A Grand Feast for All the Ninja!

Time flies, and it's already the end of the year 26 in Konoha.

Winter has quietly arrived, and as the New Year approaches, Konoha is filled with a lively atmosphere of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, with prayer knots hanging under the eaves of every house.

Ninjas and villagers could be seen everywhere on the streets and alleys buying New Year's goods, and children chased and played in the streets, their laughter spreading in the cold wind.

The war in the Land of Grass has lasted for two years since it began. Iwagakure has not crossed the border of the Land of Grass again, while the Konoha garrison in the Land of Grass still retains a portion of its ninjas.

Most of the ninjas from the Second Legion who had made great contributions were rotated back to the village, and Danzo also brought Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade two others back to the village to rest. Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was stationed in the southwest, was finally able to return to the village for a rest after two years.

To celebrate this great victory and to welcome the New Year, Kagami Uchiha specially set up a grand victory banquet in the square in front of the Hokage Building.

The square was brightly lit, with long tables laid out, laden with fine wine and delicacies. All the major ninja clans of Konoha and the ninjas who had distinguished themselves in battle had gathered here.

Shimura Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, Torifu Akimichi, all disciples of Tobirama, stood side by side.

The Three Great Elders also gathered together. The Senju Bu on the left was all smiles, as if marveling at the changes in the village.

Uchiha Setsuna, who was usually stern and rarely smiled, surprisingly had a smile on his face today.

On the right Tokuma Hyuga. Since publicly committing suicide at a meeting two years ago, he has kept a low profile and worked diligently for the past two years, never daring to contradict Kagami Uchiha again.

It is said that the Branch Family, led by Shizuya Hyuga, became increasingly dissatisfied with the Main Family, and several times they caused trouble. Kagami Uchiha tried to mediate several times, but to no avail. In the end, he just let it go and let them do as they pleased.

In short, as long as you don't harm your comrades for no reason, a few farces in Konoha are harmless. After all, the village is so big, a little fun is good too.

Shikata Nara, dressed casually, his face showing the fatigue of days of hard work, yet unable to hide his joy, was chatting and laughing with familiar members of the Ino-Shika-Cho; along with numerous clan leaders and Jonin, the entire plaza was densely packed with them.

The square was bustling with activity, filled with the aroma of wine and laughter.

Kagami Uchiha, dressed in Hokage Robe, stood on the high platform, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

"Since assuming the Hokage Position, I have worked diligently day and night, hoping that Konoha would improve day by day, that the people would live in peace, and that the country would be safe and secure. However, two years ago, some petty scoundrels from Iwagakure, ignorant of their own limitations, dared to provoke my great Konoha. Fortunately, thanks to everyone's united will and concerted efforts, I was able to resolutely decide to send troops to Land of Grass. This great victory in Land of Grass is largely due to the contributions of everyone present."

His voice was loud and clear, reaching everyone's ears through the noisy crowd.

Many ninjas in the audience raised their glasses, some shouting in praise, "It's all thanks to the Lord Hokage's strategic planning and skillful command that we achieved such a great victory today! The Lord Hokage brilliant!"

"Long live the Lord Hokage!"

Cheers erupted from the audience.

Kagami Uchiha raised his hand and pressed it down, his gaze sweeping over everyone in turn. His expression was somber, and his voice was heavy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we begin, please allow me a moment to mourn our comrades who sacrificed their lives on the battlefield. They gave everything for the village; they are heroes!"

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the audience stood up, raised their glasses, and as Kagami Uchiha poured the drink on the ground, everyone imitated his action, holding their glasses upside down...

Seeing the somber look on Kagami Uchiha's face, everyone's expression darkened.

Yes, there are never any true winners in war; in the end, there will always be comrades who sacrifice themselves.

But the Lord Hokage didn't forget them. How could such Hokage not be respected and loved?

After a long pause, Kagami Uchiha regained his composure, looked up again, and scanned the crowd with his gaze, praising each of them in turn.

"Shimura Danzō, having been ordered to the battlefield in a time of crisis, strategized and commanded effectively. I am greatly pleased with him; he truly deserves to be called the Fire's Joy of Konoha! Let us cheer for him!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Kagami Uchiha looked at Danzo with a hint of mockery in his eyes.

"Long Danzo Lord Danzo!"

"Danzo is so cool!"

"Danzo is so handsome!"

"Long live the Fire's Joy!"

A chorus of praise rose from the crowd.

Hearing the praise from those around him, even Danzo, who usually appeared cold and aloof, felt a flush on his face and his heart was filled with excitement.

Mirror, you're something else, you just make people want to do anything for you...

Teacher, did you see that? I, Shimura Danzō, have never been inferior to anyone in my life!

Everyone loves and respects me so much, what difference does it make whether I become Hokage or not?

Kagami Uchiha gazed at his close friend Danzo in the crowd. At that moment, Danzo exuded a powerful aura that inspired trust in everyone.

After a long pause, Kagami Uchiha continued, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, stationed on the western front to guard against Sunagakure, would have been indispensable if not for his presence. He deserves praise for his Sunagakure!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi forward, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and appeared solemn.

Another round of cheers erupted from the audience.

"And there are Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shikata Nara, who oversaw medical, financial, and diplomatic efforts, procuring supplies for the army and ensuring the operation of the front lines; Torifu Akimichi, who led the army in defending the border and fighting bravely against the enemy. All of these individuals have made great contributions!"

"Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Hiruko... These young people, each one either bravely fights the enemy or silently contributes from the rear, truly worthy of being the future of Konoha!"

Kagami Uchiha read out the names of all those who had contributed, leaving no one out.

Then he raised his glass and said loudly:

"Where the Konoha dance in the air, the fire will never be extinguished!"

"Gentlemen, let us drink to this cup! Let us drink it to the brim! Let us cheer for our comrades who have worked so hard for Konoha!"

Everyone in the room raised their glasses in unison and drank the wine in one gulp.

The atmosphere at the banquet grew increasingly lively. Everyone took their seats, eating and drinking heartily, chatting with one another. Some recounted their thrilling experiences on the battlefield, while others discussed post-war plans, their laughter and joy intertwined.

Sitting at the table, Shikada smiled as he thought of his son Shikaku, who had been born not long ago.

Torifu Akimichi ate and drank heartily, chatting and laughing with those around him from time to time.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu were exchanging their battlefield observations in hushed tones.

Danzo sat quietly in the corner, his eyes calm as he gazed at Kagami Uchiha on the high platform, lost in thought.

In one corner of the square, around another long table, a group of young people were gathered.

Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, Hiruko, Might Duy Dan Katō, and Might Guy sat around a table, clinking glasses and chatting amiably.

Jiraiya slammed his hand on the table, his voice booming, "The Lord Hokage is truly amazing! I'm no longer jealous that he's more handsome than me, richer than me, or more popular with women..."

"Jiraiya!" Tsunade glared at Jiraiya, then, holding her sake cup with a smile on her lips, chimed in, "Indeed, we've all seen what Big Brother Kagami has done since becoming Hokage. To achieve such a feat is truly admirable."

Orochimaru's fingertips traced the shape of his wine glass, a thoughtful look in his eyes, before he calmly replied, "The Lord Hokage is indeed a very respectable person."

Might Duy was filled with excitement. He clenched his fists and cried out, "Waaah... Lord Hokage, you were so youthful! I must master the strongest Taijutsu and make a name for myself in Konoha!"

"Dai, why are you crying again..." Hatake Sakumo looked at his friend helplessly, then silently thought:

You're all right. The teacher is the best Hokage. He must be the chosen one sent by heaven to Konoha.

Teacher, it's wonderful to be your student.

Hiruko sat quietly at the table, listening to everyone's lively conversation. His gaze fell upon Kagami Uchiha on the high platform, and he was once again impressed by the Hokage's demeanor.

This is the kind of man I would serve my whole life for!

The group chatted animatedly, exchanging words and boasting, sometimes discussing the war, sometimes dreaming of the future. The youthful spirit was evident under the lamplight.

The celebration banquet proceeded slowly amidst the lively yet peaceful atmosphere.

The flickering lights illuminated the entire Konoha community.