Since the Ninja World war started a few months ago, Iori has basically never rested, starting from Land of Earth to Land of Wind, and then back to Land of Earth to chop people.
In the meantime, I have to go to Hall of Heroes to kill people. Under the continuous battle, even a fighting madman like Iori will inevitably feel tired.
Because Tsunade and others were busy with their own affairs, Iori did not disturb them and chose to walk alone on the streets of the village.
The shops on both sides of the street gradually lit up with warm lights, and the aroma of various foods wafted in the air, making Iori finally feel like he had returned to a peaceful life.
After thinking about it, I was no longer short of money, so I decided to visit the barbecue restaurant frequented by the main character in the plot, Yakiniku Q.
The barbecue restaurant is located in a busy alley, with a simple wooden sign hanging at the door that reads "Yakiniku Q".
Iori opened the heavy wooden door, and a rich aroma of barbecue immediately hit his face, and he couldn't help but look forward to it.
Yakiniku Q's barbecue is well-known throughout Land of Fire. The store is always bustling with people and customers come in an endless stream. Sometimes you even have to queue up to get a full meal.
"Hello, who is your name? Please take down the number first and wait a moment."
A smiling waiter came forward and greeted politely.
"There's only one person, but you still have to queue up?" Iori frowned as he had a headache. What he hated most was waiting without seeing the specific time.
"Hey, isn't this Iori? Since you are alone, why not join us?"
Just when Iori had a headache, someone suddenly called out to Iori.
Iori took a closer look and saw that it was Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi and Mitaraishi Anko having dinner together in the store.
When he was in the Ninja Academy, he had a good relationship with the three of them.
Asuma has always hated his father, so naturally he has no ill intentions towards Uchiha who is being oppressed, and even intends to get closer to him.
But due to Uchiha's own xenophobia, his only friends with Uchiha are Iori and Obito.
Anko and Kurenai Yuhi are best friends with Kaori. As Kaori's friends, Iori and Takumi are naturally familiar with them.
Iori did not refuse Asuma's kindness and sat next to him.
"Weren't you at Land of Earth before? Why are you at Konoha now?" Iori asked with a hint of curiosity.
He remembered that Asuma was the first batch of ninjas to go to support Land of Earth, but now he was enjoying barbecue here. He felt a little weird.
If he didn't have enough understanding of Asuma's character, Iori would have almost suspected that he had used his father's identity as Third Hokage to escape from the front line.
"Oh, don't mention it. After you left, the medical level on the front line plummeted. I was seriously injured before and had to go back to the village for treatment."
Asuma's face looked a little ugly and he rubbed his ribs. This was not just because of his injury and missing the battle on the front line.
It was also because he knew clearly that it was because his father was Third Hokage that he had the opportunity to leave the front line for treatment.
Iori can see the inner struggle of Asuma. He has always hated privileges, but in the end he was saved by relying on privileges. He is not a ungrateful person. Because of this, he is even more painful.
"Hong and Anko both returned to the village after receiving the task of protecting the wounded and the next wave of transportation teams."
As he spoke, he approached Iori mysteriously and whispered:
"Land of Earth's battle seems to be over. Hong and the others' mission has been temporarily cancelled, and the originally scheduled support force has also been disbanded."
Iori nodded and echoed, "I see, it seems that Kakashi and the others should be back too."
It seems that the negotiations between Jiraiya and Ōnoki have ended, Land of Earth has officially admitted defeat, and the ninjas on the front line are expected to slowly start to withdraw.
"I heard the old man say before that Land of Earth will have an important operation soon, but I don't know the specific content."
"Now it seems that that operation should have been a great success."
"I wanted to return to the front line and participate in this mission, but the old man stopped me and asked me to recover from my injuries before going back."
Asuma's tone revealed a trace of unwillingness, and he turned the beef on the oven in annoyance.
The charcoal fire is burning in the oven on the table, making a slight crackling sound, and the air is filled with the aroma of barbecue, which makes people appetite.
Iori's eyes were attracted by the beef on the oven. He picked up a piece of beef that was roasted to perfection, and the golden surface had an attractive sheen.
He dipped the beef in the Akimichi Clan's secret sauce and put it in his mouth.
Immediately, I felt a strong aroma of meat filling my mouth. The meat was tender and juicy, and the aroma of the seasonings perfectly brought out the delicious taste of the meat.
He couldn't help but nodded and praised, "As expected of Land of Fire's popular barbecue, it's really delicious."
Asuma's voice suddenly rose a bit, and he looked at Iori angrily. "Did you listen to me?"
Iori responded perfunctorily, but did not stop, holding the barbecue in his mouth.
Anko said, "Okay, everyone knows you don't want to rely on your parents, but this kind of thing is natural and no one will say anything."
Asuma fell silent. As long as he is in Konoha, he will always be the son of Third Hokage, not Asuma Sarutobi.
The more others think so, the more he hopes to leave Konoha.
Hong comforted, "Asuma, everyone sees your efforts. You are you, and your father is your father."
Iori also said, "It is estimated that Fourth Hokage will be selected soon. No matter what you think, wait until the fourth generation takes office before making a decision."
Upon hearing this, the three of them looked at Iori together.
Asuma was the most anxious and asked, "Iori, you, Lord Orochimaru and Lady Tsunade are very close. Do you have any inside information?"
Hong and Anko also looked at him expectantly. After all, it was the Hokage election, which most people would not encounter a few times in their lifetime.
No one would have thought that Hokage in the original future could actually be changed three times in just over ten years.
Iori said slowly, "Senior Jiraiya does not intend to be Hokage. Senior Orochimaru was also eliminated as a candidate by Master Third Hokage. Tsunade still has a shadow on Hokage's position."
"Now it seems that only senior Minato is qualified to be Hokage. He has enough popularity and military exploits, and with the support of Lord Jiraiya, there is another reason why he cannot be defeated."
When a few people thought about it, it was indeed true. As long as Tsunade and Orochimaru did not compete, no one could win against Minato.
Asuma sighed after hearing this, "Iori, if you were a few years older, you should be able to compete. Your achievements are no worse than those of senior Minato."
"If you are twenty years old, senior Minato may not be able to compete with you."
Asuma still doesn't know that Land of Earth's victory is also related to Iori, but in terms of previous achievements, Iori is not inferior to Minato.
Iori smiled and said nothing. According to the plan, he can become Hokage at the age of 18 at most. Now he just needs to be Hokage Advisor for two years to get familiar with everyone.
Iori ordered a dozen more plates of meat, and everyone stopped thinking about politics and began to enjoy the delicious food.
After the meal, Iori took the initiative to pay the bill. Looking at the bill, he felt a little sad in his heart. If he were still Chunin, he probably wouldn't be able to afford it.
Looking at Asuma, who was a little embarrassed, Iori said cheerfully, "I am the senior after all, so there is no reason to let the juniors treat me."
After making an appointment to meet together next time, everyone left separately.