Gathering of the Second Hokage's Disciples

The twenty-ninth day of the twelfth lunar month had arrived, and Konoha's streets were already adorned with lanterns and decorations.

Dressed in inconspicuous dark casual clothes, Nangō Kumoi shopped alone at the morning market.

The Anbu stood guard like shadows some distance away. At his signal, they silently accepted the packages of prepared ingredients, exchanging no unnecessary words throughout. They were respectful and efficient.

The Hokage personally preparing provisions for the New Year was itself a gentle, approachable signal.

By evening, the Hokage Residence was brightly lit, and the air was filled with rich aromas unlike Konoha's usual fare.

Everyone arrived one after another.

Hiruzen Sarutobi brought fine wine, while Torifu Akimichi's laughter arrived before he did.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura appeared together out of courtesy. After exchanging a few pleasantries, they quietly took their seats.

Shimura Danzō entered precisely on time and gave Nangō Kumoi, seated at the head of the table, a simple nod.

"Hokage-sama, you went to a lot of trouble." His tone was steady, without a trace of emotion.

Kagami Uchiha arrived shortly before or after Torifu Akimichi. Upon entering, his gaze first fell on Nangō Kumoi at the head of the table, pausing for only an instant. Deep in his eyes was an almost imperceptible gravity unlike that which he showed others.

Then he returned to normal, nodding greetings to senior fellow disciples such as Hiruzen and Torifu. His expression was calm and natural, carrying even a faint smile that seemed more relaxed than usual.

"Everyone's here. Perfect, let's eat!"

Nangō Kumoi carried out the final steaming dish of Taiping Yan and untied his apron.

"Tonight, there is no Hokage, only your junior disciple Kumoi.

"We're only here to reminisce about our shared school days. Anyone who breaks the rule drinks three cups, and Senior Brother Torifu will keep watch!"

Torifu Akimichi readily agreed with a booming laugh, and the atmosphere immediately came alive.

Everyone looked at the table filled with dishes of strange colors and enticing aromas.

The rosy Lychee Meat, richly fragrant Buddha Jumps Over the Wall, fresh White-Fried Fresh Razor Clams, and crispy Drunken Spare Ribs all drew curious looks.

After a round of drinks, the conversation naturally turned to the Second Hokage.

Hiruzen Sarutobi brought up a particularly grueling long-term reconnaissance mission, and Torifu Akimichi immediately complained about the taste of the compressed biscuits they had eaten back then, drawing knowing laughter from everyone.

Even Mitokado Homura rigorously added two details about the mission.

Kagami Uchiha occasionally added a word or two in a mild tone. Yet whenever a dangerous mission was mentioned, his gaze would inadvertently sweep over Kumoi before naturally moving away, as though it had merely been a casual glance.

Just as the atmosphere was growing warmer, Shimura Danzō set down his wine cup and seemingly casually continued the topic of mission efficiency. His voice was quiet but clear enough for all to hear.

"Sensei often warned us that indecision and excessive diffusion were both paths to failure.

"Only with a pure mind and concentrated strength could one confront true threats."

His words were not aimed at anyone in particular, yet the phrase "excessive diffusion," here and now, faintly pointed toward the series of livelihood and industrial plans Kumoi had recently implemented—plans that "scattered their efforts."

The pleasant mood of shared reminiscence at the table froze.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's smile faded slightly, while Torifu Akimichi's chewing slowed by half a beat.

Kagami Uchiha raised his eyes toward Danzō, his gaze calm.

Yet Nangō Kumoi seemed unaware of the subtle chill. He picked up a piece of Drunken Spare Rib, naturally took over the conversation, and smiled.

"Senior Brother Danzō remembers precisely.

"Sensei did indeed say that Konoha was like a tree. Its roots must sink deep into earth and stone, steadfast and pure.

"But its branches and leaves must also stretch toward the sun and draw in rain and dew before they can form a shade.

"The two may seem different, but they are both part of the life of the same tree. Neither can be absent."

He raised his cup toward Danzō, his gaze open and composed.

"This cup is to the resilience of the 'Root,' and also to the 'foundation' that will forever nourish the great tree, through wind and rain alike."

He deftly transformed Danzō's implied criticism into an explanation of how Konoha's different aspects were equally important, emphasizing that their ultimate purpose was the same: to nourish the great tree that was Konoha.

He neither directly refuted him nor yielded, instead gently yet firmly restating his own convictions.

Shimura Danzō's pale eyes shifted slightly. He stared at Kumoi for a moment, his face still nearly expressionless, but in the end he lifted the wine cup before him and silently took a sip.

That counted as accepting the explanation, or at least setting the dispute aside for now.

Nangō Kumoi smoothly steered the conversation back. Looking at Kagami Uchiha, he did not deliberately stir up sentiment. He merely raised his cup, his tone plain yet meaningful.

"Senior Brother Kagami, no need for more words. It's all in the wine. To the past, and even more, to the future."

To others, it might have sounded like an ordinary toast, but to Kagami, the words "the past" encompassed far too much—including that moment on the battlefield when life and death had hung in the balance.

At his words, Kagami Uchiha's eyes suddenly became exceptionally clear and resolute.

He did not offer any words of gratitude. They did not suit his state of mind or his character at that moment. He simply raised his cup steadily, met Kumoi's gaze, solemnly and firmly nodded once, then tipped back his head and drained the wine.

Everything that needed to be said remained unspoken.

The bond and trust forged in life-and-death circumstances had already become part of his firm stance.

Afterward, he naturally leaned toward Torifu Akimichi beside him and quietly discussed the flavor of another dish, looking relaxed, as though that solemn moment had been an illusion.

This small episode did not disrupt the overall atmosphere. Instead, through Kumoi's handling, it allowed a real difference requiring adjustment to briefly surface before quietly fading again, making the need to seek common ground all the more apparent.

As the feast reached its height, Nangō Kumoi raised his cup once more and looked around at everyone.

"The old year is ending, and the new year lies ahead.

"Sensei is gone. Konoha's future rests on every one of our shoulders.

"We may not see every path the same way, but we have never disagreed on the goal of making this tree stronger, able to shelter everyone beneath it.

"May we fellow disciples stand more united in the new year!"

"United!" Everyone raised their cups in unison.

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled with satisfaction, Torifu Akimichi's voice rang out like a great bell, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu nodded as they raised their cups, and Shimura Danzō silently drained his wine.

Kagami Uchiha also steadily lifted his cup. His eyes met Kumoi's again, this time holding less solemn depth and more bright, open agreement. Then, together with the others, he drained his cup in one gulp.

This New Year's Eve dinner did not resolve every deep-rooted difference in ideals, but it successfully strengthened the bonds of "fellow disciples" and their "shared goal" within the core circle of the Second Hokage's disciples.

The special loyalty and recognition born from that life-saving debt quietly settled and took root amid the relaxed atmosphere, while their temporary unity was made more concrete.