After a night's rest, Hayashi packed his mission gear early in the morning and headed toward the base gate.
"Morning, old man," he called, seeing Jiraiya emerge from Minato's tent.
It wasn't unusual for Jiraiya to stay overnight with his beloved disciple, especially after two years apart. Otherwise, what could two grown men be doing?
"Morning, brat," Jiraiya yawned, looking listless as though he hadn't slept well.
Hayashi hesitated. "You didn't do anything weird last night, did you?"
Jiraiya pouted. "I was just adjusting to the time difference."
Hayashi was speechless. It was only a four or five-hour journey from here to the Land of Rain. Adjusting to the time difference, my foot! Clearly, Jiraiya was just too used to comfort.
"Ah, the Land of Rain is still comfortable," Jiraiya added, glancing disdainfully at the chaotic base.
The aroma of breakfast drifted faintly through the air. Hayashi looked at Jiraiya with admiration. Few people could enter such a serene, almost dreamlike state while walking and talking. But wake up, Jiraiya-san! Hayashi worried silently. Could this mission really go smoothly?
By the time they reached the main gate, Sakumo Hatake was already waiting, his short sword strapped to his back. Though both men had white hair, Sakumo's tied-up ponytail gave him a striking, composed appearance. Hayashi couldn't help but sigh. As expected of a man who could stand toe-to-toe with him.
"Morning, Sakumo-senpai," Hayashi greeted.
Sakumo nodded and patted his shoulder. "This time, I'm counting on you."
"Ha, with our lineup, we could probably attack Sunagakure ourselves. No need for me," Hayashi joked, though he wasn't exaggerating.
Orochimaru, Sakumo, Jiraiya, and Hayashi. With these four at the forefront, was there any mission they couldn't accomplish? All except Jiraiya had already achieved great feats in the Land of Rivers, earning unique titles and commanding respect. As long as they worked together, they were virtually unstoppable.
Hayashi could only imagine the mission's true challenge would be facing the Third Kazekage. While the Kazekage was powerful, against this team, he was just a paper tiger. Magnetic Release or not, if Hayashi faced him one-on-one, Orochimaru would have to kneel, pleading for his life.
In the next few minutes, more Leaf ninjas arrived, totaling nearly two hundred.
"I believe everyone understands the mission's key points," Orochimaru said, clearing his throat. "I won't belabor the details here. This battle will determine the war's outcome. Afterward, the Third Hokage-sama will not neglect those who fought for Konoha."
"Since preparations are complete, let's depart."
Orochimaru led the way out of the camp gate, followed by Sakumo, Jiraiya, Hayashi, and the teams of elite Jonin. The two-hundred-strong contingent marched toward the main battlefield with measured purpose.
"If we encounter combat, follow the strategy we've trained for," Orochimaru advised Hayashi as they moved. Hayashi's genjutsu skills were unmatched in boosting team combat power. Enemies below elite Jonin had no defense against his unpredictable illusions. Even those near Kage-level could be disrupted for a few critical seconds—enough for speed-type ninjas to eliminate them. Sakumo's expression showed quiet agreement.
Only Jiraiya had never fought alongside Hayashi, relying on information from Orochimaru and Minato's accounts. Hayashi welcomed the support role; it was neither mentally nor physically demanding.
Crossing the desert swiftly, they caught the Sand ninjas off guard. The Leaf forces had not stayed to recuperate, advancing boldly instead. By the time Sand intelligence learned of their movement, the Leaf contingent had already covered two-thirds of the distance.
If they reached the core battlefield before Sand reinforcements could arrive, the terrain would favor Leaf. Even a hesitant retreat might allow them to push directly into the Sand base. Area-of-effect ninjutsu alone could secure victory.
The Sand ninjas quickly attempted to organize a defense, but their numbers were insufficient to withstand the Leaf forces.
Upon receiving the news, the Third Kazekage personally rushed to the battlefield. His presence could stabilize the front lines temporarily, buying time for reinforcements. In this war, one that could decide Sunagakure's fate, he dared to dream of turning the tide.
It wasn't arrogance—there were simply no Leaf powerhouses of his level he could identify. And he was unaware of Jiraiya's presence, or perhaps, even if he knew, he wouldn't have cared.
Huh, who is Jiraiya?
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