Only after hearing Tagorihime's reminder did Hayashi slowly open his eyes and regain his awareness.
The time the White Snake Sage had given him to balance the energy within his body in Ryūchi Cave had yielded tremendous rewards.
Not only had it allowed him to see every hidden injury in his body, but it had also given him the time to heal them.
He gently flexed his fingers.
A power deeper and more substantial than before surged from the depths of his body.
Deep as the sea, it silently spread through every limb and bone.
This was truly wonderful.
Only after that thought passed through his mind did Uzumaki Hayashi slowly raise his head and look at Tagorihime.
"Got it, Tagori. Thanks."
"I knew I could count on you."
With that, Hayashi waved one hand, and a fissure opened in the spatial turbulence.
Nothing could be seen beyond it.
But Hayashi knew perfectly well.
As long as he stepped through that fissure, he would reach Konoha.
Yet just as he was about to take a step, Tagorihime reached out and stopped him.
Then she brought out a pitch-black coat from behind her, decorated with three white snakes.
She held it up before Hayashi.
"Lord Hayashi, your clothes are rather torn."
After saying that, Tagorihime turned her head away and smiled secretly.
Only then did Hayashi notice that his clothes had long since been damaged in many places by his earlier battles and training.
He sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, then said with a touch of delighted surprise:
"Thanks, Tagori. You really do think of everything. I'll put it on now, then."
"Since you're returning to see your friends, Lord Hayashi, why not freshen up before you go?"
Tagorihime stood before Hayashi, offering him a reminder.
"There are some