After several months apart, Minato had grown noticeably darker.
The desert sun of the Land of Wind was merciless. As part of the vanguard forces stationed on this front, Minato had spent months exposed to sand and scorching heat. The once fair skinned blond now carried a healthy bronze tone that spoke of long days on the battlefield.
Now a jonin, Minato, like Hayashi before him, had begun leading genin squads on missions across the peripheral war zones. It was a responsibility every jonin eventually bore. No one was exempt, not even someone as talented as him.
Within their small circle, aside from Hayashi and Mikoto who had just arrived, only Minato and Kana had been assigned to the Wind front.
Kana, as a medical ninja and Tsunade's disciple, had stepped up to oversee a section of the medical division in Tsunade's absence. Her growth was steady and reliable, the kind that quietly held an army together.
Nawaki, Yakushi Nono, and Himeji had instead been deployed to the Hidden Mist battlefield.
As for Kushina, as the Nine Tails jinchuriki, she would never be sent to the frontlines unless the situation deteriorated beyond recovery. For now, she remained in the village.
In truth, she had reason to resent this war more than most. She had only recently begun enjoying life as a jonin on active missions, only to be confined again because of the Nine Tails sealed within her.
After brief greetings, Minato said, "The tents have already been arranged by logistics. I will take you there."
Under his lead, Hayashi and Mikoto quickly reached their assigned area.
Although only a few months had passed, Minato clearly had much he wanted to discuss, especially regarding advanced ninjutsu. His eyes carried that familiar spark of curiosity and ambition.
Hayashi understood immediately. Minato wanted to talk about the Flying Thunder God Technique.
However, it was already late. With missions awaiting them at dawn, Minato merely offered a few parting words before leaving.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was built upon advanced fuinjutsu principles, yet it went far beyond conventional sealing arts. It required not only mastery of seals but also extraordinary chakra control and spatial perception.
Minato excelled in fuinjutsu, but he was still young. Much of his time was spent on missions and refining his combat abilities. There remained many aspects he needed to polish.
During his spare moments, Hayashi had studied the theoretical framework behind the technique. With his current knowledge, he could fully comprehend its structure. However, understanding it and executing it were two entirely different matters.
He did not possess a natural affinity for space time ninjutsu. At best, he could guide Minato conceptually. The actual breakthrough would depend on Minato himself.
Fortunately, with Minato's talent, that breakthrough likely would not be far away.
After Minato departed, only Hayashi and Mikoto remained outside their respective tents.
"Get some rest," Hayashi said calmly. "Tomorrow's mission requires stealth."
Mikoto smiled gently beneath the soft moonlight. She gave a small nod, then slipped into her tent without another word.
Hayashi exhaled quietly and entered his own.
They had fought side by side for years. Given their age and familiarity, sharing a tent would not have been unusual. Yet Minato had arranged separate accommodations.
He lay back in his sleeping bag, staring at the canvas ceiling for a moment before closing his eyes.
At dawn, faint footsteps outside stirred him awake instantly.
When Hayashi stepped out, Mikoto was already prepared.
She handed him the washing utensils and said, "The night patrol unit has returned. Several jonin have already deployed to the main battlefield. The genin squads left earlier under their captains."
Hayashi nodded. "We will proceed as assigned."
After washing up, Mikoto unsealed breakfast from a scroll. They ate quickly and efficiently before heading toward the camp gate.
As they walked, Hayashi reviewed the mission details aloud.
"According to intelligence, a Sunagakure squad will pass through a canyon in the desert this morning. That canyon is our interception point."
He handed her a copied portion of the tactical map Orochimaru had provided.
Konoha had strict rules. Sensitive intelligence could not be disclosed before deployment, even among squad members. Only once they were en route could such information be shared.
After confirming the necessary details, the two set off toward the marked location.
The Land of Wind was dry and unforgiving. Sandstorms were frequent, and canyons often provided both concealment and ambush opportunities.
As an interception unit, their team was intentionally small. Three to five members was ideal. Any more would increase the risk of exposure.
The enemy squad consisted of three shinobi. One quasi Kage level jonin led the group, accompanied by two elite jonin. One of them, judging by his attire and equipment, was clearly a puppet master.
From a rocky outcrop overlooking the canyon, scattered snakes relayed detailed intelligence back to Hayashi.
The information matched Orochimaru's reports precisely. Hayashi did not need to ask how Orochimaru knew so much. The answer was obvious.
Spies.
The canyon's highest point rose over one hundred meters. Given the wind direction and their elevated position, detection was unlikely.
After waiting in silence, Hayashi slowly opened his eyes.
His black pupils shifted into golden vertical slits. Dark markings spread from the corners of his eyes, extending across his face in intricate lines.
Sage Mode.
"Mikoto," he said calmly, "remain here. I will return shortly."
The enemy force consisted of one quasi Kage level jonin and two elite jonin. Strong, but not overwhelming.
Activating Sage Mode for such opponents might seem excessive.
And yet, it was necessary.
This mission carried additional secrecy. If even one enemy escaped, complications would follow. Moreover, they were operating deep within enemy territory. A prolonged battle would only draw attention.
He needed to eliminate them quickly and cleanly.
More importantly, he wanted to test the full extent of his Sage Mode in real combat.
The desert wind howled faintly below.
Without another word, Hayashi stepped forward and descended toward the canyon.
Three Sunagakure shinobi advanced cautiously along the narrow path.
Moments later, the air shifted.
Natural energy surged.
To those below, it felt as if the desert itself had awakened.
Hayashi moved.
---