The Tavern
The largest table in the corner was covered in empty sake bottles, with five figures gathered around it, making for a peculiar sight.
Hashirama was already flushed from drinking. With one foot planted on his chair, he raised his cup and declared, "A toast to everyone from the First Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and raised his cup in return.
Minato sat beside Hashirama. He had not drunk much and wore his usual gentle smile as he listened to Hashirama boast about his great achievements in founding the village, nodding from time to time.
Tsunade leaned back in her chair with her arms folded, telling them, "You should all drink less."
But everyone knew she had drunk the most that day.
Shisui sat at the far end in his casual clothes as the Sixth Hokage, holding a cup of tea and smiling as he watched the four former Hokage make a racket.
A ninja came in for a late-night meal, froze at the sight of their table, then turned around and left without even daring to order a drink.
Five Hokage drinking together-who could handle a gathering like that?
On the other side of Konoha, at Naruto's home.
Kushina bustled around the kitchen in an apron. Delicious smells drifted out, filling the living room.
Naruto sat cross-legged beside the table, with several finished side dishes laid out before him.
Gaara sat across from him.
Kankuro and Temari had not come along. He had come alone.
Sunagakure's Lord Kazekage looked rather ill at ease on the old sofa in Naruto's home.
But Naruto's easy familiarity gradually helped him relax.
A photograph of Minato and Kushina still hung on the wall.
Gaara looked at it and fell silent for a moment.
"Naruto."
"Yeah?"
Naruto tossed a peanut into his mouth and