"Let's have lunch together..."
"Biwako made a lot of dishes today. You're sure to like them."
As he spoke, the Third Hokage patted Yu on the shoulder and invited him inside for lunch.
"Maybe next time, Sarutobi-sensei."
"I already made plans with the director and the others today."
Facing the Third Hokage's invitation, Yu politely declined.
More than a year had passed, and Yu had grown a little taller.
The kimono jacket from Konoha Orphanage had also been replaced with a black ninja hoodie.
Set against his moonlight-pale hair and delicate features, it made him seem even more strikingly handsome.
"I see... Then I won't keep you for lunch. Go on."
Hearing Yu's words, the Third Hokage nodded. Of course, he knew that the director Yu mentioned was Yakushi Nonō, director of Konoha Orphanage.
"Then I'll be taking my leave..."
"Sarutobi-sensei, Lady Biwako."
After saying that, Yu gave a slight bow, his manners and bearing beyond reproach.
"What? That boy Yu isn't staying for lunch?"
"And I even went out of my way to make tempura and fried shrimp today..."
Watching Yu's departing back, Sarutobi Biwako, standing beside the Third Hokage, muttered to herself.
Though she was a stern, rigid middle-aged woman, she was quite fond of Yu, her husband's final disciple.
"Come on, let's go inside..."
Quietly withdrawing his gaze, the Third Hokage entered the house with Sarutobi Biwako, a wry smile on his face.
"Since Konoha was founded, I've seen every kind of ninja."
"But this boy is the only one I truly can't see through. I have no idea how far he'll grow in the future..."
It took Yu twenty minutes to walk from the Third Hokage's residence to Konoha Orphanage at the edge of the village.
Unlike usual, a large canopy had been erected in