The flames danced beneath the night sky, their brilliant light illuminating every face and igniting the passion of the Hagoromo Clan.
Their hospitality was impossible to refuse, especially with sizzling, dripping roast meat on offer.
The Hagoromo Clan joined hands around the bonfire and began singing their traditional songs. Their lilting, lingering voices drifted toward the dense forest on the breeze.
"It's been a long time since the Hagoromo Clan held such a grand celebration." The bonfire flickered across Mao's face, and the flames seemed to catch in her dark eyes.
Rikusei, sitting beside her, could sense that this was battle fever, so he hurriedly changed the subject. "When was the last time you held one?"
Mao adjusted the position of the roast meat and thought for a moment. "The night we ended the conflict with the Senju Clan."
That was certainly worth celebrating, Rikusei thought. There was no need to mention how powerful the Senju Clan was. Even the Uchiha and Hagoromo Clans together hadn't defeated them.
"Hey, Rikusei, don't zone out." Mao slapped him heartily on the shoulder and said with a grin, "Tell me about what's going on in Konoha."
Brushing the hand off his shoulder, Rikusei asked, looking at the girl's curious eyes, "What do you want to know?"
"Anything!" Mao said nonchalantly, poking at the charcoal. Everything about Konoha filled her with curiosity.
"Then how about we talk about all the delicious food in Konoha?"
Mao was about to steady the grill when she punched him. "You're eating what's in your bowl while thinking about what's in the pot?"
Rikusei easily caught her fist, then smiled and took a seasoning bottle from his pocket. He sprinkled some over the meat, and a rich aroma rose with the smoke.
"Does all the food in Konoha smell