Inside the Konoha headquarters, several Jonin in dark green flak jackets sat around a large table. The room felt heavy with tension as they discussed the safe return of their troops.
After days of resting in the Land of Rain, an official recall order finally arrived from Konoha. The Land of Rain had already surrendered and agreed to a series of unequal treaties. Keeping Konoha's army stationed at their border was nothing but face-slapping nonsense at this point.
Even Hanzo, anxious about preserving his dignity as the so-called demigod, had sent a stern complaint to the Third Hokage.
Hayashi stood in the room as well, quietly listening to the confidential discussions. Strangely, not a single Jonin questioned why a mere Chunin had entered the headquarters.
But anyone who knew his battle record understood why. His strength and achievements were undeniable. If the promotion to Jonin didn't require the Third Hokage's personal authorization, Hayashi would already be the youngest Jonin in the history of Konoha. And with Orochimaru personally bringing him in, no one dared to cause trouble.
Still, Hayashi felt uncomfortable. Everyone else had seats, while he had to stand behind Orochimaru.
He couldn't help thinking, Ten years old, standing behind high-ranking shinobi like some sort of assistant. What a life.
But no one cared about his inner complaints. Their focus was entirely on Sakumo, who had recovered and now sat upright, detailing the current situation.
"The smaller items in the garrison have already been packed," Sakumo said. "Next, we must deal with the inventorying and preparation of food reserves, weapons, and other supplies."
"I've assigned a specialized unit to manage this. They should have all the lists finalized and supplies packed by around three in the afternoon. After that, our main concern is securing the escort forces and establishing recon points."
Sakumo's foresight as a commander was clear. Even though the Land of Rain surrendered, the main Suna forces were still active, and a sudden attack was not impossible.
Not to mention that Konoha had just wiped out Iwa's main battalion while suffering heavy casualties. From a commander's perspective, Sakumo didn't believe Suna would remain silent.
"Because we will be escorting civilians, along with Chunin and Genin, we must be fully prepared for any threat," Sakumo continued firmly.
Orochimaru nodded. "I've already sent a communication signal back to the Third Hokage. Once we reach the border of the Land of Fire, Anbu will arrive to take custody of the prisoners."
"Good," Sakumo said. "Our greatest risk comes when crossing from the Land of Rain. Suna may cross through the Land of Rivers and attempt an ambush."
He leaned toward the large map spread across the headquarters and marked several points with a pen.
"We'll take this route, the safest one we have. But it still contains three potential ambush zones. Jonin team leaders must pay close attention."
When he finished speaking, Sakumo's gaze swept across the room, eventually settling on Hayashi.
A faint dread crept into Hayashi's chest.
As expected, Sakumo assigned him a mission. He would be responsible for protecting the main supply line during transport.
Although Orochimaru reassured him that the supplies would be placed near the middle and rear of the column, which were the safest sections, Hayashi still felt pressure building inside him.
Even if Suna attacked, their priority would be the captured Suna troops and wounded ninja, not the supplies. Theoretically, the risk was low.
But this would be Hayashi's first mission treated fully as a Jonin-level responsibility. That alone was enough to unsettle him.
Leaving the headquarters, he walked toward Mikoto, Nawaki, and Minato.
"Hayashi, what did they say?" Nawaki asked quickly.
"The troops are preparing to return to Konoha," Hayashi replied. "Our job is to protect the food supplies."
As he led them toward the garrison gate, the escort convoy had already begun to move. A long procession of wagons, civilians, wounded shinobi, and ninja escorts slowly exited the gate.
Because there were so many supplies and ordinary people, their pace was slow, closer to a walk. That was why Sakumo had to meticulously structure the escort formation.
The distance was long, and the route was dangerous. Returning to Konoha under these conditions would take about ten days.
If it were only shinobi, they could sprint at full speed and reach Konoha far more quickly. But civilians and large cargo changed everything.
...…
At that moment, in Konoha Village, the news of victory over both the Land of Rain and the Land of Earth had already reached home. The village elders didn't even attempt to suppress the information. Within half a day, the entire village was celebrating.
Inside the Uzumaki compound, Kushina grinned brightly as she spoke to Kurama within her seal.
"Hey, big fox, did you hear? Konoha's forces are finally leaving the Land of Rain!" Kushina said, practically bouncing with excitement.
After several months together, their relationship had stabilized. On the surface at least, they got along surprisingly well. Kurama talked when he wanted to manipulate her, and Kushina enjoyed having someone to chat with.
Kurama's voice rumbled. "A bunch of weaklings. If it were me, I'd have ended the whole war with a single Tailed Beast Ball. If you open this seal for me, I'll help you crush the battlefield and you can see your little lover faster. Sounds fair, right?"
"Hmph, we can win without you!" Kushina huffed. "Everyone's talking about Hayashi. They say he's a Konoha hero now… with some new title. What was it again…"
Kurama: "..."
"He made huge contributions, so he'll be promoted to Jonin soon," Kushina said dreamily. "He'll be a Jonin, I'll be a Genin, and maybe he'll take me on missions someday!"
She began drifting into her fantasies, cheeks slightly pink.
Kurama snorted. "What about your teacher, Tsunade? Where does she fit into your little dream?"
"None of your business!" Kushina snapped, suddenly opening her eyes wide, irritated and flustered.