Konoha was far too large for only Minato's family and Kakashi to celebrate the new year. At their familiar restaurant, the familiar Sannin gathered together once more.
Watching the fireworks continuously bloom in the night sky and draw wave after wave of cheers, the Sannin were enjoying a rare reunion. A lavish new year's feast lay before them as they leaned by the window, looking out at the increasingly prosperous village of Konoha.
Dan Katō's identity was rather sensitive. As regrettable as it was amid the grand festive atmosphere, he could only stay alone in the biological research lab, baring his teeth at Black Zetsu, while Tsunade waited for the new year at the restaurant with the other two Ninja.
Compared to the desolate borderlands last year, Konoha was undoubtedly a happy place now. No matter what qualifiers one used to describe the falsehood of this peace, the smiles on people's faces could not lie. Ordinary people knew nothing of matters at the highest levels. All they needed to do was live their present lives well.
Amid this prosperity, the Sannin sat in a private room at the restaurant, eating new year's dishes and waiting for new year's eve as they began to reflect on the circumstances of their lives.
At the new year, people always discussed the gains and hardships of the past year. Even the Sannin were no exception.
"Cheers! Here's to surviving another year!"
Jiraiya enthusiastically raised his cup and flashed a brilliant smile at the two before him.
"Don't look so glum! It's the new year! Have a proper drink, then enjoy this day off without a care in the world!"
"...The biological research institute went on holiday three days ago, you know?"
"My experimental team did too, three days ago."
"Huh? So only the Executive