Sunlight shone straight down from Konoha's Hokage Rock into Uzumaki Hayashi's cozy little home.
Although everything was still pink, after all these days, your buddy Hayashi had long since gotten used to it.
He was even starting to enjoy it a little.
Don't mistake that for him giving in. The bed was simply far too comfortable.
Even the quilt still carried the warm scent of sunshine.
He stretched his limbs first, then walked sleepily over to the dining table.
The arm beneath his bandages barely hurt anymore.
There was no sign of Gekko Hayate this early in the morning. Instead, Uzuki Yugao was busy with something in the kitchen, dressed in her ANBU uniform.
The pot on the stove bubbled away, its contents glistening with oil.
Hayashi ambled over and greeted her.
"Morning, Yugao."
He even yawned after saying it.
Hearing his yawn, Uzuki Yugao smiled before turning around and saying:
"Go wash up first, then I'll braid your hair."
"I have patrol duty today too, so I won't be here with you at noon."
There was a little pride in her voice when she said "patrol duty."
"Do you still have money on you?"
"Yeah. Grandpa Third gave me so much money, and I still haven't spent any of it."
Mumbling as though he were talking in his sleep, Hayashi swayed his way toward the sink.
He pressed a towel to his face, and droplets immediately trickled down his chin.
As the cold water against his cheeks cleared his head, Hayashi stared at his face in the mirror.
His azure eyes gleamed. There was nothing sharp about his face or features; instead, he had a quiet air as gentle and smooth as jade.
He unconsciously tilted his head, and the morning light fell just right on his profile, tracing