At this time, Uchiha Hayashi and Mikoto left Tsunade's place and returned to the battle platform.
Back at the grounds, Hayashi noticed that Minato, who had been resting unconscious on the sidelines, had already woken up.
"Are you awake, Minato?" Hayashi asked.
"Hehe, yeah." The golden-haired Minato Namikaze turned his head and gave Hayashi a small smile, showing that he was fine.
"Hayashi, why do you look so pale? Didn't Tsunade-sama treat you?" Minato asked with concern.
"That woman…" Hayashi shivered slightly, unwilling to recall the details.
"Are the second-years done fighting?" he asked, changing the subject.
"The top three spots are decided. You, Mikoto, and me," Minato explained.
"Nawaki forfeited his match. I'm not sure why, but he had a really dark expression. Was he injured?"
"It's complicated. He's probably dealing with some serious psychological trauma. He'll need guidance," Hayashi said calmly. "But it's fine. He can always turn to Tsunade-sama and the others. Let's just be decent for once and let him have the spot."
Minato nodded, not pressing further. He was still quite happy—getting into the top three wasn't easy, especially with so many talented peers in their grade.
"What's next? Do the three of us fight again, or are we moving on to ranked matches… no, I mean fighting against other grades?"
"Yeah, that's it. The next round will be team battles by grade. Rankings will be judged by the Third Hokage-sama's disciples based on our performance," Hayashi explained.
Hayashi couldn't help grumbling inwardly. Isn't this blatant favoritism? As long as the Sannin decide later, the results are already predetermined. If they say you're good, you're good. If not, you won't even make the top three.
"That still sounds fair," Minato replied optimistically.
"Fair, my ass," Hayashi muttered.
"…?"
"Nothing." He shook his head, then said, "You have to work hard next, Minato."
"Of course, I'll give it my all!"
"Mikoto, you too."
"Definitely. I'll work hard for Hayashi too~"
"That's good." He reached out and gently stroked her head before turning his eyes toward where the Sannin stood.
Sure enough, after the students' matches ended, Jiraiya performed hand seals, dispelling the earlier training platforms. Then Orochimaru stepped forward, his fingers moving with practiced precision. Soon, a much larger arena rose in place of the smaller ones.
"Everyone rest for half an hour. The second round will continue in the afternoon. Students who don't want to watch may return to class," Orochimaru announced in his calm, hoarse voice before vanishing from sight.
Tsunade also left quickly, muttering about making time for the casino.
Finally, Jiraiya glanced at Hayashi, waggled his brows with a mysterious grin, and dashed off after Tsunade as though chasing a lover.
Each of the three clearly had their own agenda.
Hayashi smirked knowingly. Tsunade-sama is already irritated. If Jiraiya keeps pestering her now, he's asking for trouble. This should be fun to watch.
"Hayashi, what's wrong?" Mikoto asked, tilting her head.
He and Mikoto didn't leave the training grounds. Instead, they found a shady tree to sit under. Mikoto unsealed a bento box she had prepared earlier.
"Nothing, just wondering if Jiraiya-sama is about to meet his fate," Hayashi replied with a sly smile.
"Honestly, you can't be like this, Hayashi. You're definitely planning something bad," Mikoto puffed her cheeks adorably while handing him chopsticks and a bowl.
Ever since Mikoto discovered that Hayashi's lunches were nothing but water and rice, she had taken it upon herself to make proper meals for him.
Hayashi had tried refusing—he didn't want to look like he was living off her kindness. Even if I starve, I, Uchiha Hayashi, would never…
He took a bite.
Delicious!
"Oh, today it's meatballs and crab?" Hayashi said through a mouthful, unashamedly picking up another piece with his chopsticks. He gestured for Minato to come eat as well.
The crispy exterior gave way to juicy, tender flavor.
"Delicious! Mikoto's cooking is amazing."
"Hehe, as long as you likes it." She smiled shyly, then sat beside him to eat.
The warmth of the moment was almost too much for Minato, who glanced at the bento in Hayashi's hand and then down at the dry bun in his own. Defeated, he scooted over and shamelessly shared their meal.
Where's my ninja pride…?
Maybe it was time for him to think about getting a female friend or perhaps a girlfriend. At least one who could cook.
…
"Die, Jiraiya! Atone with your death, or I'll send you straight to hell!"
Tsunade's furious roar echoed from afar. Even at the academy, Hayashi and the others could feel the killing intent.
"What? Did Jiraiya-sama anger Tsunade-sama again?!" Mikoto asked, worried.
"Calm down, Tsunade! Orochimaru, help me stop her!" Jiraiya's frantic voice carried across the village.
"Don't get in my way, Orochimaru! I'll kill Jiraiya, and if you interfere, I'll kill you too!" Tsunade bellowed.
Hayashi shivered. As expected of her. That killing intent alone makes my skin crawl.
Then came the words:
"Go to hell, Jiraiya! Heavenly Foot of Pain!"
"Someone, help! Tsunade's gone insane! Hiruzen-sensei, save me!" Jiraiya screamed.
"BOOM!!!"
A violent tremor shook the ground. Even at the academy, the students felt it.
Jiraiya-sama, your sacrifice will not be forgotten, Hayashi thought with mock solemnity, a smug grin tugging at his lips.
"Hayashi, what's wrong? You look so happy?" Mikoto asked curiously. After spending so much time with him, she had learned to read his every expression. Seeing that look on his face, she knew he was definitely pleased about something.
__
Read chapters in advance on patreon.
patreon.com/Zphyr