"Alright, then I'm indebted to Amado-sama."
Amado shook his head. "Don't be. It's the least I can do."
It was a good thing Amado used the excuse that Torifu wouldn't be at ease. If he had directly said he himself wouldn't be at ease with her going home alone, it would have been too sappy and overly aggressive. Anka would likely have found that repulsive. After all, saying something like that in front of so many people would make anyone uncomfortable, and they were still only just friends who got along well. They were nowhere near the stage of worrying about each other yet.
With that, the two left the Kumotsuru Clan compound. Amado and Anka walked side-by-side, but Amado consciously kept a slight distance, not getting too close to Anka. He maintained a distance that was comfortable for both of them.
This didn't hinder their conversation, though. On the contrary, with the space created, Anka relaxed and spoke even more than before. With the main street of Konohagakure virtually empty now, they could talk about anything. The two laughed and chatted all the way, both seeming very happy.
After escorting Anka back to the Nara Clan compound, Amado reluctantly bid her farewell, and they exchanged contact information. Amado had wanted to do this last night, but because there were so many people, and they were both a little shy, they had rushed off after a brief chat, resulting in both developing a slight crush on the other. Today, the regret from yesterday was finally rectified.
"Well, Anka, I'll head home now. Get some rest early."
"You too, get some rest early," Anka responded with a smile, then walked into the compound and closed the main gate. Amado turned around and returned to the Kumotsuru Clan compound.
The night passed, and on the first day of the morning, Torifu woke up, washed, and changed his clothes. Last night, after Amado came home, he chatted with Torifu about pursuing women. However, Torifu didn't really know much; his relationship with Naori had been a kind of natural progression, a feeling of two people getting together without realizing it. So, he truly didn't have much to teach Amado. Amado's hopes were dashed, and he had no choice but to listen to Anka's advice and go to bed early.
It was only seven in the morning now. The main reason Torifu was up so early was that two Kage and one General were scheduled to leave Konohagakure and return to their respective nations today. As the Hokage of Konohagakure and their friend, Torifu had to go and see them off. Moreover, the situation in the Amegakure region was tense, with the risk of another war breaking out. Torifu had renewed the alliance with the Kage. The central city that bordered the three nations' sectors of the Amegakure region would serve as the base, and all supporting shinobi would enter that city and take orders from the highest commander there.
The highest commander, naturally, would be Torifu's Clone.
After the Tsuchikage and Kazekage returned to their villages, they would have to manage the overall situation and handle various village affairs. After all, they had been away for half a month, and they would certainly need time to digest the many things that had happened. In the short term, Torifu's clone would act as the temporary supreme commander. Torifu had secretly sent the clone out last night; it had already arrived and was discussing matters with Kakuzu.
The sound of Torifu washing up woke Akihara. Seeing his father dressed so formally, Akihara knew he must have important business and didn't approach to disturb him. Today, Torifu chose his black-and-gold long robe, the attire he wore for important occasions.
After tidying up, Torifu opened the door, ready to head straight to the office. But just as he stepped out, he saw Amado standing in the courtyard. Today, he had a different style. The overall look was similar—just a change of clothes—but his energy was not diminished in the slightest. The choice of attire made him look a bit more composed.
"What is this?" Torifu looked at Amado, puzzled, wondering what he was up to.
Amado smiled and patted his chest. "I'm the Great Inventor of Konohagakure. Shouldn't I have the right to see off the Kage?"
He wasn't wrong. Amado's identity resonated throughout the Shinobi World. In terms of accomplishments, it was no problem to put him on par with the Kage. But the point was, Amado usually disliked all this formality. When the Kage came to see Torifu, he wouldn't even show his face. Whenever a Kage came to visit, he hid in his room or immersed himself in the lab.
"I think you're not here to see off the Kage, but to chat with Anka, aren't you?"
With his intentions instantly exposed, Amado scratched his head, smiling. "Big Brother is so smart! How do you guess everything?"
Torifu looked at Amado helplessly. "You can come along, but you need to pay attention. Anka is very serious when she's working. You'd better not talk about domestic, everyday topics. You should also adopt a professional attitude."
Amado was taken aback. Was that true? He was glad Big Brother reminded him in time, or else he would have tried the same tactic as last night. "I understand. Don't worry, Big Brother, I won't mess it up."
If Torifu didn't let Amado go after he promised that, it would be a bit unreasonable. Besides, he was already dressed so formally, and he could help swell the ranks, making the send-off more grand. Furthermore, it wouldn't look good if the Tsuchikage and Kazekage visited Konohagakure and never saw Amado. Letting him show his face would also demonstrate respect for the other Kage.
After giving his instructions, Torifu and Amado left the Kumotsuru Clan compound. Passing by the apartment buildings, they saw no one at the entrance; presumably, the shinobi weren't ready yet. The appointed time hadn't arrived, and the supporting crowds hadn't assembled yet. Torifu was up so early mainly because he didn't want to be rushed later.
Entering the office, Anka seemed to have been waiting for a long time. "Hokage-sama, you're here. I've brewed you a hot tea."
"Huh? Amado-sama is here too?" Anka was clearly surprised.
Torifu nodded. "Amado is here specifically to see off the Kage. The last few times the Kazekage and Tsuchikage visited the Kumotsuru Clan compound, Amado was busy with research and didn't get to meet them. Amado regrets this, so he's taking this opportunity to meet the Kage."
Amado chimed in. "That's right. The Kage have been so supportive of Konohagakure's electronics; naturally, I must come to see them off."
After understanding the situation, Anka understood why Amado was present. "I see. General Mifune, the Tsuchikage, and the Kazekage will surely be very touched to see Amado-sama come to send them off."
Amado nodded on the surface, but inwardly he thought, 'I don't care if they are touched or not. I'm actually here for you.'