The elder walked over with a cheerful smile. "My lords, the banquet is ready. Please come with me."
Hashirama and Mito followed the elder to his home.
The rough wooden table was already covered with steaming dishes.
Most were vegetable dishes, with a platter of what looked like pheasant or wild duck placed in the center.
The rest were filling foods like potatoes.
It was clear that life in this valley had not been easy. They could only eat such ordinary food.
And that pheasant had surely been slaughtered specifically to entertain them.
"My lords, please do not mind it. These are already the finest dishes we can offer."
There was no displeasure on Hashirama's face. "Why would we mind? Every dish here suits my taste perfectly."
The elder smiled faintly. "I'm glad you like them. When shall we set out tomorrow?"
Hashirama thought for a moment. "Around seven in the morning. That should ensure we reach Konoha by tomorrow afternoon."
If it had only been shinobi, one day would have been enough.
But there were many Ordinary People in the group. Though they were members of the Uzumaki Clan, they were not shinobi.
To accommodate them, their pace would inevitably be much slower.
The time Hashirama proposed was acceptable to the elder as well. After dinner, he immediately informed the entire village.
No one objected to the schedule, so it was decided.
After finishing their meal, Hashirama and Mito returned to their room to rest.
The Whirlpool Clan members lay down early as well, but they tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.
Some were excited. They were finally leaving this place and would get to see the wider world outside.
Others were worried, anxious about the uncertainty of the future and wondering whether history would repeat itself.
But