Shikaku was still a little dazed at this moment. He looked at Anka, who was his aunt by seniority.
"Aunt Anka, did Hokage-sama specifically come to comfort me?"
Nara Anka thought for a moment. "That must be it. Hokage-sama has many things to attend to every day. Your performance in the match must have caught Hokage-sama's attention, which is why he came to see you."
"Otherwise, even if you were the young clan head of the Nara Clan, Hokage-sama wouldn't say much to you. After all, no matter how great a title, it's not as significant as the Hokage, and even the most talented ninja can't compare to his disciples."
After hearing Anka's analysis, Shikaku was very happy. Although he hadn't placed third and received Hokage-sama's reward. He had, by a stroke of luck, caught Hokage-sama's attention. He immediately shook off the gloom of his defeat and became cheerful once more.
Anka felt a bit helpless about this. All her comforting earlier had been completely useless. Hokage-sama came and said a few casual words, and the person was already cheered up.
In the end, she just wasn't good enough, she thought.
"Alright, go back and share the news with your two friends. This will give you plenty to talk about for a long time."
Shikaku's face flushed. How did she even guess what he was thinking? However, he still shook his head, uttered a denial, and then went home with Anka.
After Torifu finished speaking with Shikaku, he also left the arena.
Outside, he met Naori, Akihara, and Minato, who were waiting for him. The whole family had come. Yahiko and Konan had also emerged early.
Torifu first playfully teased Akihara, then praised Yahiko and Konan. "You two did well today, successfully qualifying for the finals. Tomorrow is the day you'll compete for victory. Master is very eager to see which of you two will win the championship."
Naori, standing nearby, also said with a chuckle, "Mistress is very much looking forward to it as well, but I'm hoping Konan wins the championship more."
Konan chuckled upon hearing this. "Mistress, I'll do my best!"
Yahiko, however, spread his hands. "Why is no one rooting for me?"
Torifu tapped his head with a finger. "Because you won all the previous matches, and now you're acting modest here."
Yahiko covered his forehead with his hand, pretending to be in pain, but secretly smiling.
"Ah, it's just that I'm a year older, otherwise, you two wouldn't have this kind of rivalry for the championship."
Minato suddenly made such a boastful remark, causing everyone to burst into laughter.
They were a family, after all, and felt very secure with each other. Even Minato, who was usually very humble and polite outside, had this side to him at home.
After the jokes, the group set off to return to the Kumotsuru Clan's compound.
Along the way, many villagers cast admiring glances at Yahiko and Konan, encouraging them. Many fans also called out, expressing hopes for who would win the championship, or declaring that someone else was definitely inferior.
But Yahiko and Konan merely enjoyed the excitement.
It was just a competition; it couldn't possibly affect their bond. No matter who won the championship, their feelings for each other wouldn't change.
Furthermore, they had held many private matches over the years. With wins and losses on both sides, they had never once had a serious disagreement.
This was the bond of family; their feelings for each other wouldn't change over trivial matters.
Soon, the group arrived near the Kumotsuru Clan's compound. From a distance, Torifu noticed that two people seemed to be standing at the entrance of the compound. One of the figures looked somewhat familiar.
Upon closer inspection, he realized it was Mifune. Why was he at the Kumotsuru Clan's compound? The person next to him was his disciple, who had been eliminated early.
Seeing Torifu and his family return, Mifune also smiled and approached them. "Hokage is back," he said. "I've taken the liberty of disturbing you."
Torifu waved his hand. "You and I are friends. There's no talk of disturbing me. Come in quickly."
It was already getting late. Torifu didn't know the purpose of Mifune's visit. And he brought his disciple. It couldn't possibly be for a spar, could it?
However, the truth was exactly as Torifu had suspected; the master and disciple pair had indeed come to spar.
According to Mifune, ever since Kaito lost to Yahiko, Kaito had been very eager to return to the Land of Iron for training. However, he couldn't return immediately, and Mifune wasn't very familiar with the other people in Konohagakure. So, he had no choice but to bother Torifu.
"So that's what General Mifune is here for," Torifu said. "It's no trouble at all. During your stay in Konohagakure, just let Yahiko accompany Kaito for training and sparring."
Mifune and Kaito were both overjoyed. "Won't this be too much trouble for Hokage? You probably prefer peace and quiet, and constant sparring might disturb you."
Torifu waved his hand. "It's no bother. Feel free to let Kaito come. The Kumotsuru Clan's backyard is very large, and the training grounds are spacious, perfectly suited for these youngsters to spar."
Torifu had been worrying about not having a suitable opponent for Yahiko to improve his combat skills. Wasn't this just sending a punching bag over?
General Mifune truly lived up to being Torifu's close friend; he always managed to deliver the most satisfying gifts.
Moreover, this was a win-win situation. Mifune was satisfied, and Torifu was satisfied. It could be said that everyone was delighted.
"How about this: it's already late today, so talking about training would be unrealistic. After the competition tomorrow, have Kaito come in the afternoon. Konan can also join the training then."
Mifune nodded vigorously. He had originally thought Torifu might not agree to this, but he hadn't expected Torifu to agree so readily.
"Very well, Hokage. I'll have Kaito come tomorrow. If this boy causes you any trouble, just give him a good beating."
Torifu nodded. "Good, let's arrange it that way."
After Mifune and Kaito chatted with Torifu for a few more moments, they prepared to leave, as it was indeed late. Furthermore, the master and disciple hadn't had dinner yet, and the young samurai sent from the Land of Iron also needed to eat.
Fortunately, a few escorts had come to help Mifune with many things, otherwise, he would have been quite overwhelmed.
Just as Mifune was about to leave, Torifu suddenly remembered something and asked, "Kaito's katana was corroded by the Boil Release mist; it should be unusable now, right?"
Mifune paused, then nodded. "Indeed, but the accompanying guards brought many steel swords, which can be replaced at any time."
No sooner had he spoken than a gleaming longsword suddenly appeared in Torifu's hand, with a certain pattern carved into its blade.
"Give this sword to Kaito. I saw how well he performed; if he hadn't encountered Yahiko so early, he likely would have placed third. Consider this compensation."