful gazes at the legendary White Fang of Konoha.
In today's Konoha, although Hatake Sakumo and Shimura Danzo were one farming and the other building infrastructure, their prestige among the new generation of ninja was rising.
Because everyone knew that one was Lord Hokage's "granary," and the other was Lord Hokage's "cornerstone."
They were both supporting this village in their own ways.
"Keep up the good work."
Sakumo nodded gently in return.
"Serving the village!"
The Uchiha's answer was resonant and powerful.
Kakashi hid behind his father, only revealing his little head, curiously looking at these big brothers with the fan symbol on their backs.
He whispered to Sakumo, "Father, are they... protecting the village?"
"Yes."
Sakumo patted his son's head and said softly, "Like Father, they are protecting this home beneath our feet in their own way."
The family walked and stopped, enjoying this rare leisurely time.
Sakumo felt that he wasn't on his way to work, but on a pleasant outing.
He looked at his wife smiling like a flower beside him, his son in his arms curious about everything, and the vivid and lively faces on the street.
He suddenly understood why that guy Danzo would throw himself into those cold blueprints and construction sites day and night like a madman.
Because when a road is built, when a house is erected, when the villagers live more conveniently and happily because of your efforts, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction welling up from the bottom of your heart is incomparable to the success of any S-rank mission.
Although he and Danzo, one pursuing yield and the other quality, were used by Lord Hokage as examples of internal competition every day.
But Sakumo knew that they were walking the same path.
A path personally paved for them by Lord Hokage, leading to a better Konoha.
Thinking of this, the corners of Sakumo's mouth involuntarily turned up.
"What are you smiling at?"
Yoshiko asked curiously.
"Nothing," Sakumo shook his head. "I just think the weather is really nice today."
Passing through the bustling streets, they arrived at the outskirts of the village.
Walking further, the noise in the air gradually faded, replaced by the fragrance of grass and trees.
A vast expanse of farmland appeared before their eyes.
At the entrance of the farm stood a huge wooden plaque.
Carved on it in a vigorous and powerful font, as if carrying the sharpness of a blade, were six large characters—"Konoha Ecological Farm."
The signature was "Hatake Sakumo."
Before they even got close, Kakashi's sensitive little nose had already smelled the mixed scents of various animals, and his ears had caught the sounds of pigs oinking, sheep bleating, and cows mooing from afar.
"Piggies!"
Kakashi was so excited his face turned red. He couldn't hold back anymore, broke free from his father's arms, and with his two short legs, ran towards the farm gate like a little cannonball, wobbling as he ran due to his young age.
"Kakashi! Slow down!"
Yoshiko shouted worriedly from behind.
Sakumo watched his son's small, energetic back, and the smile on his face became even gentler.
This was his battlefield.
And it was another home he would protect with his life.
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