"Got it, Kakashi-sensei!"
Hayashi turned to glance at Kakashi, then answered with a smile.
His reply was almost absurdly cheerful.
But aside from the group from Konoha, everyone present had been frightened by the red-haired ninja's entrance.
That pitch-black rift, that fierce gust carrying a wild, primal chill.
Even now, they still weighed on many people's minds.
A few of the more timid ones had quietly edged half a step backward.
The noise around the arena gradually faded, as though an invisible hand were pressing it down.
Several ninja from other villages watched Hayashi's entrance and couldn't help murmuring:
"What was that thing he just casually tore open...?"
"Are we supposed to face... a monster like that?"
The speaker's voice was very low, with a slight tremor.
Unfortunately, he spoke so quietly that no one could hear him.
Nor would anyone answer his question.
Standing in the arena, Gekko Hayate looked at the newly arrived Hayashi and couldn't help giving him a gentle smile.
But he quickly tucked that smile away.
Feigning irritation, he called out loudly:
"Hayashi, aren't you coming up?"
"Got it, Hayate-sensei."
Uzumaki Hayashi was just about to step into the arena when he noticed that almost all the Konoha genin were standing around him.
He hadn't even noticed when they had gathered.
He looked around. Everyone was smiling at him, as though waiting for some command.
Their momentary silence seemed utterly out of place amid the surrounding bustle.
Sasuke Uchiha abruptly met his gaze, first lifting his chin and twisting his lips.
Then he whipped a tachi out from against his chest.
It was the very tachi Sasuke had picked up after Hayashi collapsed in the Forest of Death.
Cold glints dotted its sheath.
Clearly, it had been well cared for during Hayashi's absence.
Even the