"It's fine."
Hayashi waved a hand at Hayate.
"Grandpa Third just asked a few questions, then let us come back."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Then... what about that killing intent?"
"Come on." Hayashi lifted his foot and stamped on the ground right in front of him. "See? Nothing's wrong."
Hayate stared at his foot for two seconds.
The ground stayed quiet. No chakra seeped out.
He looked Hayashi up and down several more times. Only when he saw that carefree smile did the tension in his chest finally ease.
"As long as you're all right." He coughed twice. "Let's go. Yugao has some fish stewing at home."
"Fish!!"
Naruto's ears instantly perked up.
Gekko Hayate's home wasn't large.
The aroma of food washed over them the moment they stepped inside.
"You're back?"
Uzuki Yugao poked her head out of the kitchen, an apron tied around her waist. Seeing the crowd at the door, she smiled happily.
"Everyone's here! Come in. Don't block the doorway."
She ushered everyone in to change their shoes, brought out some sliced fruit, and poured each of them a cup of hot tea.
There weren't enough slippers to go around. Yugao rummaged through the cupboards for several more pairs, while Naruto clutched his shoes and shuffled on tiptoe at the entrance for ages before daring to step inside.
Without a word, Haku slipped into the kitchen and helped carry out the dishes one by one.
"What a thoughtful boy," Yugao said warmly.
"Whoa..."
Naruto had barely sat down in the living room before he started sniffing hard.
"It smells amazing! Almost as good as grilled meat!"
Thump.
Sasuke punched him in the back of the head.
"When you're eating at someone else's house, show some respect."
"Ow-what was that for?! I was complimenting Yugao!"
"Even compliments don't