Two days later, in the Hokage Office of Konohagakure, a jubilant but formal atmosphere filled the room.
"Congratulations, everyone. I've seen all your hard work," the Third Hokage began, offering his customary speech. "Now that you are Chunin, I hope you will continue to love the Village and strive always to pass on the Will of Fire."
After his words, he personally lifted the Chunin flak jackets from the desk and handed them out. As Minato and the others received their jackets, excitement brimmed on their faces and trembled in their voices.
"We will work hard, Hokage‑sama," they said with sincere enthusiasm.
The Third Hokage smiled. "That's good. You've all earned a break after the Chunin Exams. The Village will give you another two days off. We'll discuss missions later."
He picked up a teacup, blew on the floating tea leaves, and added, "You all may head back now."
"Thank you!"
Once the door closed behind them, a burst of lively chatter drifted into the office as the new Chunin celebrated outside.
The Third Hokage took a quiet sip of tea and glanced toward the corner where Hayashi stood, calm and composed.
"Seeing them like this reminds me of when I became a Chunin all those years ago," the Third Hokage said with a touch of nostalgia.
Hayashi walked slowly to the center of the hall and replied, "Is that so? I don't even remember how I became a Chunin."
The Third Hokage laughed heartily. "You jumped from Genin to Jonin in just one year unlike anyone else in the entire ninja world. It's only natural that you don't feel much sentiment about it. Things that are harder to obtain are always more cherished."
The youth smiled in response to the compliment. "Uncle Hokage's insight is profound."
The Third Hokage chuckled even more, "Your flattery is as stiff as your sensei's. But in terms of ninja talent, you surpass even him… No, you are even more outstanding than he was. In all these years, I haven't seen a child more talented than you."
Hayashi listened quietly to the praise from the man who stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world.
After a moment, the Third Hokage's tone shifted and his gaze sharpened. "Hayashi, your Clan Chief, Uchiha Yama, has requested that I transfer you and Mikoto into the Military Police Force. Were you aware of this?"
Hayashi met the Third Hokage's steady gaze and answered simply, "Yes. The Clan Chief discussed it with me when the young clan head's eyes had problems."
The Hokage rested his chin on his hands and smiled kindly. "According to your clan's regulations, his request is reasonable. Even as Hokage, I should not interfere too much. This matter is ultimately for you to decide."
Hayashi shook his head firmly. "I'm doing well leading Team One. I don't intend to join the Military Police Force for now."
"Good choice," the Third Hokage said, his expression softening, "But there's something else. I plan to temporarily disband Team One."
Hayashi blinked. "Disband?"
"Yes," the Third Hokage nodded. "I've decided to have Nawaki and Minato enter the Anbu for several years of training. They both have great talent, but they lack experience and need combat seasoning. As for Kushina, she cannot leave the Village for the time being, so I will have her join the Barrier Team. This was also Uzumaki Mito‑sama's wish before she passed."
Hayashi asked, "Then what about Mikoto and me?"
The Hokage's tone shifted, turning the topic with a question, "Do you remember the Twelve Guardian Ninja?"
Hayashi's brow twitched. "It's related to them again?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "More or less. The Guardian Ninja have always protected the Land of Fire's daimyo. Though the daimyo has never stated it explicitly, he wishes to reestablish them, especially after the incident with the former daimyo's son. He remains quite uneasy about safety and political stability."
"So, what does he want?"
The Third Hokage stood with his hands behind his back and stated plainly, "He wants you to serve as part of the Twelve Guardian Ninja for a period of time."
"…Why me?" Hayashi asked.
The Third Hokage smiled. "The daimyo wants guards who are famous. You are known throughout the Land of Fire and beyond as Konoha's Lightning Flash and a war hero, naturally more renowned than most. Years ago he wrote to request you, and after your role with the former daimyo's son, he wrote again insisting you must come."
Hayashi said speechlessly, "He really thinks highly of me."
The Hokage laughed. "Of course. Your fame is extraordinary. His request could have been declined, but I believe sending you is wise."
"Why?"
"Remember when merchants from the daimyo's residence colluded with Sunagakure? These merchants will do anything for profit, and in harming Konoha they often step beyond moral bounds. The daimyo backs them, which makes them dangerous. I am sending you as a Guardian Ninja so that you can watch over them. If anything seems wrong, you report directly to me."
Though not certain how long peace would last, the Third Hokage sensed political unease and wanted to preempt potential trouble before it escalated.
Hayashi felt conflicted. Avoiding the internal political storm of the Uchiha Clan might be good, as war could break out in the future, yet he wasn't thrilled about joining the Guardian Ninja. In his mind, they were a bodyguard force whose reputation was not especially distinguished, and he worried it might be remembered poorly in his future résumé. But in canon Naruto lore, the Twelve Guardian Ninja were indeed a bodyguard organization for the daimyo of the Land of Fire.
The Third Hokage continued, "You will also take on an S‑rank mission."
"What is it?"
"Monitor the Hidden Mist Village. There have been some problems there, and Anbu spies in Kirigakure lost contact during the Chunin Exams."
Hayashi blinked. "During the Chunin Exams? Wasn't the Third Mizukage in Konoha then?"
"Yes," the Third Hokage confirmed. "There are signs of upheaval in the Hidden Mist Village, which is located in the Land of Water and led by the Mizukage. Its ninja are known for mastery of water‑based techniques. "
"Just me?"
The Third Hokage shook his head. "No. I will dispatch an Anbu squad under your command. I'll also temporarily hand over the spy network in the Land of Water to you since the daimyo's residence is closer to that region."
"But I've never been in the Anbu."
"That's not a problem. With your strength, you can lead an Anbu squad easily. Moreover, there's someone in the squad you know who will help you."
Hayashi's brow lifted, showing surprise.
"In short, your duties at the daimyo's residence will be heavy. Monitoring the Land of Water will count as an S‑rank mission. Any other questions?"
Hayashi thought a moment and asked, "How many ninja can I take with me to the daimyo's residence?"
The Third Hokage smiled ambiguously. "Theoretically, the daimyo only gave two slots for Guardian Ninja. However, as a representative of Konohagakure, you may bring up to ten ninja as long as the total does not exceed eleven."
"I see. I'll just take two people with me," Hayashi decided.
The Third Hokage laughed. "That works. Decide who you want. If you remove some of the less capable, the slots will open up."
He then pulled Hayashi toward the window and looked out over the Hokage Rock, his tone sincere.
"Don't disappoint me. I have high hopes for you."
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