Kushina wore a puzzled expression.
"Since this technique is so useful, why shouldn't we use it recklessly?" she asked.
Hayashi shook his head, his tone calm yet firm. "Because the experiences of each shadow clone return to the original body when they disappear. The fatigue from their training stacks up, and the rush of memories can overwhelm the brain. If you overuse it, you could end up damaging yourself, even losing your mind."
He gave her a sharp look. "You don't want to end up like Nawaki, do you?"
Kushina's eyes widened. She shook her head quickly. She definitely didn't want to be like her brother.
Meeting Hayashi's eyes, she promised, "Okay, I'll listen to you. I won't abuse this jutsu."
Satisfied, Hayashi dusted off his clothes and stood up. The sun was already dipping into the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold. He squinted slightly at the glow.
"Let's head back. It's getting late," Hayashi said with a small smile.
But Kushina puffed her cheeks in protest, her eyes filled with pleading reluctance.
So cute.
Hayashi chuckled. "Ah, I haven't eaten all day. I'm starving. What about you, Kushina?"
Her head bobbed eagerly, almost like a puppy wagging its tail.
"Alright then. Let's go. I'll treat you to the best ramen in Konoha," Hayashi said, gently pulling her along toward the village.
The sunset bathed everything in orange-red, and from the distance the three Hokage faces carved into the mountain loomed proudly under the evening sky. The streets of Konoha buzzed with people returning home, stalls closing for the day, and chatter filling the air.
As they moved with the crowd, Kushina suddenly stopped. She turned west, her gaze lingering on the horizon where heavy clouds broke, letting soft rays of sunlight pour through and cover the rooftops in a faint glow.
She stared in silence, a strange sense of familiarity washing over her.
"What's wrong, Kushina?" Hayashi asked, halting as well, letting the crowd pass around them like flowing water.
"That's… my hometown," Kushina whispered, pointing toward the fading light.
Hayashi nodded, his voice steady. "We'll go there someday. Together. But remember this—Konoha is your home now too, and we're your family."
Kushina's lips curved into a soft smile. "It's strange. When I first arrived here, I was terrified. I thought everyone would hate me, bully me. I never imagined I'd find so many reliable friends."
Hayashi smirked lightly. "It's good enough if you don't go around bullying others instead."
Kushina pouted, then looked at him again. "Hey, you promised me before—you'd support me to become Hokage. Did you mean it?"
"Of course," Hayashi answered without hesitation.
But Kushina tilted her head slyly. "Really? Because Minato and Nawaki both told me you said the same to them."
Hayashi froze, then scratched the back of his head with an awkward laugh. "Ah, haha…"
If only she knew he'd also made that same promise to Tsunade-sama and even Hyuga Himeji. His so-called vote was basically worthless by now. He even thought idly about writing a story one day, something like 'The Hokage I Supported Through the Years.'
Seeing his mind drift, Kushina puffed her cheeks again. "Hey! What are you thinking about?"
Hayashi snapped back to the moment, smiling gently at her sulking face. "I was thinking… compared to Minato or Nawaki, you're far more suitable to be Hokage. So yes, this vote is truly yours."
Her pout disappeared instantly as she giggled, skipping a few steps ahead through the crowd.
When they arrived at Ichiraku Ramen, the line was already long. Hayashi groaned, holding his head. "Figures. Should've come earlier…"
Kushina nodded in agreement.
Just then, a voice spoke from behind them. "That's true."
Both turned sharply.
"Ho… Hokage-sama!" Kushina exclaimed. Standing in simple plain clothes was none other than Hiruzen Sarutobi himself.
"Haha, keep it down," Hiruzen chuckled warmly, placing a finger to his lips before patting Kushina gently on the head. "What a coincidence to run into you two here."
Hayashi's pupils narrowed briefly, but he masked it with a polite expression. Coincidence? No. He had expected something like this sooner or later. After all, Kushina was Konoha's future Jinchuriki, and he himself was the orphaned son of Uchiha Kagami. Of course the Third Hokage would keep an eye on them.
"Good evening, Hokage-sama," Hayashi greeted respectfully, setting aside his usual casual tone.
Hiruzen smiled. "It's good to see you both. Are you two on a date?"
The knowing grin on his face made Hayashi twitch internally. No wonder he'd trained Jiraiya of all people.
"N-No, it's not like that!" Kushina stammered, her face burning crimson. "We were just training and decided to eat afterward. That's different from sneaking out of work to grab ramen!"
Hayashi sighed and covered his face. "Kushina… stop. You're only making it worse."
The Hokage coughed awkwardly, waving a hand.
Trying to steer the conversation away, Hayashi quickly asked, "Hokage-sama, with your duties, why would you be here at Ichiraku this late?"
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