"We'll head back to the Village tomorrow. Are your things packed?"
In the small courtyard, Hayashi sealed the last bundle of luggage into a scroll, then looked up and asked Mikoto.
"All done." Without looking up, Mikoto watered the potted plants with a kettle.
Watching her move gracefully, Hayashi fetched a small stool and sat beside her. After a moment, he spoke, "If you're so attached to them, why not just take everything back to Konoha?"
Mikoto shook her head. "I promised Princess Tamako I'd leave them here. Taking them back would be rude. It's fine—I can always grow them again at home."
Resting his chin on his hand, Hayashi murmured, "I've collected plenty of seeds for you too, but will your little garden have space?"
"Probably not," Mikoto replied thoughtfully. "Then I'll plant them in your garden."
"But mine is full as well."
Straightening, Mikoto stared into his dark eyes. "What are you implying? I sense hidden meaning in your words."
Hayashi's gaze drifted. "The old house is small and shabby. There's so much open land around, why not build a new house with a bigger garden? That way… I wouldn't have to run to your place every day."
A blush crept across Mikoto's cheeks. "You mean… live together?"
"…Not exactly. Two houses, but close enough to feel like one."
Mikoto's lips curved into a soft smile. "Your idea sounds nice—"
"Right? You like it too?" Hayashi's eyes lit up, hopeful.
"But I refuse."
"…Really?"
"Must you be so direct?"
Hayashi muttered in protest, but at that moment, Jikū appeared at the gate.
The boy rose to greet him. "Jikū-senpai, what brings you here at this hour?"
Jikū smiled. "You're leaving for Konoha tomorrow morning; I came to see you off."
After offering him a stool, Hayashi said apologetically, "We'd like to stay longer, but the Third Hokage issued orders—we have to return."
"No matter. We all knew parting was inevitable." Jikū pressed his palms together. "Actually, I'll be leaving soon myself."
"Back to the Temple of Fire?"
"Yes. After Kakuzu's assault, the temple suffered heavy losses; I'm returning to become abbot."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow—so even a Guardian Ninja can't escape the family business.
The soon-to-be abbot didn't notice and continued, "There's another reason I came today." He produced a scroll from within his robe.
As the only temple in the Land of Fire, its century-old significance extended beyond symbolism, holding treasured knowledge—such as the Ninjutsu in Jikū's hand.
"Secret Art: Welcoming Thousand Hands, a temple technique. This scroll contains detailed instructions—a parting gift."
"This gift is far too precious."
Jikū shook his head. "It's only a Ninjutsu. Had you not defeated Kakuzu, the Temple of Fire might no longer exist. Consider it gratitude."
"Then, thank you."
"All right, I won't disturb you further." With a final nod to Hayashi and Mikoto, Jikū left, walking into the distance.
Watching him fade, Mikoto sighed. "Jikū-senpai is truly a good person."
"Yeah," Hayashi agreed. "There's a reason the Temple of Fire remains a major power in the Land of Fire."
"Now, let's continue discussing the house."
"In your dreams," Mikoto snorted, spun, and ran inside.
January of Konoha's thirty-fifth year brought deep snow across the Land of Fire.
Through the harsh weather, Hayashi returned to the Village after two years as Guardian Ninja, accompanied by two disciples of Tsunade Hime.
"Lord Hayashi, registration is complete…" a gate guard greeted respectfully.
Though all were Jonin, the honorific "Lord" fit naturally. Hayashi had just stepped down from Guardian Ninja duty; he held no administrative rank in Konoha, yet his strength and reputation ensured high regard.
After registering, Mikoto, Himeji, Yonayu, and Kana parted ways for home, while Hayashi strolled casually into the Hokage Building.
Anbu Jonin nearby melted from sight; some matters weren't for their ears, and they knew it.
"You're back."
The Third Hokage, unseen for years, stood at a second-floor window, gazing at the snow-filled sky.
"Yes. Konoha Jonin Hayashi pays respects to Lord Third Hokage."
Hayashi advanced two steps, dropping to one knee in respect. The etiquette for returning from a mission could not be skipped.
Looking at the youth who had grown from chest-high to nearly his own height, the Third Hokage's lined face filled with sighs.
"Rise. These two years serving as Guardian Ninja at the Daimyo's Residence were hard on you."
Hayashi stood. "It was my duty; no hardship is too great for the Village."
The Third Hokage seated him, patting the desk. "You did well in Anbu as well; Shinnosuke often praises you. Regarding the Hidden Mist Village, I'd like your opinion."
Recently, the Hidden Mist shifted from total lockdown to partial openness, sending scraps of news across the seas. Ninja everywhere remained cautious, unsure how to respond.
Hayashi replied calmly, "'Village of the Bloody Mist'—those were the Third Mizukage's own words. The Village enforces iron-blooded policies. Any clash with Kirigakure will turn violent at the slightest dispute; that's now the norm."
The Third Hokage sighed. "How did it come to this? Two years ago, the Third Mizukage seemed different, and those trade agreements…"
"They no longer count. If war breaks out again, Hidden Mist will likely strike first. I recommend strengthening defenses against surprise attacks."
The Third Hokage considered, then shook his head. "A large-scale war is unlikely soon; Sunagakure and Iwagakure haven't fully recovered."
Hayashi felt helpless. Precisely because they haven't recovered, they might strike—yet no one realizes it yet.