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

Chapter 272 Town Observations

Half an hour later, the massive convoy set off again.

Last night's incident has added a layer of mystery and power to the eyes of the Konoha ninjas.

The journey is no longer just a simple trek, but more like a silent, two-way exploration and acceptance.

A few hours later.

As the group slowly walked out of the forest, a completely different scene suddenly appeared before them.

In the distance, the outline of a sizable town appears on the horizon, its blue tiles gleaming in the sunlight, and wisps of smoke and the distant hustle and bustle of the market carrying a rich sense of everyday life.

"Lord Hokage, ahead is Naniwa Town, one of the largest transit towns in the eastern part of the Land of Fire."

An ANBU member appeared beside Hiruzen Sarutobi and reported in a low voice.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, looked around, and his voice echoed throughout the entire team.

"Order: All personnel, rest in place."

"Except for the necessary security personnel, others can enter the town in batches and move around freely."

The command is concise and powerful.

As soon as he finished speaking, a suppressed cheer erupted from the ranks.

The young ninjas, in particular, all showed excitement on their faces.

The ninjas gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.

A sweet, mellow breeze, carrying the aroma of roasted soy sauce, drifted gently from the direction of the town.

"It's...it smells like grilled dumplings!"

Kushina Uzumaki twitched her nose twice, and her brown eyes, which had been somewhat listless from the long journey, instantly lit up, sparkling with a light of longing.

She grabbed Nagato's sleeve, and a surprising strength burst forth from her small body, almost lifting Nagato, who was holding a toad doll, up.

"Nagato! It's food! Let's go check it out, dattebane!"

Nagato felt a little dizzy from being shaken, but her quiet black eyes also reflected a hint of curiosity and longing.

Kushina rushed up to Tsunade, tilted her head back, clasped her hands together, and pleaded in her sweetest voice, "Tsunade-neechan! I want to go to town!"

Tsunade couldn't help but laugh when she saw her lively and adorable appearance.

She pulled a bulging wallet from her ninja tool bag and tossed it to Kushina without a second thought.

"Go ahead, take Nagato with you. Buy whatever you want to eat, and come find me if you need more."

She then pointed to two gentle-looking female ninjas from Konoha behind her.

"Have your older sisters stay with you. Be careful."

"Yay! Tsunade-neechan is the best!"

Kushina cheered, grabbed Nagato's hand, and like a little red whirlwind, rushed impatiently toward the town entrance.

The two female ninjas exchanged a smile and followed at a leisurely pace.

The Ninth Generation Uzumaki watched this scene with a relieved smile. He walked to Hiruzen Sarutobi's side and bowed slightly.

"Lord Hokage, thank you for your kindness."

"Children's nature should not be restrained."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood on a rock, gazing at the tranquil town, and said calmly, "Go, Ninth Master. Let the clansmen go and have a look around."

……

Meanwhile, on a flat meadow by the river outside the town.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Kagami Uchiha, and Torifu Akimichi were sitting cross-legged.

A simple low table and a rustic tea set.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the town, this place is exceptionally tranquil, with only the sound of flowing water and the occasional birdsong.

Akimichi Torifu carefully picked up the small teacup with his thick fingers, which could be described as a "partial multiplication technique," and savored it with a look of enjoyment.

"The tea from the Land of Fire smells so good! This sweet aroma, paired with the grilled meat later, is absolutely amazing!"

As he spoke, he began taking the grill and various secret sauces out of his reel.

Uchiha Kagami smiled as he refilled everyone's teacups. His movements were elegant and composed. The sharpness that came with the activation of his Mangekyou Sharingan had completely subsided, leaving only a gentle warmth like a spring breeze.

"Being able to drink tea so leisurely was unimaginable a few years ago," he remarked.

"yes."

Akimichi Torifu put down his teacup, deeply agreeing, "We only have the good life we ​​have today because we beat those blind fools to a pulp."

The streets were bustling with people.

Kushina, like a bird just released from its cage, excitedly weaved through the crowd, pulling Nagato along with her.

"Boss! This, this, and this! I want them all!" She pointed to a lifelike sugar painting of a nine-tailed fox on the sugar figurine stall, her mouth practically watering.

"Okay!"

"Nagato, look! Masks! Let's buy one!" She was drawn to the various animal masks on the stall next to her.

Kushina picked up a fox mask and put it on her own face, then picked up a toad mask and, without saying a word, put it on Nagato's head.

Nagato was somewhat at a loss and could only let her do as she pleased.

From takoyaki to candied apples, from grilled skewers to mochi, Kushina's little hands were soon covered with all sorts of snacks.

She took a bite herself, and then, without saying a word, shoved a bite into Nagato's mouth.

Nagato was a little reserved at first, but soon, his usually quiet face was flushed with satisfaction from the delicious food.

Watching her run excitedly ahead, watching the vendors on both sides of the street calling out their wares, watching the children about their age chasing and playing in the street with carefree smiles on their faces.

This ordinary town in the Land of Fire was completely different from what he had imagined.

It has sunshine, the aroma of food, and a comforting hustle and bustle.

Nagato carefully took a bite of the glutinous rice ball in her hand, and the sweet red bean paste melted in her mouth.

He felt that he might be starting to like this continent.

An old woman selling flowers tremblingly pulled the brightest sunflower from her basket and stuck it in Kushina's red hair. Then she smiled and waved her hand, refusing the money offered to her.

"Here you go. This hair is prettier than my flowers."

Nagato stared at the sunflower swaying among her red hair, and then at Kushina's stunned expression before she grinned and revealed a radiant smile.

He reached out his little hand and gently touched the petals of the sunflower.

It's very warm.

Outside the town, on a large rock.

Akimichi Torifu closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Hmm...it tastes like grilled eel, cooked to perfection, and the sauce probably has honey in it."

He took another breath. "And tempura, made with fresh shrimp. Tsk, these guys really know how to enjoy life."

His gluttonous appearance made Uchiha Kagami smile.

"Danzo, relax a bit too." Kagami poured a cup of tea for himself and his old friend next to him.

Danzo Shimura did not touch the teacup.

He pulled a small notebook and a pen from his pocket and began to write and draw something rapidly, pointing at the outline of the town.

"The layout is chaotic, and the main roads are illegally occupied by vendors, causing congestion and inefficiency."

"The drainage system is an outdated design from thirty years ago, and it will inevitably flood once there is a heavy rain."

"The houses are all made of wood, too close together, and lack effective firebreaks. If a fire breaks out, the consequences would be unimaginable."

With each word he spoke, he made a note in his notebook. His serious expression made it seem as if he were not resting, but rather surveying the enemy situation on the front lines.

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to his repeated references to his profession and shook his head with a smile.

He picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

The warm tea slid down my throat, leaving a refreshing fragrance in my mouth.