Uchiha Hayashi had never mentioned to the Third Hokage just how abnormal yesterday's training incident truly was.
Still, that did not stop the consequences from arriving swiftly.
The next day, inside the Hokage's Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, rubbing his temples as he looked at the boy standing before him.
"Don't you think there's something wrong with your training methods?" the Third Hokage asked helplessly.
The collision of those two techniques the previous day had not only shaken the training ground, it had echoed throughout the entire village. The deafening blast had torn through Konoha's airspace without mercy.
Worse still, the underground extension of ROOT headquarters had nearly collapsed because of it, forcing Danzō to storm in late at night demanding answers.
"Heh-heh." Hayashi scratched his head, fully aware that he had caused a serious problem. Faced with the Hokage's questioning, thick skin was his only defense.
"You…" Hiruzen sighed, choosing to ignore him as he began organizing the scattered documents on his desk.
"I'll handle it!" Hayashi stepped closer, smiling ingratiatingly.
"That's enough, I give up." The Third waved him off. "You don't need to worry about the aftermath. Just prepare for your role as chief proctor for the third exam. And the repair costs for the training ground will be taken from your own funds."
"Understood," Hayashi replied without hesitation.
Money was hardly an issue for him. Compared to the damage he had caused, this punishment was barely a slap on the wrist.
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Hayashi headed toward the training ground. Along the way, he encountered a familiar figure he had not seen in quite some time.
Or rather, it was not a coincidence. The man clearly looked like he had been waiting.
"Yo, Big Brother Sakumo," Hayashi greeted with a grin.
"…Judging by that smile, it seems the Hokage didn't scold you too badly."
"Just had to pay for repairs, nothing more."
Sakumo nodded calmly. "That's fine. Anything that can be solved with money isn't a real problem."
"Did you need something else?"
Sakumo hesitated before speaking. "It's about Mikoto."
Hayashi's expression sharpened slightly. "What happened?"
"She's been pushing herself too hard in training. I've spoken to her several times, but it hasn't helped."
Hayashi nodded, unsurprised. "I'll talk to her later. Sorry for the trouble."
Sakumo chuckled softly. "No need. That Chidori of yours gave me some inspiration as well."
"Oh?" Hayashi smiled. "Then I'll have to ask for your insights sometime."
Sakumo laughed heartily. "Good. With no real battles lately, my White Fang's starting to rust."
After exchanging a few more words, the two parted ways.
Not long after, Hayashi spotted a familiar blonde woman standing by the roadside, casually drinking beer. Her presence was impossible to miss.
His gaze lingered for a moment before he silently sighed. What a shame.
"Brat, stop right there."
Tsunade's voice rang out sharply as she watched Hayashi walk past her as if she did not exist.
"You just ignored me, and you were insulting me in your head, weren't you?"
Hayashi immediately protested his innocence. "How could that be? You're young and beautiful. Sure, a little rough around the edges, not too fond of dressing up, and maybe lacking in gentleness, but Sensei Tsunade, you've always been the perfect woman in my heart. I would never slander you."
"…Who taught you to speak like that?" Veins visibly bulged on Tsunade's forehead.
"Jiraiya, the last time we drank together."
"…Fine." She grabbed his collar briefly, then shoved a black pouch into his hands. "I'll go deal with him myself. Are you coming?"
"To watch?"
"No," Tsunade said flatly. "If it turns into a bloodbath, someone needs to drag him to the hospital before he dies too quickly."
She was smiling, but there was no warmth behind it.
"…I still have things to do at the training ground," Hayashi replied calmly. "Take care, Sensei."
Tsunade snorted and walked off.
Watching her leave, Hayashi silently praised his own quick thinking. Jiraiya had finally gotten the alone time he wanted.
Humming softly, Hayashi continued toward the training ground, only to find it already filled with Genin spectators.
"…Why are all of you here?"
He looked around and spotted Rasa in the distance, along with Kumogakure's A. Even Genin from other villages were peeking from afar, making his head ache.
"Hahaha, we heard about yesterday's commotion," A said openly. "So we came to witness another earth-shaking battle."
Hayashi shook out his cloak and chuckled. "You'll see it during the Chunin Exams."
Disappointment spread among the foreign shinobi upon hearing that.
From afar, Rasa sneered quietly. "Tch, just a jinchūriki…"
Before he could finish, something pressed firmly against his back.
"A kunai handle?" Rasa stiffened instantly.
"I suggest you watch your words," Hayashi whispered cheerfully into his ear. The killing intent behind the voice sent a chill through Rasa's spine.
A moment later, the pressure vanished.
Hayashi's shadow clone dispersed in a puff of smoke. Rasa turned stiffly, only to see Hayashi smiling warmly, as if nothing had happened.
As Minato and Kushina continued their taijutsu training, Hayashi opened the black dossier Tsunade had given him.
Inside were detailed reports on hereditary bloodline illnesses.
"So I'm just a messenger," he muttered.
As he flipped through the file, a black card slipped out. Hayashi caught it instantly and tucked it away after checking his surroundings.
A Konoha Bank black card, reserved for accounts with enormous funds.
It seemed Tsunade's medical fees were far more terrifying than her fists.
After pocketing the card, Hayashi called Minato and Kushina over briefly before returning to the Hokage Office once more.
This time, another person was present.
"Hayashi-kun," the Third Mizukage greeted him warmly.
"Greetings, Mizukage-sama," Hayashi replied formally before handing over the dossier.
"All recent research data and treatment records are inside."
The third stage of the Chunin Exams was approaching, so the Mizukage's presence was unsurprising.
"Very well. We'll proceed after the Exams," the Mizukage said before departing.
Watching him leave, the Third Hokage sighed quietly.
"Why is he here?" Hayashi asked. "Did he resolve the Kaguya Clan issue?"
"Every village has its own struggles," Hiruzen replied. "It depends on the Kage's ability to hold them together. As the only survivor of the first Five Kage Summit, I hope nothing happens to him. As long as he lives, Kirigakure can remain neutral."
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