A Warm New Year's Eve

In the depths of winter, as the year draws to a close, the cold night is still and quiet. Today is the last day of the old year.

The celebratory clamor of the past few days has finally subsided, the village has shed its extravagance and liveliness, most of the ninjas have taken off their armor, and the whole village is immersed in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new.

Inside Kagami Uchiha's residence, a warm and inviting atmosphere prevailed.

The fire in the stove inside was burning brightly, dispelling all the winter chill.

In the kitchen, Kagami Uchiha, dressed in casual clothes, skillfully prepared the ingredients. Kakkō danced on the stove, and the aroma of food slowly filled the courtyard, creating a peaceful and warm atmosphere.

In the living room, Hatake Sakumo sat quietly, watching the busy figure at the stove, his eyes filled with peace and respect.

The boy was tall and straight, with clean and reserved features. At this moment, he had shed his sharp and ruthless demeanor, leaving only gentleness and obedience.

Jing glanced back and saw him sitting obediently and quietly. A slight smile appeared on her lips, and she said gently, "Wait a little longer, the New Year's Eve dinner will be ready soon. Don't be so reserved today, just relax."

Sakumo responded softly, his gaze falling on his teacher, his voice gentle. "Thank you for your hard work, teacher."

Just as the house was filled with warmth and tranquility, a crisp knocking sound suddenly came from outside the courtyard.

The courtyard gate was pushed open, and a blonde girl strode in.

It was Tsunade, now in the prime of her life. The moment she entered, her gaze fell on Kagami Uchiha, unable to hide her joy.

"Big Brother Kagami!" Tsunade greeted Kagami Uchiha with a smile as soon as she saw him.

Kagami Uchiha looked at her and chuckled helplessly, "Why aren't you at home celebrating New Year's Eve? Why are you here?"

"It's so boring at home. Mito is talking to the guests from Land of Whirlpools, and Nawaki is always pestering me to play around. It's so dull."

"Besides, Big Brother Kagami, you're all alone."

Tsunade pouted, her expression straightforward and undisguised, her gaze fixed on Kagami's face, her eyes filled with undisguised affection and dependence. "So I wanted to come see you."

As she spoke, she caught a glimpse of Sakumo sitting to the side and nodded politely, "Oh... Sakumo's here too."

Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo stood up and nodded gently. "Tsunade."

What do you mean, Big Brother Kagami, you're all alone? My teacher always spends Chinese New Year with me, okay...?

And what's with this "Sakumo, you're here too..."? When have I ever not been here?!

Kagami Uchiha shook his head helplessly, reached out and gently patted Tsunade's head, his gesture gentle and casual. "The food is almost ready, why don't you stay and have New Year's Eve with us?"

"Great!" Tsunade's eyes instantly lit up with joy.

Before long, a steaming hot New Year's Eve dinner was served.

Throughout the meal, Tsunade kept chatting with Kagami Uchiha, recounting her experiences during her training in the Land of Grass. She chattered away, always trying to attract Kagami's attention, occasionally stealing glances at him, her cheeks slightly flushed.

Sakumo sat quietly to the side, listening attentively, occasionally offering a few simple replies when the teacher looked at him.

While responding to Tsunade, Kagami Uchiha didn't forget to remind his disciple to serve him more food, showing the care and concern of a teacher in every aspect.

A 26-year-old young Hokage, a 17-year-old gentle boy, and a 16-year-old bright and beautiful girl.

(A young and handsome father, a gentle and sensible son, a bright and charming stepmother...)^O^ Hahaha!

The three sat around a table, enjoying each other's company. The soft light shone on them, creating a warm and cozy scene.

After a satisfying meal, it was already late at night.

Tsunade stood up reluctantly, a hint of reluctance in her eyes. "Time has flown by so quickly. I should go back now, or Grandma Mito will worry."

"It's cold at night, and there aren't many people on the road. Let me take you home." Kagami Uchiha stood up.

Tsunade's eyes lit up, and she nodded vigorously.

"Sakumo, you stay home and clear the table. Don't wait for me," Kagami Uchiha instructed his disciple.

"Yes, teacher." Sakumo bowed slightly.

Sigh... As long as the teacher is happy, I'm fine...

Kagami Uchiha put on an outer robe and accompanied Tsunade out of the courtyard.

A cold wind blew through the girl's long golden hair as the two walked side by side through the quiet streets of Konoha, warm yellow lights shining from the windows of every house along the way.

Tsunade her head to look at Kagami Uchiha beside her and spoke first, her tone light. "Big Brother Kagami, everyone's been talking about you during the war in the Land of Grass. Everyone says that the victory was entirely due to your planning."

Kagami Uchiha smiled faintly and exhaled a puff of white mist, "The battle was won by the frontline ninjas fighting desperately, so the credit cannot be entirely attributed to me. Just like how you treated so many wounded soldiers on the battlefield in the Land of Grass, that also made a significant contribution."

Tsunade's ears burned slightly, and she whispered, "I was just doing my duty, it's nothing special."

Kagami Uchiha's voice was gentle, "You have an exceptionally high talent for Medical Ninjutsu. Study medicine diligently, and you will surely save many more Konoha Ninja in the future. I believe you will become the strongest medical-nin!"

Tsunade nodded, then quickened her pace, kicked a small pebble by the roadside, hesitated for a moment, and finally couldn't help but ask, "Big Brother Kagami, I know you must be very busy as the Hokage. So when do you have some free time? Can I come to see you?"

Kagami Uchiha turned to look at her. "Although I am busy with official duties, I can always find some free time if you come to me."

Hearing this, Tsunade a sweet warmth in her heart, and the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up. She continued to chatter on about the interesting things that happened during training, occasionally glancing at Kagami Uchiha beside her.

They chatted along the way and soon arrived at the gate of the Senju Clan's mansion.

"We've arrived." Kagami Uchiha stopped and spoke gently. "Go inside quickly and give my regards to Lady Mito."

Tsunade stood in front of the door, reluctant to turn around. After a moment's hesitation, she whispered, "Big Brother Kagami, I'll come find you again next time you have time."

"Alright." Kagami Uchiha smiled faintly.

Tsunade then turned and entered the gate, glancing back every few steps.

After watching Tsunade's figure disappear through the door, Kagami Uchiha turned around and retraced his steps back home.

When he pushed open the courtyard gate and returned, Sakumo had already tidied up the dining table, the house was clean, and all the bowls and chopsticks were washed and neatly arranged.

Upon seeing this, Kagami Uchiha smiled faintly and gently, gesturing with his hand, "Come, Sakumo, sit down."

Sakumo sat down opposite him as instructed, his gaze fixed on his teacher.

"In another year, you will be an adult." Kagami Uchiha's tone was calm, filled with heartfelt expectation. "I don't have any grand wishes for you. I don't ask you to achieve many great feats of war, nor do I ask you to become famous throughout the Shinobi World. I only hope that you can live a peaceful and healthy life."

Teacher...

Sakumo felt a sudden warmth in his chest, and his throat tightened slightly.

He lowered his head, suppressing his surging emotions. When he looked up again, his eyes were glistening with tears. He bowed solemnly and said, "Disciple has remembered. I am grateful for Master's concern. Sakumo will definitely live well and will never let you down!"

Kagami Uchiha nodded slightly, quietly watching the boy before him.

He may have initially had ulterior motives in taking Hatake Sakumo as his disciple, but after spending many years together, he developed genuine affection for this gentle and reliable young man.

Whether it 'Hatake Sakumo or the Kakashi Hatake, they are both people who are extremely kind to their comrades.

Thinking of this, Kagami Uchiha smiled gently and said, "By the way, don't forget to retrieve the Inuzuka Clan's Ninja Dog. Although they aren't very strong in combat, they are still useful for intelligence gathering, and they can keep you company on a daily basis."

Upon hearing this, Hatake Sakumo lowered his head and remained silent, nodding vigorously.

Seeing Sakumo's appearance, Kagami Uchiha couldn't help but smile, then waved his hand, signaling him to step back.

A moment later, he walked to the window alone, looked at the night view outside, and the gentle smile on his face slowly faded.

Peace has never been the dominant theme in the Shinobi World.

The Whirlpool Island in the far sea, the kingdom inhabited by the Uzumaki Clan for generations, has long been coveted by various forces in the Shinobi World. Their powerful Sealing Jutsu and unique bloodline have attracted the covetous eyes of countless hidden villages.

The catastrophe that will destroy the Land of Whirlpools is not far off.

A storm is brewing...

Kagami Uchiha stared into the deep night, his eyes unfathomable, silently pondering a solution.