In fact, Hayashi had never been to the Naka Shrine.
This wasn't because he was excluded from the clan, but because only those who had awakened the Sharingan were allowed to attend the secret meetings.
Only clan members with activated Sharingan were recognized as core members and allowed to know such confidential matters.
Hayashi and Mikoto had unlocked their Sharingan a year ago, but since they were constantly on missions, only a few, including Orochimaru, were aware of it.
For this reason, the Third Hokage had deliberately kept it hidden. He hadn't even informed his trusted friend, Shimura Danzo.
His reasoning was simple: geniuses often become targets.
As for who the threat came from—inside or outside the village—Hayashi wasn't entirely sure.
For the safety of the village, secrecy was paramount.
When the top leadership spoke, no one dared to question it. They could only comply silently.
A year later, news of their awakened Sharingan had finally returned from the battlefield.
Although activating the Sharingan was not as attention-grabbing as the village's victory over the Land of Rain, it finally allowed them access to the Uchiha clan's secret meetings.
Hayashi was surprised but quickly accepted it.
Orochimaru-sensei had also revealed that the village planned to send the Uchiha clan to protect the Daimyo. From this, the timing of the clan's secret meeting made perfect sense.
After a brief analysis, Hayashi understood the situation. Having someone at the top simplified things—small revelations prevented him from being caught off guard.
This was why the Uchiha leadership had always sought spies in the Anbu.
Yet, Hayashi couldn't deny a headache forming in his mind.
Some clans could be leveraged politically, like the Senju, while others, like the Uchiha, could complicate your life. Hayashi now faced precisely such an awkward situation.
As a reincarnator, it was difficult to feel a sense of belonging. Those who expected him to shoulder the clan's glory were mistaken. He was not a native, and the clan owed him nothing.
Even the clan head's son had "betrayed" them; integrity, in this sense, was meaningless for a reincarnator.
Had he been reborn as Fugaku himself, the clan's future would be his responsibility. But he wasn't—he was an outsider.
The clan head and the "crown prince" enjoyed comfortable lives, plotting schemes and reaping rewards, leaving no room for him to take charge.
Thus, developing any sense of loyalty toward the clan was pointless.
Konoha, however, was different. Hayashi held prestige and connections within the village. His peers were future political leverage.
By remaining discreet, after the Third Great Ninja War, he could rally support and perhaps rise to prominence.
Even if he never became Hokage, those who did would likely be his allies, friends, or teachers.
A coup to seize the clan head's position was unrealistic. Without complete control over the Uchiha clan, keeping a distance was the safest choice.
In the future, only three possessed true strength within the clan: Shisui, Obito, and Itachi.
Shisui needed no explanation. Obito hadn't even been born yet, leaving Hayashi to decide whether to eliminate him or keep him as a hidden talent.
Itachi…
"Mikoto, is my grilled meat ready?"
"Yes, yes, it's ready."
Hayashi had little attachment to the clan for now. These thoughts were personal; he was still young and limited in influence.
He needed only to watch out for Madara and Danzo's schemes, while steadily increasing his strength and prestige.
---
The meal stretched for three hours, finally coming to an end.
Everyone who had appeared frail was, in fact, Hinata in disguise. (Means they are a lot)
Hayashi, who had intended to pay, now had no choice but to use his own trickery.
"Hayashi, where are you going?" Nawaki, picking his teeth, asked.
His voice, low in the bustling restaurant, made the crowd quiet instantly, all eyes turning toward Hayashi.
Hayashi froze slightly.
"I'm going to the restroom," he said, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Ahaha, Hayashi, don't tell me you're trying to escape by peeing?" Minato teased.
Damn, he'd guessed!
Swish, swish, swish—hundreds of eyes felt like needles on his skin.
"I really am just going to the restroom," Hayashi insisted, clutching his stomach.
Shikaku gave a subtle nod, and several boys rushed to guard all exits.
"Just eat, I'll pay the bill while I'm at it," Hayashi said, quickly heading to the back.
Once in a quiet corner, he observed his surroundings carefully. No one was around.
Forming hand signs, he transformed into Tsunade, checking the illusion and even measuring the chest proportions to ensure perfection.
Satisfied, he walked confidently to the counter.
This wasn't his first time—he remembered a year ago, when Orochimaru had left him to pay. Hayashi had transformed into Jiraiya, putting the bill on Jiraiya's tab. The boss, familiar with the Sannin, hadn't noticed.
"Tsunade-sama, the usual?"
The owner, thinking he was serving Tsunade, looked puzzled.
"Oh… no. Tonight, my younger brother Nawaki is treating. He forgot his money, so put this on my tab," Hayashi said clearly.
"Alright~" The boss didn't question further.
Just as Hayashi prepared to leave, a hand patted his shoulder.
"Who is it?" he asked, turning to see a girl of about ten years old, wearing blue, flat-chested, with golden pigtails, holding a flask of sake.
Ten-year-old Tsunade, clearly transformed and freeloading with Nawaki.
"What a coincidence, Tsunade-sensei!" The sweat on Hayashi's forehead began flowing again.
"It is quite a coincidence," the mini Tsunade said, smiling faintly, though her eyes were serious.
"Hayashi, have you ever seen a fist the size of a bean paste bun?"
"…"
---
Unlock early access to chapters by becoming a patron!
Use code ZPHYRO7 to enjoy 50% off all membership plans.
Visit: Patreon.com/Zphyr
This special discount is valid until the 31st of this month.
Thank you for your support!