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

Chapter 385 Infrastructure vs. Agriculture

The bustling crowds at the expo merged into a warm wave, lapping against every face brimming with happiness.

Hiruzen Sarutobi skillfully slipped away from the crowd, followed by a yawning Nara deer.

"Lord Hokage, is it really necessary for us to personally visit every corner? I just submitted the overall report last night, and the data on it is much more accurate than what we see on-site."

The deer looked as if it might collapse to the ground at any moment, and its voice was full of weariness.

"Antlers, these are different."

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't stop walking. "The report is cold, but the smiles on people's faces are burning hot. Go and feel it; this is your achievement."

"Spare me, this credit is too heavy."

The deer muttered under its breath, feeling as if every single brain cell in its body was protesting.

The two navigated the crowded Hokage Avenue and eventually found a newly set up open-air tea stall in an inconspicuous corner beside the main road. A few simple square wooden tables and benches, yet business was surprisingly good.

"Let's rest here for a bit," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, pointing to a table that had just been vacated.

As if granted a pardon, Lu Jiao practically threw himself onto the bench, exuding an aura of languidness that kept strangers at bay.

A gentle figure walked over.

"Lord Hokage, Shikanobu, you're here."

The person who came was Uchiha Kagami. Today, he was not wearing the uniform of the security force, but a set of ordinary dark civilian clothes, which made him look less dignified and more like a friendly older brother next door.

He was carrying a paper bag, and as he approached, he naturally placed the contents of the bag on the table.

It was freshly fried chicken nuggets and several servings of piping hot taiyaki.

"There were so many people queuing at the stalls over there, so I just bought a few more."

Uchiha Kagami smiled and said, "It tastes very good, try it."

"Oh, Mirror, thanks."

Without any hesitation, Deer Antlers picked up a piece of fried chicken and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling, "You're so considerate, unlike some people who just treat people like cattle."

Hiruzen Sarutobi ignored his complaints and picked up a taiyaki.

The warm, sweet taste melted in his mouth, easing the tension that had gripped him all day.

"Mirror, are you on duty today?"

"Shift work".

Uchiha Kagami sat down beside him and poured himself a cup of tea. "The young men in the clan are all very enthusiastic. I can also take a break from my busy schedule to feel the current atmosphere of the village."

He spoke with a genuine smile on his face.

Just then, a vibrant voice rang out from the side.

"Three guests, would you like to try our newly launched 'Youthful Energy Tea'? It's guaranteed to wash away all your fatigue and ignite your passion!"

The three looked over at the sound and saw a young man dressed as a tea shop waiter, bowing enthusiastically as he recommended the tea to them.

Those thick eyebrows and that iconic green bodysuit—who else could it be but Matt Damon?

Looking at that shining, sincere face, even the well-traveled Hiruzen Sarutobi was momentarily speechless.

Nara Shikanobu was the first to react. He waved his hand weakly, "No need, Dai. Just bring us some ordinary tea. My youth... can no longer burn."

"Mr. Deer Antlers! You can't say that! Youth is a flame that never goes out!"

Might Guy immediately retorted, then turned his expectant gaze to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kagami Uchiha.

"...like deer antlers."

Uchiha Kagami smiled gently: "Thank you, Dai, hot water will do."

Despite being rejected three times in a row, Matt Day was not discouraged; instead, he became even more determined. He clenched his fist and said to himself, "It seems my recommendation wasn't enthusiastic enough! Next time, I must let my guests experience the beauty of youth!"

After saying that, he went to fetch the kettle with great enthusiasm.

Watching his energetic back, Deer Antlers sighed, "What an incomprehensible man."

Hiruzen Sarutobi laughed.

Even a complete idiot like Matt Day can find his place in the village and live a life full of enthusiasm.

Perhaps this is also a kind of success.

From the tea stall, you can get a perfect view of the two most important areas of the expo.

On the left is the science and technology industrial zone overseen by Danzo Shimura.

On the right is the agricultural food area overseen by Sakumo Hatake.

The two exhibition areas face each other from a distance, like two giant beasts silently confronting each other, each exuding a completely different and powerful aura.

On Danzo's side, there was a cold, metallic feel to the landscape. A huge electronic screen was playing a loop of "A Documentary on the Construction of the Namaka River Reservoir," showcasing the magnificent dam, the orderly construction teams, and Danzo himself directing operations on-site, all accompanied by majestic music, creating a powerful visual impact.

At the bottom of the screen, on a scaled-down village model, Danzo's proud "underground sewer system" is clearly displayed in transparent material. The intricate structure fascinates many of the ninjas in charge of infrastructure.

At the very front of the booth, Danzo himself stood in the stands.

There was no smile on his face, but the slightly raised chin and the barely concealed smugness when he occasionally glanced at the crowd revealed the immense sense of accomplishment he felt at that moment.

This sense of accomplishment comes from the solid ground beneath my feet and from the admiring gaze of the people.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's thoughts drifted away.

He recalled a close friend from many years ago, whose eyes were filled with resentment and ambition.

"That Danzo guy..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi withdrew his gaze and turned to the right.

If Danzo's exhibition area is a symphony composed of steel and rock, then Sakumo Hatake's agricultural and food area is a pastoral poem full of life and fragrance.

There are no cold machines and data here; instead, there is a vibrant sense of life.

The ninjas of the Aburame clan are showing curious villagers the live earthworms they have cultivated in collaboration with Sakumo.

Inside a huge glass box, the originally barren sand is becoming fertile and soft at a visible speed, thanks to the tireless turning over of these tiny creatures.

At the center of the booth, a giant cabbage that required two adults to encircle became the undisputed star.

Each leaf was a vibrant green, brimming with vitality.

Qu Feng stood next to the cabbage, explaining to everyone with great enthusiasm how best to cook it.

What attracts the most attention, especially to children, is the winter strawberry garden displayed within a huge, temperature-controlled enclosure.

Inside the warm, spring-like barrier, strawberry vines are laden with bright red, juicy fruit.

Sakumo Hatake is currently squatting by the edge of the field, patiently explaining the principles of winter vegetable planting to a group of children surrounding him.

His voice was full of fatherly gentleness and patience.

They even offered on-site fruit picking experiences.

Encouraged by Shuo Mao, a little girl carefully picked the biggest and reddest strawberry. Instead of eating it herself, she stood on tiptoe, held it up with her little hand, and brought it to her mother's mouth.

The young mother took a bite, her eyes widening in surprise at first, then an indescribable smile of happiness bloomed on her face.

It was a sweetness that spread from the tip of the tongue to the bottom of the heart.