When a person's thoughts drift too far from the world around them, trouble often follows. Those behind society are called fools; those ahead are often labeled lunatics.
As a time-traveler, Hayashi naturally held ideas that surpassed his era. Yet voicing them would certainly earn him the latter title. For instance, the medical system. Without concrete proof, convincing the Third Hokage was impossible. Over the years, he had worked to expand his influence quietly. Only when enough people backed him could such ideas stand a chance of realization.
Looking back, the results over the past few years were promising; his influence among acquaintances was respectable.
Exiting the Hokage Building, Hayashi felt satisfied. The sunlight was bright, and he shielded his eyes instinctively. Through his fingers, he saw two familiar figures—Tsunade and Kato Dan.
They stood under the shade of a large tree, conversing quietly. Kato Dan wore a subtle smile; Tsunade nodded but kept glancing toward the Hokage Building.
As Hayashi approached, her heart seemed to leap.
"Hayashi, you're out. What happened?" she asked, hurrying forward.
Behind her, Kato Dan followed curiously.
"Teacher, why are you here? Didn't I tell you to wait for me at the hospital?" Hayashi asked, slightly exasperated. It wasn't the right place for a conversation.
"Just tell me first—did the Third Hokage agree?" Tsunade pressed.
"Unfortunately, he didn't. He even scolded me, telling me not to meddle and to avoid talking nonsense outside!" Hayashi said with a shrug.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow, glanced at Kato Dan, and understood immediately.
"Ah… then we'll drop this matter."
"Don't be discouraged, Teacher. Hokage-sama will understand your good intentions. I support you," Hayashi said with a warm smile.
Tsunade returned the nod, smiling.
"Well then, Dan-senpai, my teacher and I are heading to the hospital to visit a friend. Let's talk again later."
Kato Dan nodded. "Go ahead. Goodbye." He left around the corner, disappearing from view.
With the area cleared, Tsunade returned to her usual impatient state. "Now, you can tell me, right?"
"Teacher… you knew I was lying?" Hayashi asked.
"I knew the Third Hokage before you were born. Jiraiya caused all sorts of trouble in the past, and the Third Hokage never lost his temper. How could he be angry at you? Also… wasn't your last line meant to make Kato Dan leave?" Tsunade said with a smug smile.
"So… he agreed?"
"That's right. As soon as I showed him the data, he immediately approved. But Hokage-sama said it's confidential and must not be publicized."
Hayashi nodded.
"I knew you were the most reliable!" Tsunade patted his shoulder, increasingly pleased. This plan had been one of her long-cherished dreams, and now it had come true. Her eyes sparkled.
"…Hayashi, do you want to go see the ninja world?"
"I… I do. But why are you asking this now?" Hayashi replied warily. Her tone hinted at mischief.
"The ninja world is vast, and I want to see it. Traveling alone can be lonely, so I want you to accompany me," Tsunade said, patting his shoulder.
Hayashi's forehead darkened. He finally understood. Tsunade's insistence on building the medical system wasn't purely for the village—training a group of capable successors would allow her to leave safely. Her secondary reason? To have him as a companion. She sought a "nanny" for her journey.
Would he go? If it were Jiraiya, perhaps. But he had his doubts.
"Let's not talk about that yet, Teacher. Why were you and Kato Dan at the entrance?" Hayashi asked, shifting the subject.
"I came to wait for you. After a while, he saw me and came over to greet," Tsunade admitted, disappointed her abduction plan had failed.
Hayashi smirked. "How about I guess what you two were talking about? If I'm wrong, I'll travel with you."
"Okay," Tsunade replied with confidence.
"Was it about the medical ninja system?" he guessed.
Tsunade nodded. Encouraged, he continued. "Did Dan-senpai also say not to be discouraged, and that he would support you even if no one else does?"
Her eyes widened. He had guessed correctly.
"Did he also say he wanted to treat you to a meal and discuss life or something?"
"You eavesdropped on our conversation?!" she exclaimed.
"The meeting room has soundproof sealing jutsu. How could I eavesdrop?"
"Then how did you know?"
"Teacher, this is a common pick-up line. You're too slow. Kato Dan was trying to flirt with you."
Tsunade blushed, silent for a moment. At twenty, she had never experienced a relationship, and naturally, she hadn't noticed.
"Nonsense, of course you couldn't feel it. Look at the men in your dating pool," Hayashi said with a playful pout. "Orochimaru-sensei, a pervert. Jiraiya-ossan, even worse. Sakumo-senpai, completely straight. Among these men, it's a miracle your orientation hasn't shifted."
Tsunade could only remain speechless, realizing just how astute Hayashi could be.