Hayashi felt the sand around him tremble as Shukaku roared, the great beast straining against the Chakra restraints. With a sharp crack the chakra chains groaned under the pressure but did not break.
Hayashi had already completed his hand seals. He straightened his right pinky, lightly clenched the rest of his fingers, and whispered, "Sage Art: Inorganic Rebirth Pillar Prison."
Four massive columns of living sand erupted from the ground at the corners of a cube less than one hundred meters across, forming a cage that locked Shukaku inside.
Shukaku sneered, "Does this prison actually bind me?" and he beckoned a tidal surge of sand to smash through the walls.
Hayashi did not wait. "Sage Art: Inorganic Rebirth Sand Spears." From the cage walls countless spears of living sand shot outward, piercing the One‑Tails.
Then, "Sage Art: Inorganic Rebirth Sand Bind."
Under Hayashi's will the sand surged to life, seizing Shukaku as if bound by a Wood Release technique.
Shukaku's roar shook the dunes as oceans of sand erupted outward to shatter the prison, but each time the ruined walls reformed instantly, trapping him again.
Hayashi knew this strategy could not last forever. Sand was not Wood Release, and he was not the First Hokage. If this dragged on he would exhaust his Sage Chakra.
He moved fast. With a flick of his hands Hayashi activated Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, splitting into ten identical figures.
"Rasengan Barrage," all ten Hayashis lined up and leapt skyward and each slammed a Super Giant Rasengan straight into Shukaku's form.
The force of ten Super Giant Rasengan detonating made the surrounding desert quake.
Hayashi's original then dove close and formed fresh seals, eyes locked on the subdued beast.
"Sealing Art Binding Technique Eight: Repulsion."
This sealing art had been developed specifically to force a Tailed Beast out of its host, severing the connection and reversing transformation.
Shukaku's massive sand form collapsed instantly, flowing toward a single point where the host lay unconscious.
A few moments later a young shinobi staggered into view, bloodied and barely conscious.
Hayashi exhaled deeply, placed five fingers charged with Chakra against the boy's stomach, and pressed firmly.
"Five Element Isolation Seal."
The seal flared with power and completely blocked Shukaku's Chakra from the host, ensuring the beast could not emerge again. When the technique completed Hayashi hoisted the boy onto his shoulder and started walking toward the Land of Wind until a sound of rushing air made him pause.
He turned to see several Leaf shinobi running toward him, led by Kato Dan, a familiar face from years past.
Hayashi did not dislike Kato Dan. The man was gentle and capable, and in another timeline had once been close to Tsunade. But because Nawaki had lived and objected, Kato Dan never married her.
Or died in the Second Great Ninja War. In the original timeline he had lived up to Leaf Year 37.
Hayashi's lips curved into a slight smile. "If he gets through this year, I guess that does make me his lifesaver."
Kato Dan approached, concern on his face. "I sensed a Tailed Beast Ball and came with my squad. Are you all right?" His eyes shifted to the shinobi on Hayashi's shoulder.
"As you can see, the One‑Tails host has been secured," Hayashi replied.
A younger ninja beside Kato Dan stepped forward, eyes blazing. "I am Yokigi, under your command and your fan."
"Yes Lord Hayashi, I admire you." Yokigi thrust out both hands enthusiastically.
Hayashi hesitated but took the blood‑stained hand to shake it, unsure why admiration had to involve two palms.
After the awkward handshake Yokigi blurted, "So,"
"So what?" Hayashi asked.
Irritation flickered in Yokigi's eyes. "Is the One‑Tails Jinchuriki on your shoulder dead?"
Hayashi raised an eyebrow. "He is alive. If he dies, Shukaku dies."
Then he turned back toward the camp. "Let us return to base with your squad."
Two days later, after a long debriefing, Hayashi stepped out of the central command tent. His mission had been to capture the jinchuriki; what to do with him after was up to the Third Hokage and Orochimaru.
The camp had grown crowded with reinforcements since Hayashi's return. He smiled at the bustle; more people meant greater safety.
"Eh? Sakumo?" Hayashi blinked when he saw the White Fang standing nearby, as if waiting for him.
"I heard you were back and came to see you," Sakumo said with a tired smile, his silver hair moving in the breeze.
"Come on, let us get some food and drink."
"At a time like this isn't that inappropriate?" Hayashi asked.
Sakumo waved it off. "No missions today and no major battles for a while."
The small canteen in the Leaf encampment was crowded. With war always on the horizon and little to distract them, a good meal was solace enough.
But Sakumo's mood was heavy. After a few sips of tea Hayashi asked quietly, "What happened?"
"A mission. Heavy losses."
"People die in war," Hayashi said calmly.
"Yeah," Sakumo replied and drank again. "Thirty of us ambushed Wind ninjas. Only eight made it back."
Because Sunagakure lacked supplies, Orochimaru had sent Sakumo's team to disrupt their transport. The raid succeeded, but at a grim cost deep in enemy territory.
Hayashi felt a quiet shock. Sakumo's assignment had been almost as dangerous as his own task.
"If I ever fall in battle," Sakumo said, looking Hayashi in the eye, "Kakashi is still young. Please keep things steady here."
Hayashi was quiet for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
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