Chapter 68: Today, The Happiest Day
Kakashi was left scratching his head at Douhuan's cryptic words. Wave Country? Does the Uchiha Clan have some secret business there? He wanted to press for more information, but suddenly, loud, enthusiastic shouting echoed from the entrance.
"Kakashi! Kakashi!" A green-suited, bowl-cut figure waved energetically at the entrance.
Seeing this, Kakashi could only cover his face with his hand in exasperation. He had just reminded him yesterday to wear something more formal, but this guy still couldn't give up on his favorite color. At least he wasn't flipping his way over on his hands—it seemed even Guy respected the Uchiha clan's reputation enough to show some restraint.
The banquet had drawn quite a crowd. Aside from the Inuzuka and Aburame clans and Minato's former comrades, some ANBU and a few Jonin from the Jonin Corps were also invited. These were the people who had chosen to "take it easy" during last night's chaos.
Once the banquet officially started, the Uchiha Clan demonstrated their remarkable hospitality. Dish after dish appeared, each one made from rare and expensive ingredients, even those which elite Jonin only heard of in rumors. There were specialties from Lightning Country, Earth Country, and Water Country. The sheer variety and quality of the food amazed even Kakashi.
Most impressive of all was how quickly the banquet was arranged—Douhuan had mentioned hosting it just last night, yet the Uchiha Clan managed to secure so many exotic ingredients within half a day. Once again, Kakashi marveled at Douhuan's seemingly bottomless wealth.
Meanwhile, Naruto was practically dazzled, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of delicacies and unsure of where to start.
At that moment, Douhuan stood at the front of the banquet table, holding his cup high. Everyone present turned their attention to him.
"Thank you all for coming today," Douhuan began. "The Uchiha Clan had little time to prepare and could only hastily acquire these dishes through our contracted ninja cats, bringing rare ingredients from all over the Shinobi World. We hope you enjoy them and find them satisfactory."
"To Douhuan-sama and the Uchiha Clan!" shouted Inuzuka Jaw, lifting his cup.
"To Douhuan-sama!" echoed Nagai Seichi from the ANBU group.
"To Douhuan-sama!" The Jonin from the Corps followed suit.
Kakashi raised his cup as well. "To Douhuan-sama!"
Not to be outdone, Minato's former squad members and Guy joined in. "To Douhuan-sama!"
Douhuan smiled and downed his drink in one go. Everyone followed his example, emptying their cups.
After downing his drink, Douhuan looked at Kakashi and signaled him to come forward.
"Next, let's hear from our Third ninja War Hero and the legendary ANBU, Hatake Kakashi!" Douhuan announced.
Taking the cue, Kakashi stepped forward and refilled his cup. "It's an honor to stand among you all today. As the one caught in the center of this storm, I could never have imagined how things would escalate. But thanks to the Police Force's timely intervention and the unwavering support of my comrades, I managed to weather the crisis. To everyone here—thank you."
He raised his cup high and drank once more. The others echoed his gesture, drinking alongside him.
Douhuan then spoke again, his tone firm and unwavering.
"The purpose of the Police Force's action was to root out those who conspired with enemy villages to spread false rumors, tarnishing the reputation of Konoha's heroes and defiling the purity of the Will of Fire. We stand firm—any act that pollutes the Will of Fire shall be met with zero tolerance!"
He paused, his eyes sweeping over the crowd.
"And yesterday, when you all stepped up to support me, wasn't it that very same Will of Fire that brought us together? It is that Will of Fire that united us, allowing us to crush this conspiracy. Sharing drinks today with so many comrades who hold the Will of Fire close to their hearts—today, I am truly happy!"
"Well said!" Kakashi interjected, stepping forward. "I propose another toast—to the Will of Fire!"
"To the Will of Fire!" everyone cheered in unison, raising their cups again and downing their drinks.
Douhuan laughed heartily and declared, "Everyone, eat to your heart's content! Drink until you're satisfied!"
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The banquet eventually wound down, and as people gradually dispersed, Kakashi and Douhuan made their way to the Naka River. Keeping a respectful distance behind them was Yamato, quiet and observant.
Arriving at a spacious clearing by the riverbank, Douhuan called Yamato over and handed him a blueprint.
"Could you do me a favor and build a facility here? Make it about the size of the current police detention center, but with better facilities. This won't be used to hold ordinary criminals," Douhuan instructed.
Yamato approached, a bit hesitant. Douhuan just gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said with a gentle smile, "Relax. I know things were tough before, but the one who forced you is dead now. As long as you carry the Will of Fire, we're all comrades here."
"Yes, I understand," Yamato nodded and carefully examined the blueprint before signaling them to step back.
He formed hand seals rapidly.
"Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Technique!"
With a surge of chakra, the ground erupted with young saplings that swiftly grew into towering trees, merging and intertwining to form the frame of a sturdy building. The structure rapidly took shape, branches entwining to create rooms and corridors.
Watching the construction, Kakashi glanced at Douhuan. "Are you really planning to hold the two advisors here?"
"Of course," Douhuan replied nonchalantly. "After all, the Third Hokage himself made the request. We can't put them with regular criminals, can we?"
He then gave Kakashi a sly smile. "By the way, how about taking up a position here? You know, a little side gig."
Kakashi eyed the newly built facility and smirked. "If you're fine with me being late every day, then why not?"
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