The young Anbu was quick on the uptake and swiftly removed the bowl from Sarutobi Tōgo's stomach.
Then he quietly stood still.
Ignoring Sarutobi Tōgo's expression and urging, he played deaf and dumb.
Bieshu Feifan and his two companions cheerfully polished off all the food the Anbu had brought for Sarutobi Tōgo.
Then they rubbed their round bellies, satisfied.
"A Tō, and you, young man, that restaurant you picked was pretty good. Which one was it?"
Might Duy agreed wholeheartedly.
"It really was good. They know how to cook."
Might Guy spoke up while picking his teeth:
"Next time we go, we should have the owner season it more heavily. Then it'd be perfect."
Seeing that Sarutobi Tōgo still wasn't speaking, Bieshu Feifan went over and shook his shoulder.
"Hey, A Tō, we're talking to you.
"Why aren't you answering?
"Don't go copying my big brother the Hokage.
"His emotional intelligence is too low. You need to learn the art of conversation from me."
Sarutobi Tōgo took a deep breath and barely steadied his emotions.
"Bieshu Feifan, you..."
"A Tō, just call me Uncle Feifan.
"There's no need for such formality between us.
"The Hokage is my big brother."
As Bieshu Feifan spoke, he grabbed Sarutobi Tōgo's hand, looking very friendly.
Might Duy also patted Sarutobi Tōgo's right shoulder.
"That's right, A Tō. We've known each other for a long time, too. Call me Uncle Duy.
"I'm Feifan's buddy."
Might Guy came over and patted Sarutobi Tōgo's left shoulder as well.
"A Tō, you can call me Uncle Guy, too. I call Brother Feifan Brother Feifan.
"So you see, we're all family. No need to stand on ceremony."
Sarutobi Tōgo's mouth twitched. Only after several deep breaths did he speak again.
"Now that you've visited me, you should head back.