Early the next morning, Hayashi woke promptly and, after dressing, stepped out of his tent. Orochimaru had only allowed one day of rest. Now it was time to focus; a combat meeting was scheduled for that morning.
By the time he arrived, several shinobi were already assembled. Among them, the most conspicuous was Sakumo Hatake, covered in blood and radiating intense killing intent. It was clear he had returned directly from the battlefield, with no time to change his clothes.
Once everyone seemed present, Orochimaru entered, settling a stack of documents on the table.
"All right, now that everyone is here, let's begin this morning's combat meeting," he said.
He addressed the seated jonin directly, his raspy voice cutting to the point. "First, good news. Our surprise attack unit, led by Jonin Minato Namikaze and Nara Shikaku, reached their destination yesterday as planned. Next, we only need to assault the Sand Ninja camp to complete the first stage."
Indeed, the vanguard's mission was no simple probe. Orochimaru's plan involved a significant portion of Konoha's forces. The troops stationed behind Sunagakure's camp were intended to coordinate with the frontal assault for a decisive pincer strike.
With the initial objectives achieved, delaying the operation would only risk reinforcements from the Hidden Sand Village countering their advance. Orochimaru's plan was bold, but under these circumstances, it was the most decisive course of action.
After briefing the group, he distributed materials and a list of ninjas participating in the operation. Unsurprisingly, a ninja of Hayashi's caliber was placed in the forefront, alongside Sakumo, Konoha's renowned White Fang.
"Long time no see, Brother Sakumo," Hayashi greeted.
"Indeed, it's been over six months," Sakumo replied with a warm smile. "After you left, Kakashi kept thinking about you."
"Don't worry, I've taught him everything I can for now. Besides, isn't he more concerned about mastering the sword?" Hayashi chuckled. The endless blade forged by Raiga remained in his possession, intended for Kakashi once his training was sufficient. The outbreak of the Third Great Ninja War had interrupted that plan.
"That sword is too precious," Sakumo said, shaking his head. His own White Fang short sword had been far less remarkable.
"As a sensei, I can't come empty-handed. I acquired this from the Hidden Mist Village, though Kakashi may eventually face their attention," Hayashi explained.
"Kakashi is a shinobi. He'll need to learn to protect himself eventually," Sakumo said, unconcerned.
As the two reached the camp entrance, Mikoto came running, slightly out of breath. She had missed the morning meeting after overusing her Sharingan yesterday.
"Senior Sakumo," she greeted respectfully, then slipped behind Hayashi, pinching his waist playfully from an angle Sakumo couldn't see. It was her subtle retaliation for being left asleep.
Sakumo, having seen such antics before, pretended not to notice, maintaining a neutral expression. Eventually, he cleared his throat. "It's about time we head out, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Hayashi nodded, taking Mikoto's hand as she wiggled restlessly.
For this attack, the Konoha forces were divided into three divisions. The vanguard, led by Hayashi and Sakumo, would spearhead the assault, opening a breach.
The front of the Sunagakure camp was open desert. Approaching at full speed, the vanguard's presence was bound to be detected. A shrill whistle sounded—the Sand's assembly signal.
Despite being spotted, the Konoha ninjas pressed forward without hesitation. This was the vanguard's responsibility.
A volley of kunai rained down, launched from Sand ninja weaponry designed to exceed the range and lethality of conventional attacks. Hayashi positioned himself in the center of the formation. As he entered the kill zone, he activated Chidori Current, surging forward with a sharp electric crack.
Kunai struck the lightning release, all deflected by its force, but Hayashi moved in a serpentine pattern, evading larger fuma shuriken, whose sheer weight could crush unprepared shinobi. Several nearby Konoha ninjas weren't as lucky, struck by debris.
"Prepare ninjutsu!" Sakumo's order signaled the next phase. Hayashi formed seven Shadow Clones on the battlefield. Five engaged directly, executing coordinated elemental jutsu against the Sand forces. Hayashi's goal was not to suppress them entirely, but to draw enough fire to create openings.
Seizing the cover of smoke, Hayashi hurled two clones skyward using his monstrous strength. The clones soared, arcing toward the enemy camp. As they peaked, one clone leapt off the other, extending the strike.
"The sky!" The Sand ninjas noticed a black dot flying overhead and fired kunai into the air. The clones' objective was complete.
Crushing a vial and smearing blood on his hands, Hayashi formed seals for a massive summoning.
Ninja Art: Summoning: Food Cart Destroyer Technique!
A giant green-scaled python descended from the sky with a thunderous hiss. Its massive tail slammed into the camp's outer wall. Boom! Dust and debris erupted as the wall shattered, leaving a gaping hole.
Just as Hayashi considered advancing, Sakumo leapt forward, a white blur among the enemies. In a display of sheer skill, he cut through the crowd effortlessly, entering a God of War mode, leaving Hayashi to admire the reckless but effective style.
Hayashi smiled inwardly. This team of fearless warriors was exactly the kind he liked.