Torifu nodded after hearing this and said, "As I said, I'd only send Minato up if it were possible. I was thinking of letting him get some practice once we were all pretty much worn out. But since Master is so against it, then I simply won't bring him."
Hashirama was finally satisfied. Ever since Minato arrived in Konoha Village, Torifu had always said that Minato would become the Fourth Hokage in the future.
Before, Hashirama hadn't paid much attention, but seeing Minato's growth rate, and after he learned the forbidden Flying Thunder God Jutsu, which no outsider could possibly master, Hashirama already regarded him as a strong contender for the Fourth Hokage.
Now that Torifu intended to push the future Fourth Hokage into a pit of fire, Hashirama naturally couldn't agree.
Tobirama and Ashina also opposed Minato, with his Jōnin-level strength, participating in such an intense battle.
They were all potential influential figures for Minato, and Torifu certainly had to heed their advice and couldn't act on his own.
Tobirama could be considered Minato's second teacher, and when it came to the Flying Thunder God, he had virtually taught him everything he knew.
As for Ashina, his granddaughter was constantly running to the Kumotsuru Clan's compound. "Are you telling me that's just friendship? Who would believe that?"
The old man was in his late eighties, almost ninety. He was already a shrewd old fox. He could tell what was going on with just a glance.
Kushina and Minato's current relationship was in a shy phase of adolescence, and in some aspects, it had already gone beyond the scope of mere friendship.
Ashina couldn't possibly not see it, but Minato was a down-to-earth and honest young man, and he was also exceptionally talented. His background and status were also top-tier.
So Ashina chose to turn a blind eye. If the young couple really managed to get together, Ashina would be quite happy.
Therefore, he was even less likely to let Minato take risks.
Torifu himself didn't know when Minato had developed such a significant network of influence. Had he inadvertently gotten on the good side of all three of Konoha Village's old monsters?
It felt like he could go solo now.
"Alright, alright, Elders, I won't let Minato participate then." Hearing Torifu's words, the three old men smiled, satisfied.
They didn't care about the other missions issued by Amegakure Province, as long as Minato wasn't allowed to participate in suicide missions completely unsuited to his strength.
Konoha Village was now in a new era. There was no need for shinobi to sacrifice their lives for the village on missions.
"Hmm, that's good then. We old men won't interfere with your decisions regarding other matters. Just proceed as you see fit."
Hashirama finally broke into a smile. Ever since Nawaki returned, he had been somewhat downcast.
It seemed he had recovered now.
"Mistress certainly left quickly. If you ask me, we should have just eaten at a hotpot restaurant. Why bother buying groceries?"
Hashirama waved his hand, "You don't understand. The taste of home can't be replaced by any other place."
"Even at Konoha Village's most popular restaurants, Nawaki wouldn't feel like he was home eating. Your Mistress-sama is doing this for that very reason. Actually, she usually just throws meals together."
Hashirama grumbled slightly, "If Nawaki hadn't come back, I wouldn't have been able to piggyback and enjoy a big meal either."
The old man had truly recovered. He was even making jokes now. With this, Torifu also felt relieved.
He had most feared that Nawaki's return would negatively affect Hashirama. Now, it seemed there was nothing to worry about.
"So, do you have any other tasks to assign? If not, I'll take my leave for now and return for dinner tonight."
Sanden smiled and waved to Torifu. "Good, just remember to be on time. We're all fine here, so go on and do your work."
Hearing this, Torifu bid farewell and turned to leave the Senju Clan compound.
The Senju Clan compound was bustling with activity. Every household had made many delicious dishes, preparing to bring them over for Nawaki's extra meals.
As a result, the Senju Clan compound was filled with fragrant aromas at that moment!
It made Torifu somewhat hungry, but as soon as he remembered that none of these dishes were for him, he left in a huff.
"Honestly, I'm practically full just from being hungry. The Senju Clan compound is so lively, but the Kumotsuru Clan compound is much quieter."
But thinking about it, it was fine. They were all trustworthy family. Thus, Torifu was no longer envious.
After leaving the Senju Clan compound, Torifu didn't go home but went to the Hokage's office.
This period was the busiest time for work, as everyone would soon be finishing for the day. Anka was also rushing to complete her tasks. She needed to show Torifu the daily task list.
But to her surprise, when Anka turned around, she saw the Hokage standing at the doorway, waiting for her.
"Hokage-sama, why are you here? My work here is almost finished; I'll show you the task list right away."
As she spoke, Anka's movements became faster. Torifu, seeing this, waved his hands repeatedly. "Hahaha, no need, no need. I'm not here to rush your work. I just came to look around for a bit. Please continue."
Torifu sat on the edge of the office, not disturbing the puppets as they completed their tasks.
But just sitting idly was truly boring, so he started a conversation with Anka. "Nawaki has returned. Did you know?"
"Nawaki-sama? Has he finally returned to the village after being away for so long?" Anka breathed a sigh of relief. It was a time when Konoha Village needed its people, and the return of such a strong force could alleviate some of the manpower issues.
And wasn't that a relief for Anka?
But then she suddenly remembered that Nawaki might leave again at any time. She quickly said to Torifu, "Hokage-sama, please ask Nawaki-sama not to go traveling for now. It would be better if he stayed in the village to help out until the current troubles are over, and then he can leave."
Torifu immediately realized Anka had misunderstood. "Nawaki won't be leaving after he's returned this time. He won't be traveling the world anymore. The child had an epiphany and decided to stay in the village and develop properly."
"Eh?" Anka clearly hadn't expected this. Nawaki's habit of traveling had been going on for ten years, hadn't it?
Every time, he used accepting long-term missions as an excuse, and would be gone for half a year or even a year.
This resulted in most of his missions being overdue.
Anka still had some complaints about him, but since his Master hadn't said anything, Anka, as the Hokage's secretary, was even less qualified to.
Furthermore, Nawaki was Hashirama's grandson, so it wasn't her place to criticize.
This time, she was truly swamped and overwhelmed, which was why she spoke up.
She never expected such a result. "Thank goodness, Nawaki-sama is finally going to settle down."
Torifu burst out laughing at this. "Alright, alright, Nawaki was indeed a bit too self-centered before. He'll definitely mend his ways gradually from now on. Just you wait and see."
Anka also smiled at this. "Very well then, I shall look forward to it."