When they had left, there were only two of them. When they returned, they were three, plus a pet, a massive crab.
However, Himeji could not bring the summoned beast back to Konoha. After some consideration, she decided to leave it hidden at the entrance to the moon. It was both secluded and safe.
In truth, with Himeji's current strength, she no longer needed the crab's assistance. She planned to pass it on to her future disciple as part of a legacy.
As for Kawakui, with the power of the Tenseigan, opening a gap in the moon's seal was not difficult for Himeji.
However, they did not bring any of the remaining Ōtsutsuki clan members with them. This left Genjin deeply dissatisfied. He wanted to visit the ninja world as well.
After all, the girl had left just like that. Were they really going to leave him behind to grow old alone?
But as Hayashi had said, the ninja world was on the verge of major changes. It was safer to keep them on the moon for now. Otherwise, he would not feel at ease.
If Genjin wanted to leave, he would have to wait.
When they stepped out of the moon's passage, they were greeted by the same endless white snow.
Even though it was July, the Land of Snow remained unchanged.
It was no wonder Kazahana Fūka had wanted to improve the environment. This climate was far from suitable for long-term human survival.
As someone who had just arrived from the moon, Kawakui was stunned the moment she stepped outside and saw the snow-covered landscape.
It was like someone who had never seen snow before suddenly encountering a vast, frozen world. Her reaction, full of excitement and curiosity, was only natural.
"Let's go."
Hayashi placed a hand on Himeji's shoulder and another on Kawakui's, then activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.
In an instant, the three of them appeared in his small courtyard.
Space-time ninjutsu truly was convenient.
They materialized quietly. Hayashi's gaze fell on the girl bent over, watering the potted plants. His voice softened.
"Mikoto."
Her body froze. Slowly, she turned around, her eyes already glistening with tears. Despite that, she smiled warmly, setting the watering can aside as she spoke gently.
"Hayashi."
Having reunited with Mikoto, Hayashi had no intention of rushing to the Hokage Building.
His Wood Style clone was still there, along with Nawaki and Minato handling the workload. There was nothing urgent that required his presence.
Waiting a few months before checking in would not make much difference.
Hayashi had always been rather relaxed when it came to management.
"Arrange a place for Kawakui to stay. Somewhere near Hiashi's courtyard should be fine."
At his signal, Himeji nodded and led Kawakui toward the Hyūga clan compound.
From a young age, Kawakui had been burdened with the responsibility of the Ōtsutsuki clan. Her life had been painfully limited, her world small and isolated.
As she grew, her interactions were confined to her father, a few elders, and a handful of peers like Genjin.
Countless times, she had stood atop a high pavilion, stretching on her toes to gaze down at the distant blue planet below, filled with curiosity and longing.
She had always envied the people of Earth. More than anything, she had never wanted to destroy it.
When she witnessed Himeji awakening the Tenseigan, her heart had finally stirred with hope.
Now, she had arrived in the place she had dreamed of.
Everything felt new. Everything felt beautiful.
"Himeji, you're back?"
A surprised voice called out.
A man in Hyūga clan attire approached, his demeanor slightly more mature than before.
At first, Hiashi wore a bright smile. But when he noticed the unfamiliar girl beside Himeji, his expression stiffened.
He scratched his head, coughed lightly, and spoke in a deep voice.
"Himeji, you're back and didn't even tell your big brother… ah, and this is?"
His gaze shifted toward Kawakui, filled with curiosity.
"This is Kawakui. She's my friend," Himeji replied, suppressing a smile.
"Kawakui? I don't recall seeing you before."
"She's not originally from Konoha. She just arrived."
"Not from Konoha… that's good… I mean, welcome, welcome."
Hiashi's face broke into a wide grin. He stepped forward and opened his arms as if to embrace her.
"This is a greeting from the Hyūga clan. When in Konoha, you follow Konoha's customs."
Kawakui forced a polite smile.
Then she raised her fist and punched him square in the face.
Hiashi collapsed instantly.
…
Setting aside Hiashi's failed attempt at taking advantage, Hayashi still made his way to the Hokage Building that evening after dinner.
Saying he would return in a few months was one thing. Actually doing so would be a bit shameless.
Inside the Hokage's office, his Wood Style clone was discussing matters with Minato and Nawaki. When Hayashi entered, neither of them looked particularly surprised.
Without hesitation, Hayashi dispelled the clone. A flood of memories surged into his mind.
Even with his current resilience, the sudden influx was overwhelming.
Compared to the Shadow Clone Technique, the Wood Style clone was far more advanced.
It could exist for extended periods, return vast amounts of information, and even use high-level techniques such as Susanoo. Its autonomy far exceeded that of a Shadow Clone.
It was no wonder Uchiha Madara had held it in such high regard.
During these ten months, Hayashi had also been observing the ninja world from the moon using his perception. In some ways, he knew even more than the clone.
Fortunately, not much had changed in Konoha. Everything was progressing according to plan.
Minato's abilities were exceptional, a true all-around genius. Nawaki, while not quite on his level, had been steadily improving in administrative matters.
With their efforts, along with the support of Utatane Koharu, the village remained stable and well-organized.
As for Homura Mitokado, he had returned after leaving the village for half a year.
The reason was simple.
Danzō Shimura was dead.
No one knew exactly how he had died. Only that the former shadow of Konoha had met a miserable end.
The village barely reacted. To most, he was just a rogue ninja. Some cursed his name in private, while those aware of his past influence merely sighed before continuing with their duties.
His death, however, greatly benefited Orochimaru's control over Root.
With Danzō gone, many shinobi who had once feared him finally felt safe enough to return to Konoha.
After all, their only alternative was to live as rogue ninja.
The one most affected by Danzō's death was the Third Hokage.
He seemed to age dramatically in a short time.
It had been his decision to send Danzō into the Akatsuki. Though Danzō had provided valuable intelligence, including information about their collection of tailed beasts, his sudden death weighed heavily on him.
After falling seriously ill, the Third Hokage finally withdrew completely from village affairs.
Hayashi took the opportunity to consolidate his authority, though he did not act harshly. Figures like Homura Mitokado were still given the respect they were due, as long as they did not interfere.
These were the internal changes within Konoha.
Beyond the village, the entire ninja world had grown noticeably more tense, as if it were returning to the days before the Third Great Ninja War.
The disappearance of the tailed beasts, such vital strategic assets, could not be ignored.
Yet strangely, very little information spread across the nations. It was as if the Five Great Nations had not lost their tailed beasts at all.
The reason was simple.
As the Third Tsuchikage once said, losing a jinchūriki was a humiliation for any great nation. Such matters were handled in secret whenever possible.
Having just lost them, there was no way they would openly seek help from others.
In the end, it all came down to preserving face.
===
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