In a quiet izakaya in the Flower Capital.
Uzumaki Kuming and Sarutobi Kotaro sat near the counter, drinking and reminiscing. They hadn't seen each other in a long time. During Kuming's recent stay in the village, Kotaro had been away on a mission, so they hadn't gotten a chance to meet.
Kuming knew the man well. He had once been a teammate of Minato Namikaze and Kushina, and was the eldest son of Kuming's teacher. The two had spent a lot of time together in the past.
Uchiha Itachi, Kakashi, and the others sat inside with Sarutobi Kotaro's subordinates rather than joining Kuming and Kotaro at the counter.
"I never expected to run into you here, Kotaro. What brings you to the Land of Flowers? Are you on a mission?"
Uzumaki Kuming smiled as he poured Sarutobi Kotaro some sake and asked him. The two had known each other for so long that, in private, neither cared about rank or formalities. Kuming never put on airs as Hokage around Kotaro.
"I never expected to run into you while carrying out a mission in the Land of Flowers, either."
"I heard you'd returned to the village, but I didn't get a chance to see you. I never imagined I'd run into you here."
"What, were you so captivated by the beautiful scenery in the Land of Flowers that you settled down here?"
Kotaro took a small sip of sake, smacked his lips, and replied with a laugh.
"Haha, beautiful scenery, my ass. I'm cooped up at home every day, teaching those kids. What time do I have to admire the view?"
"Besides, it's only just turned spring, and the weather's still chilly. Even if I wanted to enjoy the scenery, I'd have to wait a while!"
"Enough about that. How's the