At this moment, Hayashi, positioned at the back of the team, suddenly shivered as though someone's eyes were piercing through him.
He paused, thinking carefully. Aside from angering the One-Tail and the Four-Tails, he hadn't offended anyone else. The sensation left him completely baffled.
Just then, a ninja hawk circled overhead, calling out.
["The team will rest for an hour."]
Hayashi relaxed slightly, signaling to Mikoto, who had been approaching, to come over and take a break.
Once she arrived, Mikoto took out a handkerchief and began gently wiping the black smudges from his face.
"Hayashi, do you want to go find a medical ninja to treat your injuries?"
Sakumo glanced at Hayashi, noting that he was indeed slightly injured. His breathing was heavier than usual, a subtle sign that the previous battle had taken its toll.
For a shinobi, unless the injuries were severe, such a symptom was unusual. Sakumo's respect for Hayashi grew; he had rarely encountered someone who cooperated so smoothly in battle, and he was genuinely concerned for the young ninja's well-being.
"I'll pass for now," Hayashi said, shaking his head. "The medical ninjas are busy. I'll go when it's a bit quieter."
"Sakumo sama, I'll take Hayashi there," Mikoto said, bowing slightly before guiding Hayashi toward the area where the medical ninjas were tending to the wounded.
Sakumo watched them walk away with interest, a small smile tugging at his lips. He admired Hayashi's subtle skill in interacting with girls.
"Should I find a girlfriend too?" he mused, imagining a future daughter. "Preferably one who would have a thoughtful partner…"
Meanwhile, Mikoto gently led Hayashi forward.
"I heard from a friend," she said quietly, "that her captain ignored treatment for an injury. During the next mission, it worsened, and he ended up dying."
"…" Hayashi frowned, listening.
"I'm telling you to take care of yourself," Mikoto continued, eyes sharp.
"Alright, alright," Hayashi raised his hands in surrender.
The Konoha medical ninjas had gathered near an open area, where logistics personnel had set up temporary rest tents. Hayashi, not seriously injured, stood patiently in line, not wanting to trouble the legendary medical ninja, Tsunade, over something minor.
As they waited, they noticed Minato and Nawaki emerging from a tent, supporting each other. Both appeared battered.
Minato's hand was bandaged due to strain from jutsu use, while Nawaki's wounds had been treated and reinforced to prevent reopening.
"Are you guys… okay?" Hayashi asked.
"Just superficial wounds. Nothing affecting bones or organs," Minato smiled, though a wince betrayed the pain.
"Hayashi, Minato and I took down a Sand Village Jonin!" Nawaki said, grinning despite the discomfort.
Hayashi shook his head, half-amused, half-exasperated. "I can feel your pain just hearing you boast."
An hour later, the Konoha team resumed their journey.
Positions remained unchanged: Sakumo still guarded the rear, while Hayashi stayed by the food transport cart in the middle-rear.
"Hey, young ninja," the uncle driving the cart called. "Why don't you let a few injured teammates ride the cart to rest? Consider it a return favor for helping me push it."
"Good idea, thank you, uncle," Hayashi nodded, then turned to Minato and the others. "You all go on and rest."
"But the lookout duty…" Nawaki hesitated.
"I'll handle it. You all rest."
Nawaki nodded, quickly climbing onto the cart now with space.
"Minato, you go," Hayashi said.
"I'll pass," Minato shook his head, smiling. "Walking on these rocky roads lets me train chakra control through my feet. Managing vibrations and balance requires precise manipulation."
"That makes sense," Hayashi replied, glancing at him. "But do you normally release jutsu with your feet?"
Minato chuckled. "Ahaha. You wouldn't know, but Jiraiya-sensei taught me that trick."
Hayashi patted him on the shoulder. "Alright, just be careful. This kind of fine control consumes a lot of chakra. If you run out, I won't carry you onto the cart."
"Ahaha, don't worry, we've been friends for many years!" Minato laughed.
The days passed peacefully. Without interference from Sand ninja, the team moved steadily, though the presence of ordinary villagers slowed progress. Even walking normally, many needed rest every couple of days.
Hayashi, however, felt uneasy. The promised Konoha support troops had not arrived yet. Had they gotten lost?
Before he could dwell further, an Anbu ninja appeared in front of him.
"Hayashi, Lord Orochimaru is looking for you."
"When?" Hayashi asked, alert but composed.
"Immediately."
Hayashi nodded. "Understood."
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I'll be dropping a 50% discount code for my Patreon membership on the 15th, in celebration of the upcoming Christmas season.
The code will be active from that day until the end of the month.
Stay tuned