"Happy New Year."
The two of them also gave a slight bow, and Ruri didn't show any displeasure on her face.
Unlike Ayane, Ruri wore a light blue kimono, her hair tied with a blue ribbon, creating a gap between her hair and the collar of her clothing that revealed her snow-white, slender neck from the side.
The three exchanged red envelopes, which counted as this year's gifts.
Because last month was still wartime, even though it was New Year.
This year, Konoha's New Year celebration was going to be a bit quieter.
The evening festival hadn't started yet, but the streets were already hung with festive decorations.
For example, straw ropes crafted into springs, and some had placed pine and bamboo at their doorsteps.
On the streets, children were running around with toys, and their cheerful laughter could be heard.
Hearing the laughter of these children dispersed quite a bit of the sadness brought about by the war.
"Ruri, your kimono is beautiful."
"Yeah, yours isn't bad either."
Ruri glanced at Ayane's kimono, with a white base adorned with pink cherry blossoms, perfectly matching Ayane's pure and gentle temperament.
"Indeed, it's the best gift I've received this year."
Ayane said with a smile.
"By the way, where do you two plan to go?"
Fearing that Ayane might say something unnecessary after that sentence, Hakushi quickly shifted the topic with practiced ease.
"I heard a few new stores opened in the village; let's check them out. After enough fun, we can have barbecue with Sakumo-sensei in the evening."
The thought of a sumptuous meal that evening filled Ayane with anticipation for tonight's festival.
Hakushi and Ruri had no objections to this.
The focus was on the evening barbecue.
For that, the three of them decided not to eat anything during the day.
Honestly, Hakushi wasn't very interested in shopping but understood that the enjoyment for Ruri and Ayane was about the atmosphere rather than actually buying things.
Ruri notwithstanding, Ayane's family was well-off, and they weren't particularly materialistic.
Otherwise, with Ayane's appetite, an ordinary family would have been bankrupted long ago.
Calculating it, he realized he was the poorest among them.
Ruri and Ayane were discussing and evaluating a certain product, and occasionally, Hakushi would jump in with some opinions, creating a harmonious and familial atmosphere.
Time passed unconsciously, and the sky began to darken.
More and more people came to the streets.
Thin white snowflakes began to fall, adding a bit of chill, but as more people arrived, the cold couldn't be felt at all.
The ninjas, usually busy with work, had also taken off their ninja suits and wore new clothes to join the night festival.
The lively atmosphere gradually kicked in.
There were outdoor plays, with actors dressed in peculiar costumes, wearing ghostly masks on their heads, enacting strange tales of spirits, attracting the attention of many children.
The children on the streets were bouncing and jumping, ignoring even the calls of the adults.
"I didn't come late, did I?"
After the afternoon shopping spree, the three of them waited at the agreed place, and before long, Sakumo appeared in front of them, dressed in casual clothes.
He was holding a two-year-old child in his arms, nestled for warmth.
"Nope, still half an hour to go. Is this Sakumo-sensei's child? So cute."
Ayane, looking at the child in Sakumo's arms, with white hair like him, had curious eyes on Ayane.
"Alright, time to let go, Kakashi."
Sakumo placed the child down.
The child, capable of walking independently, stood bewildered on the snow, unsure of what to do.
Ayane picked him up, and though he didn't cry or make a fuss, he wore a slightly annoying, arrogant expression.
Though his eyes were lively, his expression seemed to imply he'd be more comfortable after a good thrashing.
Hakushi didn't find anything cute about this brat.
"This child is very spirited."
Ayane said with a smile.
"He is, indeed. He's always been healthy and will make a fine ninja in the future."
"Sakumo-sensei, today's a rare festival; can't you avoid saying something so discouraging? We finally got a break from our busy tasks."
"Sorry, occupational habit."
With his keen insight into the essence of things, Sakumo spoke without realizing it.
"Ruri, do you want to hold him?"
Ayane looked at Ruri.
"No, this brat has too arrogant a look. Makes me want to give him a good beating."
Seeing Kakashi's lifted-eyebrow stance, Ruri felt a bit annoyed.
Hakushi nodded in agreement; he felt the same way.
This little brat will surely grow up to be a troublemaker.
"I don't think so; I believe little Kakashi's eyes are a sign of spirit."
"Where's the spirit in that?"
"Oh my, it seems like Ruri doesn't have the potential to be a good wife and mother."
Ayane laughed in what seemed like a proud tone.
Ruri snorted, dismissively saying, "An overflow of compassion can only bring harm to oneself and others."
Saying this, she looked sharply at Hakushi, as if expecting him to give a fair evaluation.