Early in the morning, two days later, Hayashi was startled awake by the piercing cry of a soaring eagle overhead.
This signal was used to summon Konoha's Jonin. According to Hyuga Tenku's earlier words, the messengers from Sunagakure would arrive soon.
After getting out of the hospital bed, Hayashi washed up, greeted Mikoto, and headed toward the Hokage's Office Building.
Along the way, he ran into Sakumo Hatake, radiant and practically glowing with joy.
"What's the matter, Senior Sakumo? You look positively cheerful," Hayashi said.
"Oh, it's you, Hayashi," Sakumo replied. He had not noticed Hayashi immediately, lost in thought as he often was.
"I have a blind date tomorrow," Sakumo said with a serious tone, "and I'll be married soon after."
Though his words were steady, the sheer delight on his face betrayed him.
"Congratulations then. I'll definitely attend your wedding," Hayashi said politely, though inwardly he thought: You're only meeting her tomorrow, how do you know you'll be married 'soon after'? Is shotgun marriage a trend in Konoha now, or has it advanced to marrying before even meeting?
Sakumo, lost in fantasies of his future wife, barely registered Hayashi's expression. He walked alongside him toward the Hokage's Office Building. After a moment, realizing it might be rude to ignore him, he spoke again.
"I haven't seen you in a few days. Were you on an S-rank mission?"
Now that the war was over, Konoha had a backlog of missions needing attention. In Sakumo's mind, a ninja of Hayashi's caliber must either be on such a mission or waiting for one.
"I probably won't be heading out anytime soon. Mikoto's hand is still recovering, and I'm still leading Team One," Hayashi explained.
"Mm, with Tsunade overseeing things, Mikoto should be fine," Sakumo nodded approvingly.
"And being a Jonin instructor is hard work. You'll have to do your best, Hayashi. If you turn out to be a good teacher, I'll entrust my daughter to you in a few years."
Hayashi blinked. He wanted to protest: First, are you even guaranteed to have a daughter? And second… maybe get a wife first?
They reached the Hokage's Office Building. Inside, several Jonin had already gathered.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat behind his desk and greeted Hayashi and Sakumo with a nod, saying little. Soon, more Jonin trickled in, with Jiraiya and Orochimaru arriving last.
Jiraiya's long white hair stuck up messily from sleep, pillow marks still on his face. Even the Third Hokage coughed in mild disapproval, unable to openly comment on his slovenly appearance.
Orochimaru, in contrast, was clean and composed, though his presence alone made sensitive ninjas keep their distance.
Hayashi sniffed the air subtly. A faint mixture of blood and chemicals lingered—a certain sign Orochimaru had been busy that morning.
In terms of disorderly appearance, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade all shared the same chaotic reputation: Konoha's infamous "Three Addictions."
Tsunade, however, was notably absent. Perhaps she was still indulging her gambling hobby elsewhere.
"Since almost everyone is here, let's begin the Jonin Meeting," the Third Hokage announced.
He cleared his throat, unwilling to wait for Tsunade any longer.
"First, I want to thank all the Jonin for their efforts. Thanks to your hard work after the war, Konoha is recovering steadily.
"I've called this meeting not just for routine matters, but to address an important issue."
All the Jonin remained silent, listening intently.
"Sunagakure has agreed to sign the Defeat Treaty. Negotiations will take place tomorrow, and their representatives will arrive this afternoon.
"The venue is prepared. Your primary responsibility is security. A large number of Anbu will handle the village perimeter. Those of you present here will manage security inside the venue and oversee the transfer of Sunagakure prisoners—the Third Kazekage and Chiyo."
The Hokage picked up a detailed map of the route. The Third Kazekage was securely held in a reinforced cell, sealed by Konoha's Sealing Squad, rendered essentially powerless.
Anbu and Root ninjas surrounded the area, ensuring the setup was foolproof. Even if Sunagakure decided to act treacherously at the last moment, Konoha had civilian safety as a priority.
With the Third Hokage assigning surveillance and combat responsibilities, the meeting, which lasted over an hour, concluded.
"By the way, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Sakumo, and Hayashi—you four stay behind. The others may leave," the Hokage instructed, signaling a private discussion.