The disappearance of the Oda family's young lady became the biggest news at the end of the 33rd year in Konoha.
Overnight, hundreds of samurai and ronin were mobilized, rushing in all directions to capture the woman bold enough to elope. No one expected that Oda Ichiko had already fled to Konoha three days earlier, under the cover of Mikoto and Himeji. What remained in her room was nothing more than a puppet, a shadow clone of Hayashi.
Naturally, Oda Nobuhide requested that the Daimyo send the Guardian Ninja Twelve to help capture his audacious daughter. Unfortunately, without a ninja skilled in advanced tracking, the team returned empty-handed. Hayashi, being directly involved, only sent a letter to the Third Hokage and Sakumo, then stopped paying further attention. After all, she had already left, and protecting her safety fell on Sakumo, whether he liked it or not.
As some left, others inevitably arrived.
That evening, after completing his mission, Hayashi was summoned to the hall and was surprised to see Fugaku seated comfortably in a chair, exchanging pleasantries with the Daimyo. The moment Hayashi entered, the Daimyo stood, smiling. "I won't disturb you further. You may continue your conversation. I'll prepare a banquet tonight, and you must honor me with your presence."
Once the Daimyo left, Hayashi turned to Fugaku. "Fugaku-aniki, what brings you here?"
Fugaku smiled gently. "I was passing by and wanted to see you. Knowing you're doing well reassures me."
The two walked outside together. November winds swept across the land, and goose-feather snow rustled underfoot. Only when they reached a pavilion by the frozen lake did they sit facing one another.
Fugaku gazed at the lake's thin icy layer. "The view from Tenshukaku is still beautiful."
"Have you been here before?"
"Yes. During those two years without Sunagakure ninjas, we stayed at Tenshukaku every day. It could get quite dull. Isn't this more interesting than village life?"
Hayashi chuckled wryly. "It's not exactly as lively as the village."
"Then why did you become a Guardian Ninja?"
"I didn't want to; the Daimyo requested it," Hayashi replied evasively.
Fugaku sighed. "I was hoping you'd join the Military Police Force. We could have served together, with you as captain."
Hayashi narrowed his eyes, smiling. "That won't do. You're the young clan leader."
Fugaku accepted the gentle refusal but shifted to another topic. "When I entered the Daimyo's mansion, I noticed the guards were unusually strict. What's going on?"
"The young lady of the Oda family disappeared…" Hayashi replied, then paused, surprised. "Did you encounter her?"
Fugaku nodded. "Yes, on the road. I recognized her faintly. Is she heading to Konoha?"
Hayashi exhaled. Since she had been seen, there was nothing to hide; word would get out eventually.
"This could escalate," Fugaku said, frowning. "Handled poorly, it could affect relations between Konoha and the Daimyo."
Hayashi casually formed a snowball with his hands, squeezing it, and said, "It's fine. The Hatake clan may be small, but it's respected. With Sakumo-senpai's strength, the Oda family won't be forced into the marriage. At worst, we'll upset the Asai clan, which isn't critical."
Fugaku's thoughts drifted to the future Fourth Hokage selection. Compared to Orochimaru, Sakumo lacked an influential teacher, yet his war contributions were greater. With the Daimyo's backing, Sakumo could surpass Orochimaru.
Feeling a mix of amusement and concern, Fugaku retrieved a sealed scroll from his pouch—it contained bottles of sake.
Hayashi's eyelids twitched. "I expected a ninjutsu technique. What is this?"
Fugaku grinned. "The night you left, you were drunk beyond belief. The village still remembers Konoha's 'Lightning Flash' loves his drink, so I brought you some."
"If anyone brings up that night again, I'll lose it," Hayashi muttered.
"Just a sip, consider it a farewell gift," Fugaku said, opening a bottle. Hayashi took it and asked, "What are your plans?"
"I accepted a mission to the Land of Rainbows," Fugaku replied, gulping.
Hayashi froze slightly. "That far?"
"Yeah. A year to go back and forth. By the time I return, you might already be back in Konoha."
"Then why go alone?"
Fugaku laughed, "If I can't manage a mission like this alone, how will I lead the Uchiha clan someday?"
He drank again, shook the bottle, and laughed, "I'm already at the bottom. Why aren't you drinking?"
Hayashi chuckled. "At the bottom? There's clearly half left. Can't hold your liquor?"
Fugaku shook his head. "Not that. I'm just reluctant to finish it. This journey will take over a year, and I've brought many Konoha specialties. I must ration them."
"I didn't realize leaving the village would weigh so heavily on you."
"Of course. During the Second Shinobi World War, we could occasionally return when stationed here. This time, I'll spend the entire mission at sea."
He sighed, "You might not believe it, but I was nervous before leaving. Never have I been alone on such a difficult mission. Before, clan ninjas always protected me. The worst loss I suffered was during the mission against the Suna negotiators, when I went temporarily blind. I gritted my teeth and persevered, and since then, I've wanted to perform missions on my own."
Hayashi was silent for a moment, then threw a snowball into the distance. "Do you think the village or the clan is more important?"
Fugaku picked up the bottle, laughing. "Both are important."
"And if the day comes when you must choose?"
"How could such a day exist?"
Hayashi stared at the lake calmly. "I hope it never comes."
Fugaku remained silent for a while. "Tatsumi, I buried a few jars of wine in the courtyard. When we both return to Konoha, let's drink like this again."
"Agreed. Let's not go home until we're truly drunk."
===
If you want to read more, there are up to 80 chapters available on patreon.
Patreon.com/ _Zeph