Konoha's overwhelming victory in the Second Shinobi World War was well-known across the ninja world.
However, few were aware that the Uchiha clan had suffered heavy losses while intercepting Sunagakure ninjas in the Land of Fire.
Losses mean casualties, and casualties breed hatred. This principle applied even more to the Uchiha clan, whose legacy carried the weight of loyalty and vengeance.
Perhaps too much peace had dulled them, but that made the eventual pain strike harder, leaving ripples that lasted longer.
If anyone hated Sunagakure the most in this moment, it was undoubtedly the Uchiha clan.
The Hyuga clan, having shared Konoha with the Uchiha for over a thousand years, understood this perfectly.
This was why Hyuga Tenku spoke so pointedly to Hayashi—to warn him that the Uchiha might target the Sunagakure negotiation team.
Tenku's "good intentions" were far from selfless.
Hayashi's presence would dramatically increase the Uchiha's chance of succeeding in their revenge. If he refused, the likelihood of Uchiha losses grew, and careful manipulation could see the clan crushed again.
Moreover, Hayashi was the son of Kagami and the grand-disciple of the Third Hokage, a living wedge between the Uchiha and the Hokage lineage. Tenku observed that Hayashi's loyalties subtly leaned toward the Hokage, making this situation perfect for widening the rift.
Of course, Tenku also had a personal angle: his daughter Himeji was on Hayashi's team. If he performed well, it would reflect positively on Tenku's foresight and care.
Tenku was clever. He provided information without pushing advice, letting Hayashi make the final decision. A calculated, careful scheme.
Hayashi could not help but respect Tenku's foresight. Prepared or unprepared, it made all the difference. After all, if Hyuga Yama were to come directly asking for Hayashi's participation, would he accept?
The group continued dining, casually discussing battlefield events. Most pressing topics had been covered, and the banquet was drawing to a close.
Hayashi had gained unexpected insight, and Tenku had learned much as well. It was clear that Hayashi possessed remarkable ninja talent, sharp intelligence, and an honorable character. He was not the typical arrogant Uchiha protagonist, and Tenku's carefree daughter would be safe under his watch.
After the meal, Tenku instructed Himeji to escort Hayashi on a stroll around the clan grounds. Hyuga Hizashi, bitter and resentful, glared at Hayashi before leaving—a clear warning: "If you lay a hand on my sister, don't blame me for beating you to a pulp
Hayashi could only smile wryly. He longed to shout: I'm not a pervert, I'm a respectable person!
With Himeji leading the way, they quickly reached the streets of the Hyuga estate.
The streets were quiet, dinner hour and the absence of entertainment keeping them mostly empty.
Passing a small shop, Hayashi went in and bought two cups of yogurt.
"Here you go," he said, offering one to Himeji.
"Huh?" Himeji tilted her head, puzzled.
"Don't pretend. I know you didn't eat enough tonight—you were just spacing out."
Himeji hesitated, then accepted the cup. Hayashi opened his own and drank the thick yogurt in one gulp while leaning against a bench in the grassy area.
"Don't you like it?" he asked.
"No… it's just my first time drinking it. It feels strange," Himeji admitted.
"You're the Hyuga clan's young lady, and you've never had yogurt before?" Hayashi's disbelief was clear.
"My father was strict. He didn't allow us to buy street food when we were young."
"Then what did you drink?"
"…Ice Island spring water," Himeji replied after a moment.
"The Land of Water, right? That sounds familiar."
"Well, it's famous. Ninja school books even mentioned it."
"This is the life of the rich," Hayashi remarked. "No wonder your tastes are different."
Himeji rarely initiated conversation, but she asked, "Hayashi, do you like yogurt that much?"
"Yeah, when I'm no longer a ninja, I plan to open a yogurt shop in Konoha."
"…Not a bakery?"
Hayashi scratched his head. "How did you know?"
"Mikoto told me."
"She actually talks to you about this?" Hayashi was surprised. "But selling yogurt and bread in the same shop isn't a conflict."
"…Okay," Himeji said with a faint smile.
The wind rustled through her hair and clothes, mingling with the soft sounds of trees and insects.
"Then what will you do when you're no longer a ninja?"
Himeji shook her head. "I don't even know what tomorrow will bring."
"Actually, everyone is like that."
"Is that so? And you, Hayashi?"
"Of course," he said calmly. "But it seems like I've learned to keep moving forward, even when I feel confused."
"…I see," Himeji said softly, gazing at his face, at once composed and strangely childlike.
Above them, the sky stretched high and deep. The white Milky Way peeked through the layers of clouds, a quiet witness to their conversation.
____
A big thank you to everyone that supported me by joining my patreon
But y'all joined the free version, why? 😁
Joining will grant you access to chapters way ahead of web novel 🫣
patreon.com/Zphyr