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

Chapter 67 Konoha Farm

The Hatake family walked along the Hokage Avenue, which was personally overseen by Zang, the cornerstone of Konoha, and was fully connected.

This road truly lives up to its reputation as "Konoha's Number One Road".

The road surface is paved with a special bluish-gray stone slab, which feels quite firm underfoot.

The road was even wider than expected, more than wide enough to hold a Konoha Human Bomber Tank Race.

The transplanted maple trees on both sides have begun to turn red, and their fiery red leaves sway in the autumn wind, which is quite a sight.

What surprised Miko even more was the rows of brand-new shops lining both sides of the road.

"Hey, look, isn't that a newly opened shop? Where's the Uchiha clan's fan logo? They've even opened a dessert shop?"

Miko pointed to a shop not far away with a sign that read "Uchiha Sweetie" and said in surprise.

A long queue formed outside the shop, and the air was filled with a sweet aroma.

"Yes, it's the Hokage's new policy."

Looking at the thriving shop, Sakumo said with a hint of barely perceptible pride, "The Hokage encouraged them to take advantage of the interest-free loans provided by the village and participate more in commercial activities."

"Look at that shop, it's a fabric store owned by the Hyuga family. They use Byakugan to inspect the warp and weft density of the fabric, and the clothes they make are said to be flawless, selling very well."

Shuo Mao then pointed to another shop.

Miko was stunned. She felt like she hadn't properly gone shopping in over half a year. The changes in the village were so great.

The streets were bustling with people, and everyone's face was beaming with a genuine smile.

There were ninjas who had just returned from a mission, arm in arm discussing where to go for a drink; there was a young mother holding a baby, chatting with her neighbor about everyday matters; and there was a group of children who had just finished school at the ninja academy, laughing and chasing each other.

This scene of peace, prosperity, and tranquility is so beautiful it seems unreal.

"Father, look! A round fan!"

Kakashi pointed his little finger at a patrol of ninjas not far away and shouted excitedly.

Those were members of the Konoha Police Force, dressed in uniform with the Uchiha fan emblem prominently displayed on their backs.

The captain, who was in the lead, saw Shuo Mao and immediately stopped, standing at attention and bowing respectfully to him.

"Sakumo-sama!"

The team members behind him also stopped in their tracks, casting respectful glances at the legendary White Fang of Konoha.

In today's Konoha, although Sakumo Hatake is a farmer and Danzo Shimura is involved in infrastructure, their prestige among the new generation of ninjas is rising.

Because everyone knows that one is the Hokage's "granary" and the other is the Hokage's "foundation".

They are all supporting this village in their own ways.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Sakumo nodded gently in return.

"Serving the village!"

Uchiha's answer was firm and resolute.

Kakashi hid behind his father, only peeking out his head, curiously observing the older brothers carrying the round fan logo.

He asked Sakumo in a low voice, "Father, are they... protecting the village?"

"yes."

Shuo Mao patted his son's head and said softly, "They, like their father, are protecting this home we live in in their own ways."

The family strolled around, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.

Shuo Mao felt as if he wasn't on his way to work, but rather on a pleasant outing.

He looked at his smiling wife beside him, his son in his arms who was full of curiosity about everything, and the vibrant and lively faces on the street.

Suddenly I understood why Danzo was like a madman, spending day and night on those cold blueprints and construction sites.

Because when a road is built, a house is erected, and the villagers live more conveniently and happily because of your efforts, the sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that wells up from the bottom of your heart is incomparable to the success of any S-level mission.

Although he and Danzo pursued different goals—one focusing on quantity and the other on quality—they were constantly used by the Hokage as examples of intense competition.

But Shuo Mao knew that they were on the same path.

A path paved for them by the Hokage himself, leading to a better Konoha.

Thinking of this, Sakumo's lips involuntarily curled upwards.

"What are you laughing at?"

"Miko asked curiously."

"It's nothing," Sakumo shook his head. "I just think the weather is really nice today."

They walked through the bustling streets and arrived at the outskirts of the village.

As you walk further on, the noise in the air gradually dissipates, replaced by the fragrance of grass and trees.

A vast expanse of farmland, stretching as far as the eye could see, appeared before them.

At the entrance to the farm stands a huge wooden plaque.

The words "Muye Ecological Farm" are engraved on the top in a vigorous and powerful font, as if it had the sharpness of a knife.

The signature reads "Sakumo Hatake".

Before they even got close, Kakashi's sensitive little nose had already caught the mixed smells of various animals, and his ears picked up the sounds of pigs squealing, sheep bleating, and cows mooing in the distance.

"Piggy!"

Kakashi's face flushed with excitement. He couldn't hold back any longer. He broke free from his father's arms and, with his short legs, ran like a cannonball towards the farm gate. However, because he was still young, he wobbled as he ran.

"Kakashi! Slow down!"

Miko called out anxiously from behind.

Looking at his son's small, energetic back, Sakumo's smile softened even more.

This is his battlefield.

It is also another home that he will spend his whole life protecting.