Seeing the two still wanting to speak, Mito Uzumaki had clearly reached the limits of her patience. She acted without hesitation.
With a slight frown, she instantly gathered her strength and hurled the two of them out at lightning speed.
The two were launched like cannonballs, tracing long arcs through the air before vanishing into the distant sky.
For a moment, the entire crowd within the estate fell silent, stunned by this sudden display.
Then, Mito turned toward Hikaru and the others. Her expression softened in an instant, as if none of that had ever happened.
She greeted them warmly, saying, "Come on in, don't just stand there. Everyone's been waiting for you."
Hikaru and the others exchanged awkward smiles.
Still, they obediently followed Mito inside.
As soon as they entered, Nawaki came running toward them excitedly.
But the moment his eyes landed on Mito Uzumaki, he froze like a thief caught red-handed and immediately turned to flee.
"Nawaki, did you finish your homework?"
Unfortunately for him, his movements didn't escape her eyes.
Hearing her words, Nawaki drooped his head and reluctantly admitted, "Not yet… I was just about to do it."
Mito chuckled softly. "Since Hikaru and the others are back, I'm in a good mood today. Go play."
A radiant smile lit up Nawaki's face, the kind only children have.
But just as he was about to cheer, Mito added lazily, "Tomorrow, your homework will be doubled."
His smile froze on the spot.
Tsunade, watching from the side, was suddenly reminded of her own childhood.
Back then, it wasn't just Mito who acted this way—even Hikaru would mess with her from time to time.
Thinking of that, she pouted and lightly hit Hikaru.
Then, she made a decision—to give Nawaki a complete childhood. She would personally tutor him starting tomorrow.
Hikaru was still grinning in schadenfreude when Tsunade smacked him, catching him off guard. He scratched his head, looking completely bewildered and innocent.
That reaction made Tsunade giggle softly, all her irritation dissipating in an instant.
She gazed at Hikaru with affection and deep fondness in her eyes.
Behind them, Mito Uzumaki quietly watched their interaction, her gaze filled with satisfaction.
Looking at Hikaru and Tsunade, she silently thought, "Those two have finally found their way to each other."
Then, her eyes drifted to the other young women present, and her heart grew a bit heavy: "It's just… there are a few too many of them."
With that little episode behind them, the group moved into the living room.
By then, the living room was already bustling with people.
Tsunade's parents and Chiri's family were all there, clearly invited by Mito.
Chiri immediately spotted her grandfather and father. Her eyes welled up with tears.
The long separation had built a tide of longing within her.
But when she saw the teasing sparkle in her grandfather and father's eyes, her face flushed red.
Senju Yosuke patted Hikaru on the shoulder with emotion. "That little boy from before is all grown up now. I'll leave Tsunade to you."
Even someone as bold as Tsunade couldn't handle that line. She lowered her head in embarrassment, not daring to meet her father's gaze.
Then, she sneaked a peek at Hikaru and saw him looking at her, his eyes full of warmth and joy.
She immediately lowered her head again, her heart fluttering with sweetness and shyness.
Everyone in the room burst into kind laughter at the scene.
Then, Mito Uzumaki spoke: "Since you're all grown up now, we elders ought to offer a gift."
She smiled and solemnly pulled out a key, handing it to Hikaru.
"This is a house we all bought together. Consider it your new home."
Her voice carried blessings and heartfelt hope.
Hikaru accepted the key, eyes glimmering with excitement and gratitude.
He hadn't even voiced the thought, yet Mito and the others were already one step ahead.
That gesture was more precious than the house itself.
That night, a grand celebration was held in the living room.
Family gathered together, sharing food and laughter.
They told stories, recounted past experiences, and spoke of dreams for the future.
As night fell, the chatter and laughter gradually faded.
Hikaru and the women left the Senju residence and headed to their new home.
There, they spent a rather… absurd night.
In the days that followed, everyone returned to their respective routines.
Hikaru began preparing for his upcoming Hokage inauguration. Even if he wanted to slack off, some things couldn't be left to Shadow Clones.
Tsunade kept her promise and began tutoring Nawaki, giving him the childhood he deserved.
Nonō and Hinata wandered through the streets of Konoha together, enjoying rare leisure.
Chiri returned home to spend precious time with her family.
And so, the day of Hikaru's succession as Hokage arrived.
Unlike previous Hokage ceremonies, Hikaru's event drew not only people from the Land of Fire.
All four of the other great nations sent formal emissaries.
Konoha's momentum in recent years had become overwhelming. Not to mention the newly dubbed "New God of the Shinobi World," Uchiha Hikaru.
Both Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju hadn't even bothered hiding their movements, so their existence was no longer a secret to the other nations.
Heaven knows how much those nations panicked when they learned of that.
So whether to curry favor with Konoha or to lower its guard by participating in the celebration, all the nations sent delegates to attend Hikaru's inauguration.
Moreover, Konoha's growth in recent years had brought great prosperity to the Land of Fire.
Thus, this Hokage inauguration became the grandest in history, drawing attention from all directions.
That day, sunlight bathed the land, the sky a cloudless, brilliant blue.
Konoha Village was lavishly decorated—colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and the streets were filled with cheerful crowds.
As the scheduled time arrived, the giant screen atop the Hokage Tower slowly lit up, capturing everyone's attention.
On screen appeared Hikaru, wearing a Hokage cloak identical to the Fourth's, seated at the center of the Hokage office.
"I am Uchiha Hikaru."
His voice was calm and powerful, each word resonating clearly throughout the village.
"Starting today, I officially assume the position of the Fifth Hokage!"
He paused, his gaze seemingly sweeping over everyone watching:
"Those who dare offend Konoha—no matter how far—shall be punished! None shall stand in our way!"