The control of the roots is not in the hands of the Hokage, but they have the same power to move freely as the ANBU.

Uchiha controls Konoha's security forces and has some powers that exceed those of the ANBU directly under the Hokage.

For example, the ANBU needs the Hokage's order before they can arrest someone, and the security team can detain the suspect before the Hokage's order is issued.

As a ninja clan, Uchiha's power is very powerful.

However, for Uchiha with such great power, the headquarters of the police force is not in the center of Konoha, but in a relatively secluded place in the village, which is not conducive to the functions of the guard force.

There are also many principle issues that, in Shiraishi’s opinion, need to be changed.

Although the first Hokage established Konoha and the second Hokage created the development pattern of the Ninja Village, there are many regulations left behind by the two of them that cannot be adapted to the times.

If changes are not made in the future, some deplorable tragedies will inevitably occur.

Thinking about it carefully, Shiraishi felt that his worries were a bit unfounded.

Organization matters have been officially formalized.

The five people he sent out are currently following the business group established by Liuli's parents, and have purchased a huge piece of land in the Kingdom of Ghosts that can be used to establish a base.

As long as Shiraishi waits for the next more intense war to come, he can leave Konoha and follow his own path.

His ideas and thinking patterns are incompatible with this village.

◎

January is the beginning of the new year.

Because I want to avoid suspicion, every time during the Chinese New Year, I attend the festival with Liuli.

Now that Ayane has joined Sakumo's team, we can naturally work together openly and avoid arousing unnecessary suspicion.

A team established in the form of a team is, in a sense, a bond of connection. Every member of the team is like a family member.

"Happy New Year."

Wearing a brand new white kimono with a pattern of pink cherry blossoms painted on it, Ayane, who had been waiting on the street for a long time, bowed slightly to Shiraishi and Ruri who were walking toward her.

"Happy New Year."

The two of them also bent slightly, and Liuli didn't show any expression to her.

Different from Ayane, Ruri is wearing a light blue kimono, with a blue headband in her hair. There is some gap between her hair and the clothes around her neck, and her snow-white and slender neck can be seen from the side.

The three of them exchanged red envelopes, which were considered gifts for this year.

Because there was still a war last month, even though it was New Year.

This year's New Year's celebration in Konoha will be a little more deserted.

It’s not yet time for the night festival to start, but there are many festive things hanging on the road.

For example, there are fountains made of straw ropes, and some people put pine and bamboo trees in front of their homes.

On the street, there are already children running on the road with toys, and their laughter can be heard.

Hearing the laughter of these children, even the sadness caused by the war was washed away a lot.

"Liu Li, your kimono is very beautiful."

"Well, yours isn't bad either."

Liuli took a look at Ayane's kimono. The kimono was made of white material with pink cherry blossoms as the pattern. It really fit Ayane's pure and gentle temperament.

"Yes, after all, this is the best gift I received this year."

Ayane said with a smile.

"Speaking of which, where are you two going to play?"

After hearing what Ayane said, he was afraid that she would say something unnecessary at this time, so Shiraishi quickly changed the topic skillfully.

"I heard that there are some new shops opened in the village. Let's go there and have a look. After we have enough fun, we can go have barbecue with Mr. Sakumo in the evening."

The thought of a sumptuous meal in the evening made Ayane extremely looking forward to tonight's festival.

Shiraishi and Liuli have no objection to this.

The highlight is the barbecue in the evening.

For this reason, Shiraishi and the three of them planned not to eat anything during the day.

To be honest, Shiraishi is not very interested in shopping, but he also knows that the fun of shopping with Ruri and Ayane lies in the atmosphere, rather than actually buying anything.

Liuli aside, Ayane's family environment is not bad either, and she doesn't have much attachment to material pursuits.

Otherwise, with Ayane's appetite, ordinary families would have been eaten to pieces.

After all calculations, he is the poorest one.

Ruri and Ayane were there to evaluate and communicate about a certain product. Occasionally, Shiraishi would intervene and give some opinions. The atmosphere was very harmonious and felt like a family.

Time passed unconsciously and the sky began to darken.

More and more people are coming to the street.

Thin white snow began to fall in the sky, adding a bit of coldness, but as more people came in, the coldness was completely gone.

The ninjas who were usually busy at work also took off their ninja uniforms, put on brand new clothes, and participated in the night festival together.

Gradually, the lively atmosphere became lively.

There were open-air dramas in which people dressed in strange costumes and ghost masks performed bizarre stories about gods and ghosts, which attracted the attention of many children.

The children on the street were jumping up and down, and even the shouts of the adults seemed not to be heard.

"I'm not late."

After shopping in the afternoon, Shiraishi and the other two people waited at the appointed place. Not long after, Sakumo appeared in front of them in casual clothes.

He was also holding a two-year-old child in his arms, huddled tightly in Sakumo's arms, keeping warm there.

"No, there's still half an hour before the scheduled time. Is this Mr. Sakumo's child? He's so cute."

Ayane looked at the child in Sakumo's arms. Like Sakumo, he had white hair.

He was looking at Ayane with curious eyes.

"Okay, you can come down now, Kakashi."

Sakumo put the child down in his arms.

This child already had the ability to walk independently. After being placed on the snow by Sakumo, he stood there blankly, not knowing what to do.

Ayane went up to hold him in her arms. He didn't cry, but he raised his eyes and showed a very arrogant expression.

Although his eyes are very energetic, his expression... it would be more comfortable to beat him up.

Shiraishi doesn't think this kid is cute.

"This kid is very energetic."

Ayane said with a smile.

"One thing is that he has always been in good health and will become an excellent ninja in the future."

"Teacher Sakumo, today is a rare celebration, can you not say such disappointing words? It's hard to get away from the busy tasks."

"Sorry, professional habit."

Because he has a pair of eyes that can see through the essence of things, Sakumo subconsciously said those words.

"Liu Li, do you want to give me a hug?"

Ayane looked at Liuli.

"No, this kid's eyes are too arrogant. It makes me want to slap him."

Seeing Kakashi's eyes hanging, Liuli felt a little unhappy.

Shiraishi nodded aside, he felt the same way.

This kid will definitely become a delinquent when he grows up.

"No, I think little Kakashi's eyes are proof that he is very energetic."

"Where is the energy?"

"Oh, it seems Liuli doesn't have the potential to become a good wife and mother."

Ayane seemed to smile with a proud tone.

Liuli snorted and said in a disdainful tone: "Excessive compassion will only harm others and yourself."

As she said that, she looked at Shiraishi with sharp eyes, as if asking him to give a fair evaluation.

"Okay, you two, let's enjoy such a lively festival."

Sakumo said.

Shiraishi breathed a sigh of relief and glanced at Sakumo gratefully.

Sakumo patted Shiraishi on the shoulder, as if to say: I can only help here.
To be continued...