Konoha Tone River.
Ding ding, zheng zheng,
Murmur murmur, bong bong, dang dang, ding dong, ying ying, ling ling,
Ding ding dong dong, buzz buzz.
Beside the gently flowing river, crisp, enticing high notes, soft, lingering melodies, and deep, rich bass notes flowed along with the water.
Now high, now low...
The notes leaped from the harmonica in Tobitake Tonbo's right hand, carried by his long, steady breath.
At first, each note came separately.
Then, gradually,
the notes began to connect from time to time.
A cheerful tune slowly took shape from Tobitake Tonbo's lips.
After starting out airy and shrill, Tobitake Tonbo found a precise, steady pitch after only a few scales and tentative notes.
As the cheerful tune drifted through the air, the birds in the riverside trees flew down and circled above his head.
Chirp chirp!
Tweet tweet~
Tobitake Tonbo extended his left hand, and several birds landed on his arm.
The birds looked utterly enchanted, swaying their heads on his arm.
"Bootlickers." Sensing their expressions, he mocked them inwardly.
He had only just read through the various ways to use a harmonica. No matter how talented he was, there was no way he could play a full tune well enough to intoxicate birds after such a short time.
"Huh? Uncle Tonbo?"
Just as he was about to continue practicing, a childish, adorably babyish voice rang out behind him.
Tobitake Tonbo sensed several figures around him, set down his harmonica, and slowly turned around.
Naruto had a fishing rod slung over his shoulder and carried a battered old bucket.
"Yo, Naruto-kun. You still remember me!"
As he spoke, he took some grains of rice from his bag and fed the birds on his hand.
A reward for their flattery.
He was very practiced at it.
At the