Just as the dishes were being served, Tobirama and Ashina, the last two pieces of the puzzle, arrived at the Kumonaka Clan Grounds.
Now everyone had gathered. They sat together around the dinner table, listening to Torifu's New Year's speech.
The speech was sincere and brief. Perhaps so he wouldn't keep everyone from their meal, Torifu had deliberately kept it short.
"All right, that's all I have to say. Eat and drink your fill tonight, and let's welcome the new year together!"
The family raised their glasses together to welcome the coming new year.
No one knew what challenges or dangers the year ahead would bring, but they were all prepared.
Dinner lasted about an hour. Hashirama and Ashina had both gotten drunk and were sprawled over the table, completely out cold.
Torifu sent a clone to take them back to the Senju Compound.
Mito and Tobirama, however, hadn't had too much to drink.
"Your master was just too happy today and made a bit of a fool of himself. Don't tease him about it."
Mito spoke with a hint of amusement.
Torifu shook his head, then replied with a grin, "Of course I won't. Master being happy means he approves of my Spring Festival. I'd be glad if he were even happier—why would I tease him? You're overthinking it, Mistress."
Mito patted him on the shoulder. "Of course I know that. I was only joking."
"Happy New Year—is that how you say it? Well, Mistress will be going now."
Mito offered him a New Year's greeting, then turned and left the Kumonaka Clan Grounds.
"Happy New Year, Mistress. See you next year."
When Mito heard "see you next year," she didn't quite understand at first. Then she laughed. "All right. We'll see each other next year, my boy."
Tomorrow