With Orochimaru's command, the Konoha ninjas surged forward against the Iwa forces. The Iwa ninjas resisted briefly before their formation began to crumble.
Had there been someone like Naruto among them, who could employ a ninjutsu secret technique—Mouth Jutsu: Gradual Persuasion Technique—they might have restored chakra, rallied the scattered Iwa troops, and turned the tide.
Unfortunately, none were fortunate enough to step into such an exceptional realm.
Mouth Jutsu could sometimes unite hearts. It illustrated why Konoha's ninjas were often considered the strongest. The legendary feats of the Gold and Silver Brothers, along with other elite shinobi, had once overwhelmed the Second Hokage and the Second Raikage. The Hidden Cloud Village certainly possessed powerful ninjas, yet Konoha's strength lay not solely in individual skill but in unity—the Fire Will, the spirit binding hearts together.
.....
Seeing the Leaf forces liberating the Land of Rain, Hayashi wanted to rush forward and earn more ninja points. But Shinnosuke stopped him decisively.
"You don't have chakra left, Hayashi. Don't risk your life on the battlefield. If you die now, how do I explain it to Orochimaru and the others?"
Hayashi considered the words and let it go. After such a long battle, he was exhausted. Leaning back on Shinnosuke, he fell asleep.
He didn't know what followed. With Orochimaru's orders to annihilate the Iwa ninjas, their main forces could not have escaped.
---
"Where am I?" Hayashi asked, opening his eyes.
"You're awake, Hayashi," Mikoto said immediately, relieved to see him stirring.
"Where… am I?"
Hayashi realized he was lying on a bed. His head was dizzy, likely from oversleeping, and his senses were sluggish. Yet he noticed he was in a tent.
Shinnosuke had presumably brought him back to Konoha's temporary camp. The smell of alcohol suggested this tent was also functioning as a hospital ward.
Nearby, Nawaki lay with his head heavily bandaged, engrossed in a book and occasionally letting out a strange giggle. Fortunately, it was not Icha Icha Paradise—Jiraiya had yet to pen that notorious series.
From his angle, Hayashi could read the book's title:
Memoirs of a Geisha in the Land of Rain
Jiraiya had crafted this novel from personal experience, intending to preserve aspects of the fading traditional culture.
"This is Konoha's front-line ninja hospital," Mikoto explained.
Because Hayashi had collapsed on the battlefield, Shinnosuke had taken him to the temporary hospital. Heroes of Konoha received care befitting their efforts.
After examination, it was clear Hayashi had overextended his chakra and sustained minor injuries, but nothing critical. Mikoto remained to attend to him.
"Is it already night?" Hayashi asked, glancing at the darkening sky.
"Yes, the second night," Mikoto replied.
A day and a night had passed. No wonder he felt dizzy.
"And Nawaki… why is he like this? Wasn't he fine?" Hayashi inquired.
"He was caught in an explosive tag while fighting the Iwa ninjas," Mikoto explained.
.....
Mikoto then recounted the events on the battlefield while Hayashi slept. She had pieced together more details than he could hope to know.
"Hayashi, do you know? Yesterday, the Demigod announced that Orochimaru-sensei, Tsunade-sama, and Jiraiya-san are now the Sannin of Konoha," Mikoto said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Hayashi nodded. Expected. But seeing Mikoto so enthusiastic, he felt a twinge of guilt.
"Afterward, the Hidden Sand Village also spread word that you are the Konoha Lightning Flash. They claimed you defeated Shukaku using only one Lightning Release."
"Huh?" Hayashi grimaced.
Konoha Lightning Flash? Was that really necessary? It sounded absurd, even corny.
Mikoto continued enthusiastically, explaining that many now regarded him as a hero of Konoha, claiming his strength rivaled the Sannin.
"Wait, what did you just say?" Hayashi's discomfort grew. Finally, it all clicked. No wonder the Sand ninjas were excessively praising him.
A ten-year-old child, however talented, could not match Orochimaru, Tsunade, or Jiraiya. And techniques like Kirin were conditional, not reflective of his usual combat prowess.
This comparison to the Sannin was pure exaggeration. Anyone hearing such rumors would surely want to test his abilities, and rival villages might even attempt assassination. Young prodigies on the battlefield were always prime targets.
Rumors could be deadly. Praise from the wrong mouths could make enemies. Unlike Minato, whose Yellow Flash title was backed by tangible deterrent power, Hayashi's current strength was at most Jonin-level.
A meeting with someone like Kakuzu, a Particle Style user, or Shukaku's wrath could easily end his life.
Hayashi understood the danger, yet the rumors weren't entirely unfounded. He had publicly defeated Shukaku with Kirin in front of many, leaving an unforgettable impression. For observers, the Konoha Lightning Flash title was inevitable—whether hype or reality.
....