Uchiha Ryun nodded. He agreed with Hiruzen Sarutobi's words. After all, strict teachers produce outstanding students. This was a principle that had existed since ancient times.
"Alright, Hokage-sama. Then it's settled. I will take this disciple. In a few days, we can discuss a date to send him for the formal apprenticeship ceremony," Uchiha Ryun said with a smile.
"Great! I was waiting for you to say that, Ryun!" Hiruzen beamed with joy. He trusted Uchiha Ryun completely. Moreover, it seemed Ryun placed great importance on the master-disciple tradition. This meant that after his own passing, Shinnosuke would have a strong backer.
The Sarutobi clan could continue to thrive. What more could Hiruzen Sarutobi ask for?
Seeing the bigger picture, Hiruzen naturally thought much further than ordinary people. For his descendants, for his clan, and for Konoha, he had no choice but to act this way.
Danzō Shimura also smiled. He waved at Shinnosuke. "Come here, nephew. Let your uncle give you a hug!"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke blinked his big, innocent eyes and ran over to Danzō. Danzō lifted him up by the armpits.
"Hehe, make sure to learn well from your teacher, Uchiha Ryun, understand? Your teacher is the most well-rounded and strongest shinobi in Konoha, whether in command or leadership. Just mastering one of his skills will benefit you for life," Danzō said with a hearty laugh.
Uchiha Ryun scratched his head. "It's not that exaggerated, Danzō-sama. Please don't tease me like this."
"I will follow my teacher's footsteps closely and dedicate my life to learning with all my effort!" Shinnosuke declared, his eyes filled with respect, admiration, and determination.
Uchiha Ryun nodded. "I believe in you, kid."
He didn't refer to him as 'disciple' yet, as the formal ceremony hadn't taken place. He was very particular about such formalities.
"That's right, sensei, esteemed elders. My Ryun here is just a little more handsome, a little stronger, a little more strategic, a little more talented, and knows a little about many things. Really, it's nothing special," Tsunade said, feigning modesty.
Good grief. The elders all stared at Tsunade in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.
Was this still the same Konoha goddess who was heroic on the battlefield? The mighty Senju princess?
Listen to those words. Was that modesty? That was pure bragging!
'Not a little, but a lot!' they thought. 'And 'knows a little' probably means he's mastered it!'
'Lady Tsunade, your image is collapsing! Since when did you become so high-profile about showing off your husband?'
The group was stunned, exchanging glances. Meanwhile, Tsunade giggled happily. Seeing this, Uchiha Ryun couldn't help but feel warmth in his heart.
Indeed, in the eyes of someone who loves you, all your qualities shine. Tsunade seemed to notice Ryun's gaze. She smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder.
Her right hand opened his left palm, and her jade-like finger drew circles on it. Then she interlaced her fingers with his and swung their hands playfully.
Uchiha Ryun's lips curled up unconsciously. He tightened his grip, feeling the softness and smoothness of her hand.
Just as the two were lost in their sweet moment, Akimichi Torifu suddenly coughed. "Ahem, the food is here, the food is here! Everyone, eat up before it gets cold!"
The group looked at the servers. Wow—lobster, abalone, oysters, scallops, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, all kinds of deep-sea delicacies were laid out. Just the sight made mouths water.
Torifu grinned, breaking off a lobster claw and handing one each to Uchiha Ryun and Tsunade.
The two accepted them and thanked him. "Thank you, Uncle Torifu," they said in unison.
"No need, no need. I just hope you don't mind my hands being dirty," Torifu said. He had wrapped a thin layer of chakra around his hands when handling the lobster claws, so there was no direct contact.
"Of course not! Uncle Torifu is always so thoughtful. How could we mind?" Tsunade quickly replied.
Torifu chuckled. "Eat up, eat up. May you two prosper and count claws until your hands cramp!"
"Thank you!" The two nodded.
Next was the matter of how to eat these lobster claws. The shells were tough. Tsunade could have used her monstrous strength to crack them open, but that wouldn't be appropriate for this occasion.
She frowned and pouted slightly. What to do?
Uchiha Ryun smiled faintly. He focused chakra onto his fingertips, extending it slightly.
The wind-natured chakra was so condensed that it produced no visible fluctuations, like the tip of a dagger. Using his index and middle fingers like a blade, he lightly sliced the lobster claw.
Everyone at the table widened their eyes. As clan shinobi, they all had some understanding of such techniques.
If they weren't mistaken, what Uchiha Ryun had just used was a wind blade formed through chakra nature transformation.
Yet, there wasn't the slightest fluctuation—it was as solid as a physical blade. What terrifying chakra control!
Slick. The lobster claw showed no resistance as the wind blade passed through it. Ryun then released Tsunade's hand under the table and brought his left hand up.
With both hands, he gently pulled the lobster claw apart, cleanly splitting it in two. The tender meat inside was now fully exposed.
Uchiha Ryun placed the meat on a plate and handed it to Tsunade. He had noticed her earlier expression.
At first, she had been excited, eyeing the lobster claw with a smile. But then she frowned, glanced around, pouted, and lowered her head.
After a moment's thought, Ryun understood. Tsunade loved lobster meat but was worried about making a mess in front of so many important elders. She didn't want to seem uncouth, so she decided not to eat it.
Who would have thought Uchiha Ryun would handle it so elegantly, extracting the meat cleanly and presenting it to her on a plate?
Tsunade was first surprised, then overjoyed. She accepted the plate happily, speared a piece of meat with her fork, and popped it into her mouth.
Mmm~ Tender, soft, fresh—so delicious! Her eyes lit up, and she immediately offered another piece to Ryun. He didn't hesitate, opening his mouth to accept it.
His eyes sparkled too. So good! He couldn't describe it, but it even tasted a little sweet.
Akimichi Torifu's lips twitched. Suddenly, the lobster head in his hands didn't seem as appetizing. But not wanting to waste good food, he forced himself to ignore the couple's interaction and focused on eating.
Hiruzen and Danzō exchanged glances.
"Eating like that seems really tasty," Hiruzen remarked.
"Yeah," Danzō agreed, lowering his head to eat his lobster.
Then Hiruzen suddenly said, "Hey, Danzō, how about you feed me, and I'll feed you? Let's experience the way young people eat too."
"??? Scram!" Danzō snapped. The others burst into laughter at their antics.
Tonight, there was no Hokage, no elders—only friends and comrades.