The training ground within the Senju clan territory was quiet, broken only by the sound of breathing and the occasional thud of bodies hitting the ground.
Tsunade leaned lazily against a wooden stake. Her posture looked relaxed, yet her presence carried an undeniable pressure. Her brows lifted and fell as she spoke, her mood clearly high, her tone carrying the confidence of someone used to making decisions that others could not refuse.
"Actually, the Third Hokage isn't wrong," she said casually. "He may have wronged the Uchiha clan, but compared to the entire village, what is one clan worth? If something truly goes wrong, forget about you people, he could even abandon the Hyuga."
She paused briefly, then continued without waiting for a response.
"And Uchiha Yama isn't wrong either. As clan head, it's his responsibility to fight for the interests of his people."
Hayashi stood quietly in front of her, saying nothing. His expression was calm, but his eyes flicked toward Nawaki, who was sprawled on the ground nearby, utterly exhausted. The look clearly told him to interrupt his sister if possible.
Unfortunately, Nawaki was in no condition to save anyone.
This was the first time Hayashi had realized that Tsunade could be this talkative. He already regretted accepting this task.
But he had no choice. Tomorrow, he was going to the clan head's residence. That dinner was not a simple meal, it was meant to produce a clear answer, as well as discuss Tsunade's conditions.
That was why, after finishing his meeting with the Third Hokage, he had immediately come to find her.
The problem was that she had been talking for more than an hour, and there was no sign of her stopping.
Perhaps satisfied with Hayashi's patience, Tsunade continued for another half hour before finally clearing her throat and delivering her conclusion.
"There's only one truth in this world," she said. "People just see it differently depending on where they stand. You understand what I've been saying, right?"
Hayashi nodded. "Teacher Tsunade, I understand. You mean the Third Hokage isn't wrong, the clan head isn't wrong, and you are even less wrong."
Tsunade grinned. "Smart."
"But," Hayashi continued slowly, "that still doesn't explain why you ask for a mine the moment you open your mouth. That price is too high. How am I supposed to negotiate that?"
Tsunade's brows shot up, disappointment flashing in her eyes. "Then you still don't understand."
She straightened and spoke bluntly. "With Konoha's current level of medical ninjutsu, they might be able to perform this surgery in another five years. Can Uchiha Yama let his son wait that long?"
"Right now, I'm the only one who can do it."
"I earn my living with my skills. Do you still think I'm asking for too much?"
"But…"
Tsunade cut him off, standing up abruptly. "There are no buts. You underestimate Fugaku's importance as the young clan head, and you also underestimate your clan's wealth."
"A single mine is not a big deal. At most, it's a medium-sized loss."
She paused, then lowered her voice, temptation evident in her tone. "We split the profits three to seven. Three parts go to you."
"Even if you end up crippled on the battlefield one day, you won't need to take missions anymore. You can live comfortably for the rest of your life."
"…"
For reasons he could not explain, that comparison made Hayashi feel a chill run through his lower body.
And besides, did he really look like someone short on money? He had completed countless S-rank missions. His savings were already more than enough to last a lifetime.
Even if you added another zero…
He froze.
For a brief, dangerous moment, it actually sounded very tempting.
Coughing lightly, Hayashi thumped his chest. "Teacher Tsunade, don't worry. It's just a mine. I'll make sure it happens. The clan head's money will be split three to seven. Don't forget that."
Tsunade laughed softly. "I'm counting on you."
"Then I'll leave Nawaki to your special training," Hayashi said. "I'll head back first."
He walked a slow circle around Nawaki, then casually stuffed the slug that was about to slide off into Nawaki's nostril. Without another word, he turned and left with an unhurried stride.
The following days passed peacefully.
Hayashi occasionally guided Mikoto and Kushina in their training, spent time reading scrolls, and handled routine matters. Before he realized it, the appointed day had arrived.
This was only the second time he had entered the clan head's residence.
Led by Fugaku, Hayashi walked toward the main hall.
"Haha, our Uchiha hero has arrived," Uchiha Yama's hearty laughter rang out as he emerged from the hall. "My apologies for not greeting you sooner."
"Clan head, you're too kind," Hayashi replied with a polite smile.
The three of them entered the reception hall together. This was a private banquet, and no one else was present.
After they sat down, Uchiha Yama lifted his teacup, gently blew away the steam, and spoke casually. "Come to think of it, this is only your second visit here. Fugaku invited you many times before, but you never came. Why keep such distance?"
"I've been busy," Hayashi answered honestly. "The war kept me tied up. There wasn't much free time."
Uchiha Yama chuckled and shook his head. "Still distant. But speaking of the war, you've brought great honor to the Uchiha clan. Everyone in the village says you're the most outstanding of the younger generation."
"Fugaku even suggested rewarding you properly some time ago, didn't you?"
Fugaku put down his cup and nodded. "According to clan rules, you should be rewarded with a ninjutsu from the Uchiha secret scrolls."
"No need to complicate things," Uchiha Yama said with a wave of his hand. "I've already had a list copied. It'll be sent to your home later."
Hayashi hesitated briefly. "Thank you, Clan Head, Brother Fugaku. But is there something you need me to do?"
Yama shook his head. "You've already done more than enough. Especially going to Tsunade for Fugaku's sake."
He paused. "However, there is one matter I want to discuss."
"Please speak."
"You're a Jonin now, and a hero of Konoha. The clan admires you greatly. When do you plan to return to the Uchiha Police Force?"
"I've even kept a squad leader position open for you."
So this was it.
Hayashi smiled inwardly, but answered without hesitation. "Since the clan head says so, I naturally won't refuse."
"However, I'm still responsible for Team One. What about the Third Hokage?"
"I'll handle Sarutobi Hiruzen," Yama said calmly.
Hayashi nodded. Whatever confidence the clan head had, he chose not to question it.
With the pleasantries over, Hayashi went straight to the point and relayed Tsunade's conditions.
"What? A mine?" Fugaku blurted out before Uchiha Yama could react.
"Hayashi, are you sure you heard that correctly?" Fugaku asked sharply. "Did Tsunade really say that?"
Hayashi nodded. "I thought I misheard too. I asked again. She didn't even bother explaining, she just kicked me out."
"This is outrageous!" Fugaku clenched his teeth and turned to his father. "Father, we won't treat it."
"Enough," Uchiha Yama snapped.
He glared at Fugaku before turning back to Hayashi. "Did Tsunade insist on this price?"
"Yes. She also said only she can perform the surgery."
Uchihayama nodded slowly. He did not doubt it. In all these years, no one who used Izanagi had ever regained their sight.
If changing eyes were enough, it would not be a forbidden jutsu.
Truthfully, he had not held much hope when he first asked Hayashi to inquire. But Tsunade's demand made it clear that she was serious.
He was willing to exchange a mine for his son's eyesight.
A mine would affect the clan, but not fatally.
But he was unwilling.
In recent years, Tsunade seemed to squander the Senju fortune, yet in reality, she was steadily transferring their assets to the village. The family's wealth was gradually becoming part of Konoha itself.
Before long, that mine would likely fall into the Third Hokage's hands.
That was why Uchiha Yama hesitated.
In the end, it all came down to one thing.
They lacked the technology.
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