The next morning, Uchiha Hayashi appeared at Konoha's main gate.
He had arrived earlier than the agreed time, only to find Kushina already waiting.
The little fox looked radiant, dressed in a fitted mesh t-shirt, a dark green vest over it, and long, opaque black stockings that accentuated the slenderness of her legs. She didn't appear ready for a mission; rather, she seemed dressed for a trip.
Hayashi glanced at her calmly, then handed the prepared village exit permit to the gatekeeper.
The Chunin on duty, a young officer, didn't scrutinize the permit, merely giving a polite nod. "Lord Hayashi, everything's in order."
The Konoha gatekeepers were all members of the police force, accustomed to dealing with clansmen. Hayashi gave a small, respectful nod and stepped out alongside Kushina.
Watching them leave, the young Chunin whispered to his companion excitedly, "As the rumors say, Lord Hayashi really is approachable."
"Yes, the young clan leader would never act arrogantly," the other replied.
"Keep your voice down," the first whispered, "are you not afraid of being overheard?"
"Afraid of what? Fugaku will hardly become clan leader anyway."
"You don't think highly of him either?"
"Who could? He stays holed up all day. We don't even know what he's doing. Lord Hayashi, on the other hand, has immense strength and still personally trains the clansmen in the grounds."
"True, I've encountered him several times."
The ninja raised an eyebrow, a knowing look in his gaze. "And that girl just now—do you know who she is?"
"Who?"
He glanced around cautiously, then whispered, "It's Uzumaki Kushina."
"What? That's her? I heard she's the Third Hokage's… illegitimate daughter."
"It's true. I have a friend working in the Hokage's office…"
He grinned, relishing the gossip. "Imagine it, Lord Hayashi paired with the Hokage's daughter. Who do you think the village will support for the clan leader position?"
"That explains it," his companion said, nodding. "With Hayashi involved, the Uchiha clan's path to influence is guaranteed."
"Keep it quiet," the first whispered again.
Hayashi had no idea that rumors of him being "appointed" as the Fifth Hokage were already spreading. Even if he did, he could not deny it—he enjoyed spreading gossip himself. After all, the famous saying in Konoha that "Kushina is the Third Hokage's illegitimate daughter" had originated from him long ago, innocently shared with Sensei Nishimura. Somehow, it had persisted to this day.
Indeed, sometimes talking nonsense was fun, and always talking nonsense was even better.
Three days later, Hayashi and Kushina arrived in the port city of Niigata.
After showing their Konoha identification, the two wandered into the bustling streets of the seemingly luxurious city.
"Where should we start?" Kushina asked, tugging at Hayashi's sleeve.
"The docks. Let's see if any ships are heading to the Land of Whirlpools," he replied.
Though not far from the Land of Fire, the Land of Whirlpools was separated by the sea. Traveling solely with chakra would be inefficient and disorienting.
"Okay." Kushina glanced around nervously, unfamiliar with the crowds. The presence of Hayashi beside her was a calming reassurance.
At the docks, they approached an official.
"No ships to the Land of Whirlpools?" Hayashi frowned.
The port official, sweating slightly, shook his head. "I'm afraid not, ninja-sama. Routes now only go to the Land of Hot Water, the Land of Water, and the Land of Craftsmen."
"Can no exception be made?"
"I'm sorry, it's impossible. We have no captains familiar with that route currently, traveling alone would be dangerous."
"Then what about buying a ship?"
"Ships can be sold or rented. But without experienced captains, it would be far too risky."
After a moment's thought, the official added, "There are one or two retired captains living in the city. They might help."
"Give me their addresses," Hayashi said decisively.
The official scribbled the details on a piece of paper, which Hayashi pocketed before leading Kushina out of the port area.
"Where to next?" she asked.
Hayashi surveyed the afternoon sky. "Let's find an inn first. Then we can eat something. Regardless, we won't set sail today."
Kushina nodded.
Evening fell. They sat in a small confectionery shop.
Hayashi sipped his tea, fragrant and mellow, while Kushina offered him a skewer of dumplings.
He reached to take them, intending to share, but stopped, amused, as she eagerly devoured them herself.
After finishing, she ordered more, satisfying her hunger. Hayashi left the last piece for her and went inside to pay the bill.
When he returned, he noticed two shady figures sitting dangerously close to Kushina.
Ruffians were everywhere, and they seemed to have a special interest in ninjas. Yet Hayashi stayed back, leaning against the counter, silently observing.
The shop owner noticed the potential trouble and folded her arms. "Aren't you afraid something might happen?"
"It's fine. She can handle herself," Hayashi replied.
"You two are… ninjas?" the woman asked, impressed.
Hayashi smiled. "Auntie has sharp eyes."
The shopkeeper blushed, giggling like a young girl. "Little brother, you're bad. I'm only eighteen."
Hayashi raised a brow. "Your daughter?"
Meanwhile, Kushina had acted without hesitation. She grabbed one ruffian by the hair, slammed the other into the wooden table with a loud thud, and paid for the damage. Her fiery temperament was unmatched—truly deserving of her nickname, the Red Hot Habanero.
At the same time, in the distant Land of Water, Uchiha Fugaku was embroiled in a bloody battle.
Mist ninja after Mist ninja fell before him, pierced by branches or consumed by his Amaterasu flames. His Mangekyo Sharingan moved with ruthless efficiency, leaving no mercy for his terrified opponents.
Three more ninja appeared, blades drawn, but Fugaku leapt into the sky, descending upon them with godlike force. Within moments, all three were incapacitated.
From the ground, a white figure emerged. "Fugaku, your Mangekyo Sharingan is stronger than ever, but…"
"Stop using Mist ninja as training dummies," Fugaku interrupted coldly. "Even impersonating the Third Mizukage, I can't suppress the chaos your absence creates."
The white figure ignored his tone. "I have news: the Nine-Tailed Jinchuriki has left Konoha."
Fugaku's eyes narrowed. "Sarutobi Hiruzen actually released her?"
"Yes, for a mission to the Land of Whirlpools with Raikou."
"Hayashi… no wonder Hiruzen is relieved," Fugaku said flatly.
"Should we seize the Nine-Tails?"
"No need. The sealing order cannot be tampered with yet; acting now would only alert the enemy."
"But we can't do nothing."
"Then let the Kubikiribocho wielder of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist handle it."
"Can he match Raikou?"
"Not likely. But he's opposed us before. Let him die."
"Why not send all of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen?"
Fugaku shook his head. "I will deal with Hayashi myself."
"…Understood."
"And Konoha?"
"Stable. But the young leader rarely leaves the village, and the clan seems divided in opinion."
Fugaku's expression remained unreadable as he walked toward the sea, letting the salt spray wash away the blood and grime from his recent battle.