From the time he left Konoha until his return, River had gone a long while without seeing Kakashi and Guy.
All three were clearly delighted to see one another again.
They went to the familiar Barbecue Restaurant, ordered some sake, and happily began drinking.
"Teacher, you're finally back!"
Guy was beside himself with excitement.
Although he was an adult now, in front of River, he was still that same boy.
Joy shone in Kakashi's visible eyes as well.
Their reunion was undoubtedly a happy one. The three drank and laughed, then talked about their experiences over the past few years, each filled with emotion.
"Really? Teacher, you actually founded a village out there?"
"You saved the Kaguya clan? That's wonderful!"
"And you took Shiro and Kimimaro as your disciples?"
Guy spoke in surprise.
"Were the changes in Konoha, and Clan Leader Fugaku becoming the Fifth Hokage, your idea too?"
Kakashi asked in a low voice.
After returning to the village, he had keenly noticed that many things had changed dramatically.
In particular, the flight of the Third Hokage's faction and the Fifth Hokage's rise to power had been shocking.
It was simply unbelievable that the transfer of power had been completed in such a short time.
"Kakashi, don't put it like that. I don't have that kind of authority."
River shook his head, quickly denying it.
"As you can see, I'm now an elder of Konoha's Administration Department. It's still the same line of work I had before. I just got promoted."
After a pause, he smiled again.
"My other role is head of the Namikaze Clan."
Kakashi froze for a moment at those words, then murmured softly, "Head of the Namikaze Clan?"
"Teacher Sui, I can never figure out what you're thinking."
River burst out laughing. "Then stop trying!