Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 85: Meeting a Man Who Wrote a Magnificent Poem for the Word "Youth"

After dinner, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not, as usual, immerse himself in his study to study the documents.

He unusually took the initiative to suggest, "Lake Biwa, shall we go for a walk?"

"Um?"

Biwako, who was clearing away the dishes, was a little surprised. She looked up and saw the rare relaxed smile on her husband's face. She smiled and nodded, "Okay, it's time to go out for a walk. The village night view is so beautiful now."

"Yay! Let's go out and play!"

Upon hearing that they were going out, Asuma, who had just finished eating and was feeling sleepy, immediately perked up, jumped up from the tatami mat, and ran and jumped around the room.

The family of three changed into casual clothes, held hands, and walked out of their home.

Konoha at night is completely different from what it was a few years ago.

They walked along the Hokage Avenue, which was overseen by Danzo.

The wide bluestone path gleamed in the moonlight.

Bright lanterns were hung up in the newly opened shops on both sides of the street.

Red, yellow, round, square—all sorts of lanterns illuminated the entire street as bright as day, filling it with a lively, bustling atmosphere.

The air was filled with the aroma of various foods.

The entrance to the Akimichi BBQ restaurant was still bustling with people, with a long queue forming.

The sizzling sound of the barbecue and the laughter of the people could be heard from a great distance.

The Uchiha dessert shop next door is also doing booming business.

The young Uchiha girls, with sweet smiles on their faces, warmly welcomed each guest.

Who would have thought that this family, which was known for its arrogance and indifference not long ago, would now become the leading force in Konoha's dessert industry?

The streets were bustling with people.

There were ninjas who had just returned from a mission, walking towards the tavern in groups of three or five, arms around each other's shoulders.

Ordinary villagers, who were out for a walk after dinner, chatted leisurely.

There was also a group of teenagers, holding newly bought candied hawthorns, chasing and playing in the street.

Asma had long since broken free from her mother's hand and, like a happy little sparrow, ran merrily ahead, looking at this and touching that, full of curiosity about the world.

He would occasionally turn around, grin foolishly at his parents, revealing a mouthful of baby teeth.

Hiruzen Sarutobi held Biwako's hand and walked behind her at a leisurely pace.

This is the Konoha he wanted.

A powerful, prosperous, and joyful Konoha.

Ninjas and civilians can live in harmony, and every clan can find its place and contribute to the prosperity of the village.

Children can run freely in the streets at night without worrying that something might shoot out of the darkness at any moment.

"Father! Father! Look! It's Kakashi from Uncle Sakumo's family!"

Asma suddenly pointed to the distance and shouted excitedly.

Sakumo Hatake was seen leading his son, who also had silver hair and wore a small black mask, out of a bookstore.

Kakashi was also holding a thick book that looked like an illustrated guide.

"Sakumo," Hiruzen Sarutobi greeted him with a smile.

"Lord Hokage, Madam."

Sakumo Hatake was somewhat surprised to see them and quickly stepped forward to bow respectfully.

"Kakashi, this is your favorite Asuma."

Shuo Mao patted his son's head.

Kakashi peeked his head out from behind the book, his big, dark eyes curiously observing Asuma.

"Kakashi, let's go play over there!"

Asuma, being an easygoing person, grabbed Kakashi's hand and ran towards a mask stall not far away.

"Why……"

Sakumo tried to call out to him, but Hiruzen Sarutobi stopped him with a smile.

"Let them go. Children should make more friends."

So the three adults stood by the roadside, watching the two small figures not far away.

One had silver hair, and the other had black hair; they were standing head to head, choosing masks.

"How's the farm doing lately?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi asked casually.

"Everything is fine."

When the farm was mentioned, Sakumo's usually expressionless face softened a little. "The constant-temperature barrier farm is already in use, and the vegetables are growing very well. Kashiwagi said that next spring, we can try planting some fruit."

"That's good."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Sakumo."

"It's what I should do."

Sakumo shook his head. He looked at Kakashi, who was sharing a book with Asuma not far away, and his eyes softened. "Our greatest success is being able to let these children grow up safely and peacefully."

When I returned from my walk, it was already very late at night.

Hiruzen Sarutobi patiently coaxed Asuma, who was tired from playing, to sleep, covered him with a blanket, and gently placed a goodnight kiss on his son's forehead.

As he stepped out of the room, Biwako had already prepared hot tea for him.

"Thinking about the village?" she asked softly.

I guess so.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, but did not rest immediately.

He hesitated for a moment, then walked to the clothes rack, took off his casual clothes, and put on a smart black outfit.

"Going out so late?"

Biwako has some concerns.

"Hmm, I'm going to meet someone..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi wore a smile that was both somewhat helpless and appreciative. "A... very stubborn, and also very remarkable young man."

After saying that, he walked to the window, waved to his wife, and then disappeared silently into the deep night.

He was going to see someone.

A man who, in the original work, used his life to write the most magnificent poem for the word "youth".

Matt Day.