Time passed like a swift white stallion slipping through cracks; a year had gone by almost unnoticed.
For the Ninja World, nothing of monumental consequence occurred during this year. Of course, that was an exaggeration. Local skirmishes, rogue factions, and refugees from the Land of Rain all kept villages occupied. Yet these problems had persisted for decades and had long become routine. In most eyes, they weren't even worth discussing over tea; the world had no shortage of pragmatic, indifferent shinobi.
Compared to the sudden death of the Uchiha Clan Head and the strange incidents in the Hidden Mist Village the previous year, Konoha Year 35 could fairly be described as uneventful.
Perhaps it was another Golden Decade. No one could say for sure, but most ninjas quietly hoped that the drumbeats of war could be postponed a little longer.
May, Konoha Year 36.
The sun hung high, spilling warm light across the Village, making some citizens sluggish. Yet within the Barrier Team, work continued in a flurry of disciplined energy.
The large room was filled with intricate Sealing Technique patterns, each monitored by a dozen skilled ninjas maintaining their assigned sections. Expanding Konoha's Barrier Ninjutsu on its existing foundation was no simple task. Preparations had stretched back three years, and progress had been ongoing for nearly six months.
Uzumaki Mito's mastery of Sealing Techniques shone through effortlessly, far surpassing any ordinary ninja—including Kushina herself.
Hayashi and Minato also joined the effort. For Minato, proficiency in Sealing Techniques was essential to even approach mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, a challenge most Konoha ninjas could not comprehend. Despite his youth, Minato's skill rivaled that of the most experienced, marking him as a true prodigy.
Hayashi's abilities had initially been modest, yet after the System's enhancements and ten years of daily Genjutsu study, he had acquired a profound understanding of Sealing Techniques. Though still behind Mito, very few in Konoha could surpass him.
"Buzz."
Hand seals moved in rapid succession, and the countless patterns in the room flared to life, illuminating the hidden Barrier Ninjutsu of Konoha for all to witness. Ninjas outside glanced upward, sensing a subtle pressure radiating from the Village's protective seals.
"Everyone, let's begin."
Hayashi addressed the dozen Barrier Team members before him. Had he worked alone, the project would have taken at least two months. His personal energy was limited, and mistakes could easily have undermined the delicate seals.
Kushina, Minato, and the Sealing Squad nodded in agreement. For the next half month, Konoha remained blanketed under the powerful shroud of Barrier Ninjutsu.
"Phew."
When the work was completed, Hayashi exhaled deeply. "Thank you all for your effort."
"The hardest worker was you, Lord Hayashi; we merely assisted," one member replied, reverence evident in his tone.
Initially, he had underestimated Hayashi. While Hayashi's renown as a Konoha hero stemmed from military merit, his skill in Sealing Techniques had seemed modest. But the young prodigy quickly proved them all wrong, his mastery far exceeding expectations. From that moment, the team member became a devoted admirer of Hayashi.
With the task completed, Hayashi and Minato stepped outside.
"Hey, wait for me!"
Kushina's voice called from behind. Hayashi paused, frowning slightly. "Isn't it still before clock-out? Why are you out already?"
Smiling, she stuck out her tongue. "Captain gave me half a day off after all that hard work."
"You really have a kind captain," Hayashi commented.
"Yeah, he always looks out for me." Kushina shaded her eyes from the sun. "It's still early. How about we go get some Shaved Ice? There's a new shop nearby; the taste is amazing."
"Sure," Hayashi said, glancing at Minato. "Want to come along?"
"Of course." Minato agreed immediately. After maintaining the Barrier, his chakra was nearly depleted; rest and a sweet treat were better than training now.
The small shop wasn't far, yet the three found it crowded upon arrival.
"Business is booming," Kushina noted proudly. "Shows the taste is good. Huh, who's that?"
Following her gaze, Hayashi and Minato turned.
"That's… Nawaki, right?"
"That wretched blond," Hayashi said decisively, "I'd recognize him anywhere."
Minato nodded in agreement.
Kushina called out sharply, "Nawaki, what are you doing?"
Startled, Nawaki nearly fell from the wall he'd perched on. Turning, he glared at Kushina. "What are you doing here? Weren't you fixing the Barrier Ninjutsu?"
"It's already fixed. But you—" Kushina circled him, eyes narrowing. "Why were you crouching on the wall outside the bathhouse?"
"Could… could it be that you're the notorious Underwear Thief of Konoha lately, Nawaki?!"
"I'm not—"
"You're learning to peep from that old Jiraiya, aren't you?"
Kushina's eyes blazed crimson. Though Nawaki regarded her like a sister, the fiery title of Chaos-bringer was inherited from Tsunade. He had no chance to defend himself but to stammer, "I didn't…"
"What a pitiful excuse. Nawaki, future Senju Clan Chief, Konoha's infamous Peeping Tom." Kushina lowered her head in mock disappointment, yet her sly glance betrayed her amusement. "If Yakushi Nono finds out… it'll be very interesting."
"…!"
Sighing, Nawaki raised his hands in surrender. "I wasn't peeping or stealing underwear. If you want me to help with something, just say so. But don't torment me like this."
"Only say…?" Kushina asked, eyebrow raised, as Nawaki suddenly became very serious.
"Kushina, you're my big sister from now on! Spare me! Whatever you do, don't tell Yakushi Nono! We're family, why hurt each other?"
Hayashi and Minato both hid their faces, embarrassed by Nawaki's over-the-top plea.
From that moment, the trio became known as the Konoha Twin Stars, leaving Nawaki to squirm in comic defeat.
Kushina laughed. "It's fine if you want me to keep quiet, but first go buy three… no, six Shaved Ices. We'll wait for you in the shade."
"…Yes, big sister," Nawaki muttered, grumbling as he trudged off.