Discussing Matters with Ray and Gaia

The study fell quiet again, but Nangō Kumoi seemed to see that night in the not-too-distant future.

Within the small residence, every lamp would be lit. Seven ninjas with distinct personalities, their fates intertwined by the same teacher, would sit around one table, temporarily setting aside their burdens and conflicts.

Amid the scent of food and laughter, they would raise their cups together, bidding farewell to an old year filled with pain and upheaval and welcoming a new year filled with uncertainty and hope.

That image made him feel that all his efforts had found a more tangible, warmer destination.

For Konoha, and for these "family members" who would soon share a table and drinks with him.

After settling the New Year's Eve dinner arrangement and seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi off, the study returned to silence.

Nangō Kumoi sat back down beneath the lamplight, intending to continue examining the heavy compensation list.

Just then, both his shoulders warmed slightly. Two soft halos quietly lit up and swiftly condensed into the holographic figures of Ray and Gaia.

"Time really flies."

Ray's clear voice carried a trace of sentiment, sounding especially distinct in the quiet room.

"It feels like you were only just discussing compensation, reconstruction, and institutional reform yesterday... and in the blink of an eye, another new year is upon us."

The golden figure shimmered faintly beneath the lamplight, as though he too had been touched by the warmth of mortal life.

"Isn't that the truth?"

Gaia folded his arms. There was less of his usual fighting spirit in his eyes, replaced by a rare calmness and reflection.

"Following you, kid, I've watched you go from hastily taking over these past few days to gradually getting everything sorted out.

Giving speeches, catching that brat Jiraiya, planning for the future... you've been so busy your feet barely touched the ground, and time just whooshed right past."

He paused, curiosity entering his voice.

"I just heard you talking about some kind of... New Year's Eve dinner? Sounds lively!"

Nangō Kumoi set down the scroll in his hand and leaned back slightly, a relaxed smile appearing on his face.

"Yeah, I made plans with my senior brothers and sisters to gather during the New Year.

Just the seven disciples under our teacher. You could call it a small family banquet."

He looked at his two companions, warmth in his eyes.

"When the time comes, I'll cook myself.

The ingredients and seasonings here may be somewhat different, and my Fujian cuisine is nowhere near as authentic as the real thing.

But I should still be able to put together a table full of edible, lively dishes.

I'll definitely save some for you too... though I don't know whether energy beings can actually 'taste' flavors."

"Now that sounds great!"

Gaia immediately perked up, knocking his virtual fists together with a cheerful hum of energy.

"As long as it's lively, that's enough! Whether there's flavor or not doesn't matter. The atmosphere is what counts!

When the time comes, Ray and I will come out and share in the festive spirit too. We'll see how you celebrate 'the New Year' here."

He seemed already able to see the table full of dishes, even if he could not eat them, and the lively conversations around it.

Ray nodded slightly as well, a gentle smile in his eyes.

"Count me in.

Though we cannot truly taste the food, sharing the joy of reunion and anticipation for the new year is nourishment for energy in itself.

Yunjiang, that is very thoughtful of you."

He understood the affection behind the invitation. It was not only care for Nangō Kumoi's fellow disciples, but also consideration for the two of them as special companions.

"Haha, then it's settled!"

Nangō Kumoi laughed, the heaviness brought by the list fading considerably.

"Don't complain about my poor cooking when the time comes. Oh, right, Gaia, haven't you always been curious about the 'entertainment activities' of this world?

There should be festivals in the village during the New Year, fireworks and such. They may be rather simple, since it's the first year after the war, but they should still open your eyes."

"Fireworks? Those things that go bang bang and explode with lights?

I used to hear Seer Xiaoxi and the others talk about Earth. It sounds more interesting than training!" Gaia said eagerly.

"It is closer to a ritual of celebration and prayer," Ray corrected, though his tone held the same anticipation.

The small study within the Hokage residence was filled with rare ease and laughter as these two visitors from another world manifested there.

The serious Hokage, the future industrial blueprint, and the heavy compensation list were temporarily set aside. In their place was a simple anticipation for an ordinary family dinner and humble New Year customs.

This warm, family-like atmosphere of casual conversation spread through the room piled high with documents, as though it had lit a small warm lamp early for this cold and eventful year's end.

Nangō Kumoi watched the two companions on his shoulders chatter excitedly about the "legend of the Nian Beast," which he had only briefly mentioned, and the "principles of fireworks," and the smile on his lips deepened.

In this unfamiliar world, he was not entirely alone.

He had responsibilities to bear, fellow disciples to unite, younger generations to guide, and these wondrous bonds that transcended worlds.

It made him feel that no matter how many difficulties lay ahead, this New Year seemed worth celebrating properly, carrying both hope and these precious "family members."

After the warm conversation, Nangō Kumoi looked at his two enthusiastic companions on his shoulders, and something stirred in his heart.

He walked to a cabinet in the inner part of the study, protected by a simple seal. After forming several hand seals, he took out two rather weighty scrolls.

"Speaking of understanding and integrating into this world," he said as he spread the scrolls across the desk. One bore the title, "Book of Seals: Transcribed Edition of the Forbidden Technique Catalogue and Brief Principles," while the other read, "Complete Fundamentals of Ninjutsu and Detailed Discussion of the Five Major Nature Transformations."

"Simply watching the excitement is not enough.

Since you plan to settle here long-term and are bound to me, you should systematically learn this foundational knowledge as well."

He turned the scrolls toward Ray and Gaia.

"These are among the core records of the Ninja World's power system.

Although the original Book of Seals cannot be taken out casually, this one contains summaries of the principles behind certain forbidden techniques and a catalogue of dangerous techniques that I copied under my authority. It will help you understand the boundaries and taboos of this power system.

And this one..."

He patted the thicker scroll.

"...is a systematic explanation covering chakra extraction, basic ninjutsu, and the theories of the five major nature transformations. You could say it is... an official textbook."