As time passed, the weather grew colder.
Early one morning, Hayashi finished washing up and set off for the Hokage Building. Today was his first Jonin meeting and also the last before leaving the village for the battlefield.
The meeting room was on the second floor, separate from the Third Hokage's usual office. It had no windows, and the walls were covered with soundproof seals.
When Hayashi entered, over twenty Jonin were already seated. The number was just right, as today's meeting was only for those preparing to head to the front lines.
Hayashi immediately drew attention. The reason was simple: he was far too young. Standing barely ten years old, he looked like a child among these seasoned "uncles" and "aunties."
Typically, someone his age would be a Genin or Chunin. But Hayashi wore a Jonin flak jacket, and his unfamiliar face sparked whispers. Many tried to recall the rumors of the youngest Jonin in Konoha. Could this boy be the fabled genius now making waves in the village?
"You're early."
Hayashi felt a sharp tug on his collar and recognized the voice. Tsunade ignored the surprised glances of the other Jonin, dragging him to the seat beside her at the table.
"How's Kushina?"
"She's fine. Mikoto and Uchiha Yutaka are taking turns caring for her. Food, drinks, manga… she's living like a princess," Hayashi said, pouting slightly.
Since fainting, Kushina had been in Konoha Hospital under the highest security, her status rivaling even the Hokage. Any incident with her caused extreme alarm; even Tsunade had been summoned back from the casino to monitor her. Hayashi had grown annoyed at the fuss and the constant attention from the Anbu.
"The Third Hokage may mention her today, so be prepared. And keep Kushina's condition confidential," Tsunade lowered her voice.
"I understand," Hayashi nodded, glancing around for Orochimaru.
"Don't bother. He didn't come. Coward. One day he'll turn into a woman, mark my words!" Tsunade scowled.
Hayashi couldn't help but be amazed. Tsunade and Jiraiya truly knew Orochimaru inside out. Even the scheming plans of the villain now made sense—his absence today was calculated, avoiding conflict over medical reform.
Hayashi thought of himself as a Special Jonin, young but determined. He wouldn't dare skip the meeting.
"Ready?" Tsunade asked, tugging his ear.
"Almost," he replied.
"Good. Someday, I'll take you to the casino to see the world," she said cheerfully. Then she began introductions.
"This is Nara Shikaku, leader of the Konoha Jonin squad and head of the Nara clan."
Hayashi followed her gaze to a tall man resembling Shikaku, topknot tied high. Shikaku smiled warmly at him.
"What a genius ninja! Shikaku mentioned you. Thank you for aiding Shikaku, Choza, and Inoichi on the battlefield," he said.
Hayashi bowed slightly. "Senior is too kind. Without Shikaku's command and the coordination of the three families, we couldn't have achieved our success. Your guidance made it possible."
The gesture of mutual respect smoothed relations instantly.
Shikaku, though absent from the battlefield, was a high-ranking Jonin and attended today's meeting. The other two members of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio did not attend.
"Hayashi, we meet again," said a man with striking blue hair.
"Senior Dan, long time no see. Are you heading to the battlefield as well?"
"Yes. Jonin from our previous deployment have already left. Sakada departed a few days ago," Dan replied. Hayashi noted Sakada was indeed absent. Tsunade's expression remained neutral.
Tsunade continued introducing Hayashi to other high-ranking Konoha Jonin, many from prestigious clans or administrative positions. These were the people who had heard of him but had no personal connections—now he was expanding his network, which would aid future communications.
While Hayashi networked, the Jonin observed him carefully. He was Konoha's youngest Jonin, and his exploits in the Land of Rain had proven he was no mere prodigy. He had shed the halo of genius and established himself as a capable ninja.
On top of that, Hayashi carried the legacy of Uchiha Kagami. Older ninjas remembered the Uchiha who had helped Hiruzen Sarutobi secure the Hokage position amid chaos. Now his son, Hayashi, trained under Tsunade in a remarkably similar path, raising the question: was a new wind about to rise in Konoha?
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