When Hayashi found Orochimaru, he was in the process of resealing the unconscious Third Kazekage in an iron cage.
It was akin to handling a dangerous beast.
Seeing the once-invincible Kazekage reduced to such a state, Hayashi could not help but sigh with a mixture of awe and melancholy.
In this world of ninja, who did not fight with all they had to survive? Ordinary people lived their lives quietly, while the mighty lived differently. But in the midst of war and death, no one was exempt.
Even the Sage of Six Paths would have been no exception.
Hayashi's concern, however, lay more with those he cherished. Only when they were safe did he even consider others.
Yet this order could not be reversed. While not an egoist, Hayashi was certainly not a saint. Were he asked to sacrifice his family like Minato had, he would not have been able to comply. Nor would he allow a catastrophe akin to the Nine-Tails attack to occur.
"What's the matter? Trouble with your clan members?" Orochimaru, seated on the ground and redrawing the seal, looked up calmly.
Years of observation had taught him the subtleties of his disciple's emotions.
"No… it's just seeing the Third Kazekage like this… it stirs something inside me."
Orochimaru nodded thoughtfully. "Normal. You're still young. At my age, you learn to feel nothing."
"Why?" Hayashi asked, puzzled.
"Numbness," came the reply.
Hayashi was silent, digesting the word.
"Does it scare you?" Orochimaru asked, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I graduated from the Ninja Academy at six… Anyone who has taken lives for sixteen years becomes numb," Hayashi admitted quietly, staring at his pale hands.
After a moment, he managed another question. "Why did you graduate so early? I thought the Academy's history said graduation happened at eight."
"Now it's ten," Orochimaru explained. "Check the genin on the battlefield this year. How many are ten?"
Hayashi nodded, recalling the First Great Ninja War.
Orochimaru, pausing his sealwork, leaned back and stared at the sky. "During that war, Konoha lacked capable ninja. The First Great Ninja War was far harsher than what we're facing now."
He recalled the chaos vividly. "Konoha faced threats both inside and out. After the First Hokage's passing, the great nations stirred for war. Then the Second Hokage was ambushed and fell a few years later. Konoha nearly collapsed."
"The Third Hokage, too young to manage the clans, especially the Uchiha, bore a heavy burden."
Orochimaru's eyes studied Hayashi intently. "The Academy's history books are censored. You learn a sanitized version. For instance, the Third Hokage did not assume his position immediately after the Second's death, but years later."
He rose, looking at the sun. "The Second Hokage's death and the ensuing chaos affected me profoundly. I realized then: even the strongest can fall; even Konoha, leader of the great nations, could crumble."
"I asked two questions: why do people fight, and why do they die?" Orochimaru said quietly, gazing at the clouds above. "Years later, I understood… conflict stems from desire, and life is fleeting. The body's existence is impermanent."
…
Once the seal on the Third Kazekage was complete, Hayashi and Orochimaru stood, walking toward the main group.
Passing a rest area, they encountered Sakumo. After exchanging greetings, they continued onward.
"Sakumo is a truly noble ninja," Orochimaru murmured.
He hadn't informed Sakumo of this plan. Otherwise, Hayashi would not have been told to restrain him from intervening earlier. From exchanging information with the Third Hokage to releasing the Kazekage, Orochimaru maintained meticulous control, knowing precisely what he could and should do.
He understood Konoha's darkness, yet still harbored light within his heart. For now, at least.
This insight alone had made the Third Hokage consider Orochimaru worthy of succeeding him as Fourth Hokage, surpassing even Jiraiya and Sakumo in judgment.
Yet intelligence carries a risk: the sharper the mind, the more perilous the obsession.
As Hayashi pondered, Orochimaru suddenly asked, "That friend of yours… Minato Namikaze? Jiraiya's reckless disciple?"
Hayashi blinked. While Jiraiya was foolish, Minato was far from it. One must not confuse teacher and student.
"He also studies sealing jutsu, yes? Some parts of this cage remain unsealed. Perhaps he can examine it next time." Orochimaru's voice carried a subtle note of unspoken compensation for Jiraiya.
"Alright, I'll ask him to come," Hayashi said with a soft chuckle.
"What are you laughing at?" Orochimaru asked, intrigued.
"Nothing. I just think Orochimaru-sensei is… truly good."
"That is the first time I've heard anyone say that," Orochimaru replied with a small shake of his head.
Hayashi smiled quietly, saying nothing.
…
At a junction, they parted ways, heading to their respective rest areas.
"Alright, Minato," Hayashi heard Jiraiya's cheerful voice from afar. "You should be happy, I succeeded! This time, I will win over Tsunade!"
Hayashi paused, stunned by the sudden announcement.
Minato, Jiraiya, Mikoto, and Himeji turned as footsteps approached.
Jiraiya hurried over with boundless excitement. "Careful, careful, I'll help you, don't fall!"
He steadied Hayashi by the shoulder.
"…Am I injured?" Hayashi asked cautiously.
"No, no. Anyone wanting to hurt you would have to get through me first," Jiraiya said, pride in his voice.
"Uncle, why so protective?" Hayashi asked.
"I took your advice, grabbed a cup, and smashed it in front of Tsunade," Jiraiya boasted.
"She agreed?"
"Not exactly."
"Then why so proud?"
"She invited me to travel with her."
"Hmm."
Jiraiya grinned lecherously like a playful uncle. "She wants to visit Tanzaku Quarters first. It's supposed to be fun."
"I haven't been there either," Hayashi remarked.
"You'll remember it soon," Jiraiya replied, daydreaming already.
"By the way, any tips for impressing girls?" he asked.
"Bring plenty of money. Withdraw your savings."
Jiraiya nodded approvingly. "A small amount won't satisfy Tsunade. She spends like no one else."
Hayashi shook his head. Even the Senju clan's fortune could hardly match her. Jiraiya's motivations became clear: gambling debts and adult novels explained everything.
"When do we leave?" Hayashi asked.
Jiraiya shook his head. "Not decided yet. First, mundane matters must be handled. This journey might last years. I'd rather stay outside than in a village filled with darkness."
"And Orochimaru?" Hayashi asked.
"Who cares? I have Tsunade. Let him worry about his own affairs," Jiraiya laughed.
The distant chirping of cicadas filled the forest.
Birds prepared for night, while the lingering sunset painted the returning Konoha army in hues of gold and violet.