Laziness was a common illness shared by almost everyone.
Humans were creatures who, once they stopped moving, became reluctant to act again, especially when food and shelter were no longer a concern.
This flaw was perfectly embodied in Hayashi. Otherwise, he would not have stayed in the Ninja Academy for a full five years without graduating, even after Nishimura-sensei had hinted more than once that he could leave early.
Graduating early was never an option.
If not for the war, Hayashi would have been perfectly content to unlock the title of "Strongest Genin." That sounded far cooler and more satisfying than becoming something like Konoha's Lightning Flash.
"As the saying goes, people are only pushed into action when forced."
The Third Hokage took a slow drag from his pipe before calmly uttering those words.
"…?" Hayashi pretended not to understand, wearing an expression of pure confusion.
The Third Hokage sighed. At that age, he had not possessed such shameless skill at playing dumb. Kids these days were truly something else.
Still, he had no intention of speaking in riddles any longer.
"Hayashi," the Third Hokage said, getting straight to the point, "how long has it been since Team One last went on a mission?"
Just as expected.
Hayashi gave an awkward laugh. "It hasn't been that long… has it?"
The Third Hokage exhaled slowly. "It may not sound long, but it's already December. In other words, since the war ended, Team One has not carried out a single mission."
Silence followed.
"You should understand how busy the village has been recently," the Third Hokage continued. "For the sake of missions, I even sent out Sakumo while he was in the middle of a blind date."
Hayashi nodded without speaking.
Ordinary ninja had no room to refuse missions assigned by the Hokage, especially during wartime, when the Hokage's authority was absolute.
If not for his relationship with the Third Hokage, combined with the fact that this was peacetime, he would never have been able to delay things for so long.
Seeing that Hayashi did not resist, the Third Hokage smiled faintly in satisfaction and continued, "I am not forcing you for no reason. This mission is closely related to you."
"Do you remember the Twelve Guardian Ninja?"
"Yes," Hayashi replied immediately.
Of course he remembered. Back then, he had nearly wiped them out, which eventually led to the Uchiha Clan being summoned to the Daimyo's residence and triggered a chain of subsequent events.
"That man from that day, Ryoma," the Third Hokage said slowly. "You never saw his body, did you?"
"That's right," Hayashi answered. "Is this mission about him?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "After escaping, he did not return to the Daimyo's side. Instead, he disappeared. Recently, intelligence suggests that he has appeared in a place called Beika Town."
"Where?" Hayashi blurted out instinctively.
"Beika Town," the Third Hokage repeated, looking puzzled. "Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing," Hayashi replied after a brief pause. "The name just sounds familiar."
"That's normal," the Third Hokage said. "Beika Town has the worst public security in the entire Land of Fire. Criminals exiled by the Daimyo gather there. Fights, murders, strange deaths, they happen every day."
Hayashi nodded with understanding. It was essentially the ninja world's version of Gotham.
"So what is Ryoma doing there?" he asked.
The Third Hokage chose his words carefully. "This is an old matter. The current Daimyo is the younger brother of the previous one. After inheriting the position, he exiled the former Daimyo's son to Beika Town for certain reasons."
"And Ryoma has made contact with him," Hayashi said, frowning.
"Yes," the Third Hokage confirmed. "They are preparing to launch a coup."
Hayashi was momentarily stunned. This was practically a ninja version of Hamlet.
"Konoha does not interfere in disputes between Daimyos," the Third Hokage continued. "However, there is one issue."
As he spoke, he pushed aside the documents on his desk and unfolded a map of the Land of Fire.
When Hayashi stepped closer, the Third Hokage pointed to a specific area.
"This is Beika Town. As you can see, it is close to the river mouth. Previously, a large number of ninja were stationed nearby to guard against sneak attacks from Kirigakure."
"But now," he continued, "we have concluded the war with Sunagakure, and conflicts with Iwagakure and Kumogakure are also coming to an end. The Second Great Ninja War is nearly over."
"Because of this, those ninja units were withdrawn recently."
The Third Hokage paused before adding, "Just days after the withdrawal, Ryoma appeared and began supporting the former Daimyo's son."
Hayashi narrowed his eyes. "You suspect Kirigakure?"
The Third Hokage nodded. "Kirigakure did not participate in the war. Being isolated overseas, they suffered little loss. It would not be strange for them to take advantage of the situation."
Hayashi thought for a moment. Since the Third Hokage dared to make such a claim, it was clearly supported by reliable intelligence.
"So what is my task?" he asked.
The Third Hokage's tone turned solemn. "Eliminate the rogue Guardian Ninja Ryoma. At the same time, investigate whether Kirigakure is involved. If you encounter Kirigakure ninja, kill them if possible. If not, allow them to withdraw."
"Because this involves the Land of Water, the mission is temporarily classified as A-rank."
Konoha's strength was undeniable. With the Sannin, Sakumo, and a rising generation led by Hayashi, the Third Hokage's decisions at this stage were decisive and uncompromising.
This was not the hesitant leader he would become decades later.
"Do not pursue too deeply," the Third Hokage added after a moment. "Young people are prone to acting rashly. The sea is Kirigakure's territory, and the Land of Water is far from here. There is no need to chase them."
"Understood," Hayashi nodded.
After a brief pause, he asked, "Should Minato and Nawaki be recalled?"
The Third Hokage shook his head without hesitation. "No. Jiraiya took Minato to Mount Myōboku, and Tsunade brought Nawaki out as well. It is too late to recall them."
"Then it will be just Mikoto and me?" Hayashi asked.
The Third Hokage gave him a strange look. "Isn't there also Himeji? I heard you promised long ago to take her on a mission."
Hayashi fell silent.
The Third Hokage smiled knowingly. "I asked her a few days ago, and she refused me outright. She gave no face to the Third Hokage at all."
He chuckled. "It seems you are the only one with enough influence."
Hayashi laughed awkwardly.
In truth, his reasoning was simple. With Himeji on the team, the lineup was far more balanced. At the very least, he would not have to handle reconnaissance alone.
The Byakugan's strategic value was undeniable.
Although Himeji was officially a Special Jonin, her actual combat ability was on par with a standard Jonin.
Minato and Nawaki had enormous potential, but they were still growing. Right now, their combat power could not compare to Himeji's.
Even with only three people, Hayashi was quite satisfied with this team composition.
That said, he knew better than to be careless.
After all, the destination was Beika Town.