Leaf Village, Year 33, May.
With the Chunin Exams concluded, the lively village had suddenly quieted down. Ninjas from all corners of the village began departing on their missions, starting with the Leaf's Lightning Flash heading to the Daimyo's Palace.
The war's aftermath brought countless assignments, including large-scale political events attracting merchants and nobles. Documents piled up like mountains in the Hokage's office, turning Leaf Village into the busiest logistics hub in the ninja world.
Goods from the Land of Snow were escorted to the Land of Hot Water, herbs from Hongzhou Island were sent to the Land of Iron, young ladies were married off to foreign dignitaries, and young masters married rich heiresses. Missions came from every corner of the earth—strange, diverse, and nonstop.
Even Hiruzen Sarutobi, alone in his study, occasionally crafting paper models with his wife, would think to himself: "How peaceful it would be to make money standing still, everyone quiet and cooperative… The scramble for power and profit is such a tiresome affair."
Closing his "interesting" manga book, he muttered, "Why do I feel this way? It's too calm, and strangely boring, as if I can see through everything…"
He glanced at the scribbled calendar, murmuring, "Five months until Lake Biwa's deadline… how difficult to endure."
Despite the abundance of dispatched ninjas, the village's defenses were stretched thin. The existing barrier system, established by Mito Uzumaki, was now outdated. Although expanding gradually, it was far less effective than Mito's personal work.
Fortunately, Kushina, Mito's disciple, had begun training with the barrier team. Young but gifted, she possessed the Uzumaki clan's natural talent. And, for unknown reasons, the little fox who usually preferred idleness had grown diligent, rapidly advancing in sealing techniques. The barrier team couldn't help but praise her genius.
Meanwhile, Minato and Nawaki faced constant challenges. Entering the ANBU was supposed to be the pinnacle of their journey, yet they endured endless teasing and trials from veteran members. The Third Hokage turned a blind eye, reasoning that setbacks forged strength. "If the knife can break, it must be tempered."
In short, everyone was busy, except a few particularly bold figures—like Tsunade and Jiraiya. Not long after Hayashi left the village, these two began packing, preparing for a journey at their leisure. Hiruzen even suspected they were scheming to annoy him, though thankfully, returns were forbidden; otherwise, he might have sent them back by express delivery. Still, he knew neither had ambition for the Hokage seat. Perhaps in ten years, the Fourth Hokage would be Orochimaru or Sakumo.
… … …
Meanwhile, the Daimyo's Palace awaited. Several days later, after a relatively uneventful journey, Hayashi and his companions finally arrived at the capital of the Land of Fire. Passing the formalities to enter the city, the trio stepped through the gates.
With the war concluded, the capital bustled with unmatched prosperity. Pedestrians wore brocade and finery, none appeared starved. The city's grandeur eclipsed all other places. Occasionally, curious eyes followed them, but after a moment, most lost interest. After all, three half-grown children were hardly noteworthy in a city full of nobles and clan leaders.
They continued along the main road until they reached the Tenshukaku. From a distance, its white walls were protected by a moat. Green roof tiles gleamed, and golden tiger- and dragon-headed ornaments adorned the upturned eaves.
Originally a military watchtower and storage during the Warring States Period, the Tenshukaku had gradually lost its defensive function, becoming a symbol of the Daimyo's authority and wealth.
As they approached the river crossing, a carriage came galloping recklessly, the coachman sweating and panicked. Hayashi signaled Mikoto and Himeji to step aside as he narrowly avoided the horses' hooves.
Good horses are ridden by others, good people are bullied. The coachman, serving the "General Who Suppresses the Japanese Bandits," was in a foul mood. Late for the Daimyo's morning meeting and berated repeatedly, he lashed his whip in anger at the three children.
But the consequences were swift. Without any action from Hayashi, the coachman screamed, thrown from the carriage. The horses reared, hooves landing on his chest with a sickening crack, breaking four ribs.
The carriage halted, and a middle-aged man, bloodied and furious, climbed down. Enraged at the sudden disaster befalling his servant, he began cursing, demanding the names of the intruders.
He immediately noticed the Leaf Village forehead protector. That explained his boldness—he knew Leaf ninjas followed strict rules, never harming civilians or officials. As someone who had suppressed pirates in Rogue Town and aided the Daimyo, he was accustomed to authority and impunity.
Hayashi looked at the furious general, chuckled, and then slowly called out:
"Police, come out and clean up the mess."
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