After leaving Tsunade, Hayashi walked toward his home.
He had been at the hospital for a few days and needed to return for a change of clothes. Mikoto was being cared for by Kushina, so it was fine to go back in the evening.
However, before he had walked far, he was stopped.
The leader of the approaching group was someone Hayashi knew well—Hyuga Akifusa.
"Senior Akifusa, it's been about a year since we last met, hasn't it?" They exchanged brief greetings.
Hayashi had met Akifusa on the battlefield in the Land of Rain, where he had saved this member of the Hyuga branch family. They had crossed paths a few more times in the Land of Rivers, but for the past year, Hayashi had heard nothing. Initially, he thought Akifusa had perished in battle, but after asking Himeji, he learned Akifusa had retreated with the Hyuga clan heir.
"Our clan head knows you're free lately, so he asked me to invite you to the clan for a gathering," Akifusa said respectfully.
Hayashi was puzzled. He had only met the Hyuga clan head once on the battlefield in the Land of Rain. Back then, after he defeated Shukaku with Kirin, Hyuga Tenku had saved him and Sarutobi Shinnosuke. There had been no contact since. This invitation seemed sudden. Was Himeji's father planning to settle accounts?
No, that wasn't it. He hadn't done anything drastic—at most, he had influenced matters behind the scenes.
Still, Hayashi responded without hesitation: "Since that's the case, it would be rude to refuse."
With that, the three of them headed toward the Hyuga compound.
The Hyuga estate is located in the south of Konoha. In terms of seclusion, it is not much different from the Uchiha compound.
Large clans in Konoha share this problem. Even the Land of Fire's history cannot rival that of these ancient families. They take pride in preserving their bloodline, but this pride often leads to blind arrogance, and without adaptation, extinction looms.
Compared to the Uchiha, the Hyuga are better at navigating relationships and managing politics. The war had shown it clearly. Hyuga Tenku, the clan head, had used a forbidden technique to withstand a powerful attack from Chiyo. Though it damaged his eyes, it demonstrated strategic restraint and foresight—qualities the Uchiha sometimes lacked.
Even so, the Hyuga's overall strength limited their ability to be domineering. For instance, Naruto, empowered by his abilities and status, had married the Hyuga heir. Had the Uchiha been in this situation, Fugaku would have opposed any such union with deadly force.
When Hayashi and his companions entered the Hyuga estate, the twins, Hyuga Hiashi and Hyuga Hizashi, were already at the entrance.
"Hayashi, long time no see," Hiashi greeted warmly, taking Hayashi's hand with a familiar grip.
Hizashi was more reserved, nodding politely without speaking. Even though they were twins, Hayashi could tell who was older. Hizashi's composed, somewhat bitter expression suggested a maturity beyond his years, making him seem older than Hiashi at first glance.
"Since the young clan head is here, we will take our leave," Akifusa and the accompanying ninja bowed respectfully and retreated. Though polite, their tone carried subtle distance.
Hiashi opened his mouth to say something, but only a silent sigh escaped. Hayashi observed quietly, knowing that staying silent was better than forcing conversation.
Inside the living room, only Hyuga Tenku and Himeji were present.
"Hayashi, you've grown taller over the past two years," Tenku said, his vision limited by his damaged eyes. With Himeji's support, he moved slowly forward.
After exchanging greetings, Tenku gestured for Hayashi to sit.
"Himeji told me you've been back for a few days. I've been busy with clan affairs and haven't had the chance to welcome you properly. It's my fault, don't take offense."
"Not at all. I'm just free at the moment."
Tenku chuckled, sipping his tea. "If even a hero like you is free, maybe I should retire."
Hayashi smiled politely. "If it weren't for you holding back Chiyo on the battlefield in the Land of Rain, we wouldn't know the extent of our losses."
Tenku laughed heartily, though the mention of Chiyo drew a sigh. "I didn't expect the Flower of the Shinobi world to end up this way."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow, unsure how to respond. Seeing Tenku's regretful expression, he kept silent, realizing some things were better left unsaid.
"Anyway, the Sand ninja will be coming over in a few days to sign the surrender agreement," Tenku said, noting the presence of maids bringing in new dishes.
"That fast? I thought we'd have to wait for the Land of Lightning and the Land of Earth to decide the outcome," Hayashi remarked.
"They cannot wait. Chiyo and the Third Kazekage are in our hands. The village needs someone to oversee the situation, and someone must bear the Daimyo's scrutiny," Tenku explained.
"And I heard that Shukaku appeared in the Sand Village," Hayashi added thoughtfully.
Tenku's eyes twinkled. "As one of the greatest contributors to this war, your presence is expected when the Sand signs the surrender. This is a rare opportunity in one's lifetime. Are you excited?"
"Not particularly. I'm a little hungry," Hayashi replied, handing his empty bowl to Himeji, subtly shifting the conversation.
Tenku shook his head, smiling. "You're clever, pretending to be simple to catch a tiger."
"But what I wanted to discuss is another matter," he said more seriously. "It seems your Uchiha clan plans to escort the Sand ninja out of the Land of Fire once the agreement is signed."
Hayashi inhaled sharply, realizing the old fox before him was well-informed beyond expectation.