The days passed slowly, one after another. Aside from Mikoto and Kushina, who often came by to visit, Hayashi's most frequent guests were Nawaki and Minato.
Minato's visits were calm and consistent. He always came with the same topics—ninjutsu, chakra control, and theories about battle application. It became routine, and Hayashi didn't mind. Those conversations were often the highlight of his recovery.
Meanwhile, outside the hospital walls, the war had already begun. Once Konoha's war machine started moving, nothing could stop it. Teams of shinobi were dispatched toward the Land of Rain.
According to Konoha's official report, Rain shinobi had "invaded Konoha territory" first. According to the Land of Rain, Konoha was the aggressor. But in the ninja world, one truth always stood above all others—the one with the bigger fist decides what's right.
The entire world was now on edge. Every major nation was preparing, sharpening their kunai and waiting for the next spark.
Although the war had begun, Tsunade and her squad still hadn't been called to the front. As time went on, Kushina and Nawaki's visits grew less frequent. Then one afternoon, Kushina came by with tears in her eyes. She leaned close and whispered, "Grandma Mito… she's not doing well. She might not last much longer."
That kind of information was supposed to be top secret. Kushina must have broken the rules just to tell him. Hayashi could only comfort her softly. He had met Uzumaki Mito a few times—she was a kind, elegant woman with a gentle heart despite her immense power. The thought of her fading away filled him with a quiet sadness.
---
Half a month later, after receiving medical clearance, Hayashi finally left the hospital and returned home. He still had to attend regular check-ups, of course—there was always the risk of lingering toxins.
But rumors about him had already spread far beyond the hospital walls. A nine-year-old who had taken down two jōnin—and awakened a two-tomoe Sharingan in the process. When Orochimaru reported the event, the Third Hokage immediately classified it as a top-secret matter.
---
More than ten days later, classes resumed at the Ninja Academy. Though the Second Great Ninja War was underway, daily life in Konoha still carried a fragile sense of peace. The fighting hadn't yet reached the Land of Fire—for now, Konoha was the invader, not the defender.
Still, the village's resources were stretched thin. With so many shinobi deployed to the frontlines, even the Academy began to feel the strain. Teachers were scarce; the remaining ones were overworked.
On the first morning of the new term, Hayashi walked toward the Academy, his pace steady and thoughtful. He didn't head straight to his classroom. Instead, he turned toward the training grounds. He already knew the schedule well—there would be an opening ceremony, where the Hokage himself would speak.
The "ceremony" was really just a speech about the Will of Fire, meant to strengthen the students' loyalty to Konoha—especially now that war loomed. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, valued that kind of ideological unity more than anyone. He often visited the homes of fallen shinobi, personally comforting their families.
When Hayashi stepped into the training field, dozens of curious eyes turned toward him. He could feel the weight of their attention. Among all the Academy students, Hayashi was the most talked-about. Top of the class. The prodigy. The boy at the center of a dozen exaggerated rumors.
Some said he'd fought the "Demi-God" of the Rain, Hanzo, and survived. Others joked he'd "kicked the Sage of Six Paths to death." He ignored them all, tightening the cloak around his shoulders as he crossed the field. He wasn't arrogant. He just didn't see the point in correcting gossip. In the end, everyone here was a potential ally—or obstacle—in the future. Maintaining good relations mattered more than ego.
Spotting Minato standing near the far corner, Hayashi made his way over.
"Hey, you're early today, Hayashi," Minato greeted, smiling as he approached.
"Where's Mikoto?" he asked curiously. "You two are usually together."
"She'll be here soon," Hayashi replied.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Mikoto appeared, her hair neatly tied and her expression calm as ever. However, Kushina and Nawaki were nowhere to be seen. Neither Hayashi nor Minato found it strange. Everyone's lives had been thrown off balance by the war.
They chatted casually, mostly about training and the recent rumors from the borders. Before long, the Third Hokage appeared on the raised platform ahead. The entire field fell silent. Thousands of young ninja-in-training turned their eyes toward him. Hiruzen cleared his throat and began his speech.
---
"I believe most of you have already heard," he began, his voice carrying easily across the grounds. "Not long ago, shinobi from the Land of Rain invaded our territory."
He paused briefly, letting the words sink in. "Yes, they invaded Konoha." Of course, the truth was more complicated than that—but Hiruzen's tone left no room for doubt. There had been Sand shinobi among the bodies recovered, but the matter had been silenced by the Council. Konoha didn't need evidence; Konoha's word was the evidence.
---
Hiruzen continued, his expression solemn.
"Yes, war has broken out. It began the moment I announced it."
"War… it will take countless lives. I despise it. I despise seeing my people die."
"When someone dies, their past and present vanish along with them."
He paused again, scanning the young faces below.
"Many die on missions or in war—and often, their deaths come far too easily."
"Is such a death worth it?" he asked softly, almost to himself.
Then his voice rose. "Yes. It is."
"Because each of us has people we hold dear—parents, siblings, lovers, friends. People we cannot bear to lose."
"We live only once. You don't have to walk a path you despise. Whether you live or die, do it as yourself."
"But never forget—no matter what path you choose, protect those you love. That is not an ideal, it is a bond."
"Those bonds give us strength. They drive us to risk our lives… because some people are worth protecting."
He took a deep breath.
"For me, you are those people. You are the future of this village. The ones I wish to protect."
"I want you all to live peacefully under this sky. That is my dream."
"Your parents—your teachers—they are fighting right now to protect that dream."
"So please… do not hate me for the choices I've made."
With that, the Third Hokage bowed deeply. For a moment, silence reigned. Then, the sound of applause spread across the field—soft at first, then rising in unison. Thousands of young hands clapped for their Hokage.
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Thanks for the Power stones...but it's still not enough for a bonus chapter
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