At Mikoto's insistence, Hayashi remained in the hospital ward for another day before leaving. Nawaki, meanwhile, continued his recovery there alone. Judging from his expression, he seemed content. Every day, medical staff brought him food and changed his bandages—a mix of suffering and comfort he found strangely satisfying.
Soon, Orochimaru, Tsunade, and the Konoha ninja forces returned to the garrison one after another. Even Hatake Sakumo, who had gone to confront the Four-Tailed Jinchuriki, returned safely, though battered and bruised.
At last, after two long years, the war in the Land of Rain had come to a complete victory.
Yet, for the people of this country, life would not necessarily improve. Endless trauma and lingering chaos would dominate their existence. For Konoha, however, that was not their concern. Their goal was the surrender of the Land of Rain—a responsibility Hanzo would have to shoulder.
When Hayashi stepped out of the ward, it was noon, and rain still fell in unbroken sheets. The garrison buzzed with energy; cheers, laughter, and the busy movement of people packing supplies filled the air.
Even amidst this, the horrors of war remained visible. Large swaths of terrain were destroyed, and deep stains of fresh blood seeped into the soil—unwashed even by days of rain. Fortunately, the bodies of the fallen had been largely cleared.
As Hayashi wandered through the garrison, he noticed that nearly everyone recognized him. Respectful and eager gazes followed him, not because of his age but because of his strength.
The young man who danced with lightning to defeat a Tailed Beast—the Konoha Lightning Flash—had become a hero even admired by Sand Village ninjas.
Feeling the weight of attention, Hayashi sought out Minato for guidance. Suddenly, a fox-masked ninja blocked his path.
"Tsunade-sama is looking for you," the ninja said.
"Alright, I'll go." Hayashi nodded and entered the central tent. Inside, Tsunade sat frowning over several documents.
"Teacher, were you looking for me?" he asked.
"Yes. Sit first; I have something to discuss once I finish this," she replied. She glanced at him, then returned to her work.
Tsunade working diligently was rare. In the years to come—even as Hokage—she would seldom show such focus. But now, many commanders were missing, Orochimaru was in his underground lab organizing his experiments, and key ninjas like Hyuga Tenku and Sakumo remained hospitalized. Even Jiraiya provoked her frustration from afar.
Finally, she looked up. "Hayashi, any injuries?"
"I'm fine, Sensei," he replied with a smile, flexing his arm to demonstrate his mobility.
"Good. That was handled by others… though I did contribute a bit."
Hayashi raised a brow, amused by her modesty. Tsunade shifted awkwardly, changing the subject.
"The Konoha Lightning Flash—I haven't congratulated you yet. How does it feel to have your own title?"
Hayashi curled his lips. "It's alright… more stylish than the Sannin of Konoha, I guess."
"But with a public title comes responsibility. Even at night, the weight can cause insomnia. Great power carries great responsibility."
"…Is that so?" Hayashi noted her words, recognizing a smile without joy behind her eyes.
"Some say your strength rivals mine. Shall we compare notes?" she asked, clenching her fists.
"…Teacher, don't joke. You know my limits," Hayashi said wryly.
"I really don't. That lightning you used was visible from far away—I was shocked. I didn't expect it to be yours," she admitted, standing with a mixture of surprise and respect.
"Hayashi, you are now a ninja capable of standing alone," Tsunade said, her gaze steady.
"I never realized your talent in lightning release," she continued. "The Chidori you developed was astonishing. You've grown even stronger. Can you use it at will?"
Hayashi explained the principle of Kirin.
"So the technique requires thunderstorm conditions?" she asked.
"Yes, though it can be artificially produced—it's just cumbersome," he replied.
"Many are spreading rumors of your strength, claiming you can defeat a Tailed Beast. But that's exaggerated. Are you sure it's wise to let this continue?"
"This is my concern exactly. In a few years, I might reach that level. Now, though? I'm a target for many powerful forces if the rumors persist."
"Actually, Orochimaru ordered this spread," Tsunade revealed.
"Why?" Hayashi asked, puzzled.
"When the Sand Ninjas proclaimed you the Konoha Lightning Flash, I wanted to suppress it, fearing their intentions. But Orochimaru disagreed—he not only let it spread but promoted it, making the village aware of your deeds."
"And why?" Hayashi pressed.
"Because he values you greatly," Tsunade said, her gaze meaningful.
Hayashi fell silent, absorbing her words. Reputation, momentum, recognition—all now supported by someone of Orochimaru's stature. Though he could not fully understand the man's thoughts, he felt deeply moved.
As Tsunade noted, Orochimaru truly valued this young disciple.
_______
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