Oh, what's this? Hayate-sensei was actually taking the initiative on this?
Uzumaki Hayashi's crafty mind began racing.
When he had brought this up with Hayate-sensei before, his teacher had only told him not to get his hopes up.
He hadn't expected him to bring it up himself now.
Even heaven was on my side!
Seeing his chance, he quickly turned to the Third Hokage and said:
"Grandpa Third, of course I'd love to."
"For peace in Konoha!"
"Of course I-!"
"Ow!"
Before Hayashi could finish, Gekko Hayate, standing beside him with a stony expression, flicked his forehead.
He clutched his forehead, nearly tearing up.
"We'll be patrolling inside Konoha. Nothing will go wrong."
But for some reason...
The moment he finished speaking, Gekko Hayate felt a chill down his back.
He glanced behind him, but there was nothing there.
The feeling didn't last long, though, because Hayashi had already pressed against his back, bumping Hayate half a stumbling step forward.
"Hayate-sensei's been a little violent lately!"
Gekko Hayate looked back at Hayashi, who had slipped behind him, and couldn't help sighing. Then he turned to the Third Hokage again, as if seeking confirmation.
"Then, Lord Third, about this arrangement..."
"It's settled, then. You'll have to work a little harder, Hayate."
"Remember, you still need to come proctor during the day."
With that, the Third Hokage laughed twice, took a packet of senbei from his pocket, and slowly placed it in Hayashi's hands.
The edges of the plastic bag rustled softly with his movements.
"This is your reward from Grandpa Third for protecting your comrades today."
"Also, I'll have someone count this patrol of yours as an A-rank mission."
The little old man's eyes narrowed to slits as he spoke.
"Don't forget to collect your pay."
*How many meals at Ichiraku