The morning after the Konoha Crush Plan ended.
Hiruzen Sarutobi walked alone through streets that had grown somewhat emptier. Even the Hokage robes symbolizing the highest authority seemed to have lost their former brilliance, becoming incomparably heavy.
As he passed a breakfast shop he had frequented for many years, the familiar aroma still drifted from inside.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had known the owner for a long time. In the past, whenever he passed by, the always-smiling owner would inevitably call out warmly, "Third Hokage-sama, you're here!"
Then, no matter how Hiruzen Sarutobi declined, the owner would quickly pack up a freshly made breakfast and force it into his hands, saying, "You've worked hard for Konoha. You must accept this small token of appreciation."
It had never been just a breakfast. It was also the villagers' love and respect for the Hokage.
But today, the owner was inside the shop, head lowered and back turned toward the entrance, vigorously wiping tables that were already spotless.
He heard the familiar footsteps behind him. His body visibly stiffened for a second, yet he neither turned around nor spoke.
The owner simply maintained his table-wiping posture, as though all his attention was focused on the rag and tabletop, while the person standing at the entrance was nothing more than an ordinary stranger.
Even the familiar atmosphere of the breakfast shop seemed strange and suffocating.
That deliberate disregard was more cutting than any cold words could have been.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood there for two seconds before silently turning away.
The streets were not entirely deserted.
From time to time, he could see small groups of villagers or shinobi.
But either they would quickly lower their heads when he approached, pretending to be busy repairing buildings damaged in the battle, or they would simply take a detour.