"Now that the Akatsuki have vanished without a trace, while we, we, uh..."
The Third Hokage had been speaking with great fervor when he suddenly caught a scent that should not have been there. His words were forced back down, and when he turned around, his old face went completely black.
Ōnoki beside him also stared at the scene before him in astonishment.
No one knew where Hikaru had gotten a bottle of alcohol. While the Third Hokage had been anxiously and passionately rambling on, Hikaru had simply sat down in his seat, pulled out a bottle and a glass, and leisurely savored the drink.
This was the Allied Forces headquarters. The Third Hokage and Ōnoki were so busy they barely had time for tea, yet Hikaru was drinking here...
"Not bad, not bad. The flavor's decent." Savoring the Uchiha Clan's latest fruit wine, Hikaru looked utterly intoxicated as he gave it a favorable review. Compared to spirits, he preferred this kind. The taste was mild, and no matter how much one drank, it would not get them drunk.
Even if it seemed a little like a woman's drink, why care so much when drinking? What counted as a man's drink, and what counted as a woman's drink?
As Hikaru continued savoring it, he realized the room had gone silent. Turning around, he saw the two old men staring blankly at him. He instinctively raised his glass. "Want a sip?!"
"..."
"..."
"Whew~~~"
"Whew~~~~"
"Whew~~~"
After a brief silence, the Third Hokage's breathing gradually grew heavier. With a dark face, he stared straight at Hikaru, making Hikaru realize that what he was doing might have been a little inappropriate. He lowered his glass, coughed, and said, "Alright, Third Elder, I won't disturb you two anymore. I'll go keep an eye