After so many years, Hashirama's impression of his son had already grown vague. But since he had gone off to pursue his own life, then even if he did not have many years left to live, he was surely happy.
"Get ready to eat. Go wash your hands, and a few of you come help me carry the dishes and get the bowls and chopsticks."
At Mito's command, everyone stopped what they were doing, rose to their feet, and headed to the kitchen.
Tobirama Senju seemed to have heard the summons as well and came over from the neighboring room.
"My goodness, what a feast!"
Mito had made a tableful of dishes. Just looking at them was enough to whet everyone's appetite.
"Sit down and eat while it's hot. Ran is our guest today, so I made a little extra, though it's all just home cooking."
Ran bowed slightly to Mito. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lady Mito."
Mito smiled. "I told you not to be so polite. And you forgot again—you should call me great-aunt."
Ran looked a little embarrassed before saying, "Thank you, great-aunt."
After finishing a meal at Hashirama's home, Ran left the Senju Clan Grounds.
This visit had brought him quite a few gains. He had received Mito's support and built a good relationship with Nawaki.
He was the head of the Senju Clan. Under normal circumstances, he held more influence than some Kage.
And he was also Torikaze's disciple, which made his status all the more valuable.
Of course, aside from matters of interest, Ran also greatly admired Nawaki as a person. When the two discussed how to govern a clan and a country, they had already felt as though they had met too late.
Now, they could be considered friends.
Originally, Ran had not