The two men also laughed and said, "Yes. Our masters are a bit tired from the journey, so I'm heading out to buy some food."
Mifune then suggested to them, "How about we go together? I know a restaurant with quite good food."
"Oh? That works out perfectly. Let's go together. We can also join the excitement on the street and see if any new guests are arriving."
With that, Mifune led the two men toward a restaurant he had visited during his last trip to Konoha Village. He just wondered if the restaurant would even be open today, given the circumstances. It wouldn't be good if the distinguished guests were left hungry.
At the gate of Konoha Village, the Land of Iron delegation had already entered their apartments. Kakuzu had just arrived at the entrance, having inexplicably lagged for about ten minutes, forcing Torifu to wait for him at the gate.
"Apologies, Leader... Hokage-sama. My subordinates were a bit nervous, so we were delayed a little."
Hearing Kakuzu's words, Torifu saw the dozens of people behind him, their faces full of apprehension, as if Torifu were some flesh-eating devil.
"Haha, don't be nervous, everyone. You have helped me a lot, and I haven't rewarded you much over the years. After this wedding banquet, every one of you will receive a prize."
Everyone was very happy to hear this. However, Torifu was puzzled, as he had clearly told Kakuzu to bring all the brothers, yet only a few dozen had come.
"Hokage-sama, these are the most sincere group who follow you. Most of the rest still need to be tested. I only brought the core brothers this time."
Torifu nodded at this explanation. So that was why.
"Very good. Hurry and enter the village. You must all be tired from the long journey."
Although the villagers nearby did not know the identity of this group, it sounded like they had an unusual relationship with the Hokage-sama. Everyone dared not make random guesses, but no matter who they were, as long as they came to congratulate the Hokage-sama, they were warmly welcomed.
Hearing Torifu's words, Kakuzu also nodded.
Torifu ushered the villagers to enter first, and then he followed Kakuzu and his brothers into Konoha Village.
The three major Ninja Villages in the Ninja World besides Konoha Village had all arrived. The Land of Iron had also come. The Royal Capital of the Land of Fire had sent the First Prince. Kakuzu and his group had also arrived on time. Aside from these, probably no one else would come to Konoha Village.
The surrounding small countries had more or less participated in the war a few months ago. Torifu not bothering them was already a great blessing. How would they dare to rush to attend Torifu's wedding? However, their absence also confirmed the notion that none of these small countries were innocent. If turmoil were to break out again in the future, they would all need to be dealt with. But for now, he put these thoughts aside. Torifu's wedding was in two days, and these messy affairs would affect his mood.
"Konoha Village has truly undergone an earth-shaking change."
Torifu laughed. "It's a big change compared to when you assassinated my Sensei, isn't it?"
Fortunately, there was no one nearby when Torifu spoke this way, but it still startled Kakuzu and made him sweat.
"Hehe, indeed, indeed..."
In the years when he delivered the children to Torifu, Kakuzu always stayed outside Konoha Village and never went near it, so naturally, he didn't know what it looked like inside. Torifu had already informed Hashirama about his visit this time. Hashirama didn't remember Kakuzu at all, so he naturally didn't care whether he came or not. As for Torifu establishing an organization, that was fine too. It explained the background of Amado and Minato. Otherwise, it always seemed suspicious that Torifu would pick up a few prodigies every couple of years.
The brothers behind Kakuzu were also shocked to hear that Kakuzu had once attempted to assassinate the First Hokage. However, since their Leader and Deputy Leader didn't elaborate on the subsequent events, they were left scratching their heads but couldn't do anything about it.
"How about coming to my house later? See how the children you picked up have grown."
Kakuzu smiled. "That would be nice. I wonder if they still remember me."
With a legitimate organization and a group of reliable brothers, Kakuzu naturally no longer felt so bitter and resentful. Moreover, he now had an official position and was not a rogue organization. They were subordinates of the Hokage-sama, guarding the Land of Rain for him.
The villagers on both sides of the street saw the golden lotus robes worn by Kakuzu and his group and felt the style was familiar. Then, they saw Torifu next to them and instantly realized. Isn't that the style of clothing the Hokage-sama likes? These people must have a good relationship with the Hokage-sama.
After chatting with Kakuzu for a while, Torifu had an attendant take them to an apartment. After all these years, it took five whole apartments to accommodate them all. With this, all the apartments prepared by Konoha Village for guests were completely full. Even if anyone else came, they would have to turn back.
Torifu had been busy all morning, constantly welcoming guests. The strong individuals of the entire Ninja World were gathered in Konoha Village. It was truly a grand event. Torifu and Naori were greatly honored. Naori had not shown her face today, a custom of Konoha Village that Torifu intended to observe. In reality, he just didn't want Naori to be tired out with him. He alone was enough to receive these foreign guests. Naori could just rest at home.
Back in the Kumotsuru Clan compound, Minato was chatting with Yahiko and Konan in the yard. Seeing Torifu return, he immediately stood up. "Big Brother! You're back."
"Have all the guests from the other nations arrived?"
Torifu smiled. "That's right. The Mizukage is here too, seeking cooperation with Konoha Village."
"And Kakuzu has arrived as well."
The name Kakuzu was not unfamiliar to them. This was the man who had rescued them during their most critical and helpless moments. Minato was excited; he had always been grateful to Kakuzu for bringing him to his Big Brother's home, allowing him to become a member of the Kumotsuru Clan. Although he did not bear the Kumotsuru name, his life was tightly intertwined with the family.
"When is Uncle Kakuzu coming to our house?"
Torifu rubbed Minato's head. "Haha, don't rush. He needs to clean up and get familiar with his room before he can come here."
That probably meant this afternoon. Minato was very much looking forward to it. He wanted Kakuzu to see his cultivation over the years and prove that Kakuzu was right to save him. The two little ones also wanted to thank Kakuzu. When they were first brought to Konoha Village, they were confused, thinking they had been kidnapped. But unexpectedly, they had entered heaven. Without Kakuzu, they wouldn't have the life they have now.