The next morning, Hayashi woke early.
He was about to call Nawaki and Dabai to get up, but then he remembered he was no longer on a mission outside the village.
War syndrome truly took its toll. Just a few months here, and his mind already felt frayed. How those who had been on the battlefield for years survived was beyond him.
Turning over in bed, his thoughts lingered on what Tsunade-sama had told him. Accepting the "benefits" without action would surely earn him a particularly unpleasant reprimand.
Troublesome.
Hayashi dressed in casual clothes and stepped outside, intending to stroll through the village streets and grab some breakfast.
Although it was early, a fair number of villagers were already about.
Yet, he didn't recognize anyone at first.
Wait—no one familiar?
As he pondered this, a familiar figure appeared in the distance—Teacher Nishimura Shin.
Rubbing his eyes, Hayashi confirmed it was indeed his old homeroom teacher, who had been somewhat irresponsible for six years yet unmistakable from afar. Today, Teacher Nishimura stood near a small grove.
But didn't he always arrive late for class? Why was he up so early?
This seemed unscientific.
Hayashi quickly changed direction, heading toward the grove, curious about his teacher's early-morning secret.
As he drew near, recognition became certain.
Tall and muscular, dark-skinned, wearing a light green Chunin vest—there was no mistaking him.
However, Teacher Nishimura faced away, partially obscuring whoever he held in his arms.
Impossible, thought Hayashi.
After all, Teacher Nishimura had married during the summer break. Six years of failed blind dates had suddenly resolved with a marriage after graduation. A little painful to his pride, yes—but now, early in the morning, he was embracing someone else?
Hayashi accepted that his teacher could have an innocent explanation.
He moved closer, hiding behind a tree to gather evidence.
First came a sound: heavy, rhythmic panting.
"…Hmm."
This, too, could be explained. Perhaps exercise?
"Here, take half a month's salary," Teacher Nishimura said, his voice rough but firm.
Money could be explained as well—maybe a friendly settlement?
Hayashi's mind raced. Teacher Nishimura must have fallen for someone instantly, engaged in intimacy soon after, then parted ways, leaving a payment as a token.
The truth must be simple, he reasoned. He believed in his teacher's character.
"No, I can't accept this money!"
A strong, masculine voice.
A man?!
Hayashi scratched his head. This was unexplainable. Teacher Nishimura, married, yet embracing a man? Handing over half a month's salary in one go?
To maintain market balance—or rather, Konoha's heroic image—he felt obligated to intervene.
Taking a deep breath, Hayashi coughed loudly from behind the tree.
"Who's there?!" Teacher Nishimura exclaimed, startled.
"Don't be nervous, teacher. Long time no see," Hayashi said, stepping out.
When he saw who was with Teacher Nishimura, he was surprised.
An acquaintance!
Though the two had never met, Hayashi recognized the man instantly.
Wearing a green jumpsuit, neatly groomed beard, and a three-seven hairstyle—this was unmistakably Might Dai.
Hayashi had just uncovered a secret in Dai's life.
Seeing his expression, Teacher Nishimura cleared his throat. "Don't misunderstand. We just finished a 500-lap training session around Konoha. We're giving each other massages to relieve muscle fatigue."
Such a routine?
"By the way, this is my best friend, Might Dai," Teacher Nishimura added, pride evident in his voice. "He's the youngest Jonin I mentioned yesterday, and also my former student."
"Hello, senior, Hello Teacher," Hayashi nodded.
"Um…" Dai hesitated, awkward. A perennial Genin, he was naturally cautious around a Jonin.
Teacher Nishimura didn't notice. "Hayashi, don't call me teacher anymore. You're a Jonin now, far beyond my level."
"Teachers are always teachers, no matter status," Hayashi replied.
"By the way, what are you doing here?" Teacher Nishimura asked, glancing at an envelope on the ground, likely containing half a month's salary.
Dai stiffened slightly.
Teacher Nishimura hesitated, then explained in a low tone, "Dai is opening a shop here with ten million taels, but he's still short one thousand taels of start-up capital."
"…Wow," Hayashi muttered, stunned. Lending money in such a refined and precise manner was a first for him.
____
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