The rest of the journey was fairly peaceful. Aside from a few suicidal bandits who tried to rob them and several stubborn Demon Beasts too blind to know better, things remained quiet. As for those beasts and bandits, by this time next year, the grass on their graves would probably be as tall as a person.
Duanti Tian raised his wine cup. "Come on, we'll reach the Imperial Capital this evening, so there's no harm in drinking now. Everyone, drink up! Naruto, here's a toast to you. Thank you for all your help along the way." With that, he lifted his cup toward Naruto.
Naruto picked up the cup on the table and looked at the yellow liquid inside. It was fruit wine, with a low alcohol content of, at most, somewhere in the teens. This world's brewing techniques were peculiar. Strong liquor had never appeared; there was only fruit wine. Yet the techniques for making it were remarkably advanced, and it tasted excellent.
Naruto smiled. "Not at all. I only did what little I could. You're far too polite, Brother Tian. Come on, let's drink until we're drunk!" He drained his cup of fruit wine.
Duanti Tian laughed. "Hahaha... good! That's the spirit. Bottoms up!" He drained his own cup, then filled it again.
Duanti Tian raised his cup and smiled at Naruto. "Come on, another round." He drank first as a gesture of respect.
Naruto raised his cup again and smiled. "All right." He downed it in one gulp as well.
Duanti Tian roared with laughter. "Hahaha... good! It's been so long since I've enjoyed myself this much. Ever since I became the King of Chu and took charge of the Southern Territory, I haven't had a single happy day. It's rare that I get to let loose