On his bed, Uzumaki Hayashi slowly withdrew his chakra and opened his eyes.
After refining chakra all night, his body's chakra pathways were filled to the brim.
He got out of bed, strapped the Tachi to his waist, secured his Ninja Tool Pouch, and adjusted the Forehead Protector on his head before walking over and opening the door.
Gekko Hayate stood outside.
He had changed back into his ANBU gear: fitted black clothes and a full set of armor, though he had yet to put on his mask.
The gentle swordsmanship teacher who had spent the day coughing now stood at his door with nothing but crisp efficiency about him.
When the door opened, Gekko Hayate gave him a nod.
"From here on, just follow me."
Uzumaki Hayashi nodded.
Only then did Gekko Hayate raise his hand and put on his ANBU mask.
One behind the other, the two left the house and stepped into the night.
Every household in the village had turned out its lights, and not a soul was on the streets.
Gekko Hayate led the way at an unhurried pace. Uzumaki Hayashi followed steadily behind him.
After they had walked a while, Uzumaki Hayashi finally couldn't contain his curiosity.
"Hayate-sensei, where are we going?"
Behind his mask, Gekko Hayate smiled.
"It's not time yet," he said. "For now, we're having you lie low with us."
Uzumaki Hayashi nodded and asked no more.
All right. So the old Third had arranged a seat for me to watch the show.
Transportation included, too. Not bad. Wonder if they provide a late-night snack.
He quietly extended his Mind's Eye of the Kagura around him.
Scattered in the shadows of several rooftops, people lay concealed in every direction.
Each remained perfectly still, their presence suppressed to almost nothing. Without his