By the time they finished cleaning the battlefield and returned to the garrison, night had completely settled in.
The Gobi Desert at night was nothing like Konoha. The round moon hung high in the sky like a pale lantern, its light spilling across drifting clouds and casting long, wavering shadows across the sand.
Based on travel time, Minato and the others should have arrived in the afternoon. After reporting the mission, Hayashi immediately led Himeji toward the Genin quarters.
Before they even reached the entrance, he saw three familiar figures waiting outside.
A smile appeared on Hayashi's face as he walked toward them, but before he could greet them, an irritating voice rang out.
"Hey, Minato, is that the Hyuga Clan's young lady behind Hayashi? My eyesight is terrible at night, help me look."
Only Nawaki spoke with such a proudly annoying tone. He rubbed his eyes exaggeratedly to prove his point.
Minato glanced at Mikoto, exchanged a silent look with Nawaki, then nodded seriously.
"That's her."
"Haha, Hayashi's popularity sure is impressive."
Nawaki spoke in a jealous tone, yet he could barely hold back a laugh.
Those two idiots.
Hayashi's expression didn't change, but internally he added their names to the list of people he would deal with in June.
Mikoto, naturally used to their nonsense, didn't mind. She simply took a breath, steadied herself and walked past the two troublemakers.
"Hayashi, you're here."
His voice was calm as always. Under the moonlight, she could make out his familiar figure. Tall, composed and steady with each step.
"Mm."
Her reply was short, but her voice trembled lightly.
Calm down, calm down, please.
She took another deep breath, trying to collect herself, but happiness overwhelmed her. She even forgot to exhale until the pressure in her chest forced her to breathe out sharply, which only made her heartbeat race even more.
Hayashi gently patted her head, a small gesture meant to soothe her. When she relaxed a little, he turned toward Nawaki and Minato.
"Come on, let me introduce everyone."
"This is Himeji, my teammate. You already know her."
Hayashi motioned for Himeji to step forward. He had brought her along because he wanted her to be included in his circle. As a teammate, she would be with him for many missions to come. And after Tooru returned to the village, Himeji had very few people she was close to. Hayashi was the only one she trusted.
"This is Mikoto. You've met her before."
"Hello." Mikoto greeted Himeji warmly. With her gentle personality, she could get along with anyone.
Next, Hayashi pointed at Nawaki. "This shorty here is Nawaki."
Nawaki froze. "Hey, hey, Hayashi, who are you calling shorty!"
He rolled up his sleeves, ready to fight, feeling as if his dignity had been shattered.
Shorty? Your whole clan is shorty!
Hayashi scratched his ear and replied casually. "Aren't you the shortest among us?"
He said it. He actually said the one truth Nawaki avoided most. Nawaki nearly pulled out a kunai right then.
Before Nawaki could argue further, Hayashi continued. "This spirited blond guy is Minato."
Minato gave a helpless smile, choosing not to argue.
After more joking around, Mikoto stood and said, "I'll go make some food. Everyone must be hungry."
Himeji immediately stepped forward. "I'll help."
After the girls walked off, Nawaki nudged Hayashi's shoulder.
"So, what's with you and Hyuga Himeji? When did you two get so close?"
"It's a long story."
"Make it short."
"She saved my life on the battlefield."
Nawaki crossed his arms. "Alright, fine."
Hayashi walked closer to his two old teammates. It had been half a year since they last met, and all three had grown taller.
Unlike Hayashi, who had been constantly moving under the harsh Gobi sun, Nawaki and Minato still looked a bit fairer. But Hayashi was certain that in a month, the desert would tan them just as much.
He asked about Team 1. After he left, Minato and the others still didn't have a captain. Konoha never assigned one, so they ended up traveling to the front lines directly with the main force instead of a specific mission unit.
"Hayashi, how's my sister doing?" Nawaki finally asked after some hesitation.
"You mean Kato Dan, right?" Hayashi gave him an unimpressed look.
Nawaki's sister complex was incurable.
"He's not here. He's stationed at the Second Garrison. Satisfied?"
Nawaki brushed his short blond hair proudly. "Not bad, not bad. Good thing I brought you the latest Jonin-level manuals."
Minato watched them silently, smiling. Even though only a few months had passed, he had so many theories and ideas he wanted to discuss with Hayashi.
The night was young. There was plenty of time.
After dinner, Hayashi and Mikoto walked slowly along a small path by the edge of the garrison.
Their footsteps echoed softly. The chirping insects in the bushes quieted with their presence. Neither spoke; only their footsteps filled the silent night air.
After a long moment, Mikoto suddenly reached out and lightly tugged on his windbreaker.
Hayashi stopped and turned to her. "What's wrong?"
She looked up at his face, and the emotions she had held back since their reunion finally overflowed. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She wiped them away quickly, but more kept falling.
Hayashi sighed softly. Since childhood, they had never been separated for so long. Even though she said nothing, he understood how much she had missed him.
"I'm sorry."
Hayashi stepped forward and embraced her gently.
She trembled for a moment, then slowly clutched his sleeve, leaning quietly against him under the moonlit sky.
---