Naruto: Starting as the Third Hokage with Tears in His Eyes

Chapter 364 The Startled Deer

Forget it.

Money lost can be earned back.

As long as the village exists, as long as everyone can live happily, it's all worth it.

"Phew~~"

Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a long breath, rubbed his throbbing temples, and prepared to continue dealing with the mountain of documents.

Just then, he seemed to remember something.

A glint of extremely sinister light flashed in his eyes.

He cleared his throat and, facing the office door, called out in a measured but clear voice, loud enough for anyone outside to hear clearly:

"antlers."

His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly penetrated the door panel.

"Now that you've heard everything, let's not stand outside any longer; it's tiring. Come in, and we can talk about the security arrangements and overall coordination for this year's winter festival."

Outside the door, there was a deathly silence.

As soon as he finished speaking, the chakra outside the door, which had been hesitating about whether to slip away completely, vanished without a trace at the fastest speed it had ever seen, like a startled rabbit.

"Oh……"

Looking at the empty doorway, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

"They run pretty fast."

Fine, considering you stayed up all night writing such a brilliant plan, I'll let you off the hook for now.

He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and felt the sunlight streaming through the window onto his face, warm and comforting.

The crisp sound of the school bell and the joyful sounds of children drifted into the office through the window, gradually fading away as the sun set.

Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his wide chair, closed his eyes, and enjoyed this rare moment of tranquility.

Although the budget approval slip that could have made the daimyo's heart stop still caused him a dull ache, the thought of the Tower of Life that was about to rise from the ground and the brighter future of the village seemed to transform that pain into a strange feeling.

As long as the laughter and joy on this land never cease, and as long as the next generation of children have the right to choose not to hold onto kunai, it will all be worthwhile.

He rubbed his temples, finished processing the last document, then stood up, took off his Hokage robe, and left the office.

The leaves at night are more tranquil and cozy than during the day.

Warm yellow light shone from the windows of every household, and the aroma of food permeated the streets, dispelling the last trace of autumn chill.

……

the next day.

The first rays of morning light pierced through the window paper, casting a bright, warm yellow hue onto the tatami mats.

Hiruzen Sarutobi was awakened by a slight commotion.

Something small and warm was gently poking his face.

"Oh, Tosang, wake up!"

A clear yet slightly muffled child's voice rang in my ears, like a little bird that had just learned to sing.

He slowly opened his heavy eyelids, and a magnified small face with a pure smile came into his view.

Sarutobi Asuma lay beside his pillow, revealing a few small, slightly blackened, uneven teeth, and tirelessly poked his cheek with his chubby little finger.

Good morning! Oh, even Tosun sometimes sleeps in.

When the little guy saw that he was awake, he chuckled and loudly announced his new discovery.

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt his nerves, which had been taut all night because of that terrifying budget, completely melt away in that instant.

He laughed, reached out and scooped the little guy, who smelled of milk, into his arms, gently rubbing his soft hair with his still-stubbled chin.

"You little rascal, you've learned to tease me now."

Hiruzen Sarutobi lifted Asuma a little higher, looking into his dark, round eyes that reflected his own image. "Everyone sleeps in sometimes. Since you were awake, why didn't you wake me up earlier?"

Asuma was lifted high and happily swung her legs.

He lowered his head, looking intently at his father, and said with a naive yet incredibly sincere logic, "Because if I'm very tired, I'll sleep for a long time. So, if Tosang is sleepy, he should sleep a little longer!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi paused for a moment.

If you're sleepy, take a little longer to sleep.

What a simple yet extravagant truth. As the Hokage, he battles sleepiness, mountains of documents, and responsibilities every day.

Yet, it was through her five-year-old son that she heard the most basic truth in the world.

"Hahaha--"

He couldn't help but laugh out loud again, a hearty, genuine laugh.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, holding Asuma, sat up from the covers and walked towards the living room.

The morning sunlight streamed into the entire living room, and the air was filled with the pleasant aroma of food.

A simple yet hearty breakfast has been laid out on the low table.

The pot of miso soup was bubbling away, the saury was grilled until golden brown and sizzling with oil, and there was a small dish of seasoned natto.

Sarutobi Biwako, wearing an apron, smiled gently when she saw the father and son come out, and picked up a rice scoop to serve the rice.

"Go wash up quickly, dinner will be ready soon."

"it is good."

A family of three enjoying breakfast together, a warm and peaceful moment.

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully removed the bones from the saury for Asuma and placed the snow-white fish meat into his small bowl. Watching his son eat with small, contented bites, he himself felt a surge of appetite.

This rice is a newly developed special rice from Shuomao Farm, with plump grains and a wonderful aroma. The tofu in this soup is made from the finest soybeans from the old shop on the commercial street.

After the meal, Hiruzen Sarutobi changed into his everyday clothes and prepared to go out. As usual, Lake Biwa carefully smoothed out every wrinkle on his robe.

"Are you going to the office today too?"

Biwa Lake slowly raised its head and asked softly.

"Yes, there are still some things to take care of."

Hiruzen Sarutobi squeezed her hand, gave her a reassuring smile, and then changed his shoes in the entryway.

However, the moment he opened the door, he changed his mind.

Instead of going to the office and facing mountains of documents, why not... go and see for yourself first?