"Lord Third."
Kakashi was the first to step forward.
"Lord Jiraiya is returning to the village-should we send someone to meet him?"
"Meet him?"
The Third was pacing toward the window. He chuckled at the question.
"Kakashi, I don't even know where that boy is right now. Tell me, where would we go to meet him?"
"He says he's out gathering material, but who knows which hot spring town he's wandered off to?"
Looking helpless, Kakashi could only close his mouth and retreat behind the wheelchair.
Sitting in his wheelchair, Hayashi silently added a thought.
-Fair enough.
If they wanted to catch that Pervy Sage, staking out a hot spring inn would be quicker than sending a letter.
"Grandpa Third." Naruto came closer, his eyes shining. "Who is this Jiraiya guy?"
"Oh?" The Third blew a smoke ring. "A very powerful ninja."
"Very powerful?! Even stronger than Kakashi-sensei?!"
"Naruto." Sakura tugged at him from behind. "I told you to keep your voice down."
Only after the old man by the window had finished laughing did he turn and slowly walk back.
His gaze settled on Zabuza and Haku by the door.
It lingered on Haku a little longer.
"You."
The Third looked at Haku.
"Can you use Ice Release too?"
Haku froze for a moment, instinctively glancing toward the wheelchair first.
Hayashi nodded to him.
Only then did Haku lower his eyes and answer respectfully:
"Yes, Third Hokage."
"I can use Ice Release too."
"Hmm."
The Third took a puff from his pipe and slowly exhaled.
"No wonder young Hayashi is a little more friendly toward you."
"There may be some... other bloodlines flowing through his veins as well."
The smoke ring dispersed.
The old man's tone suddenly shifted.
"But do you know?"
"No-"
His gaze passed over Haku