At those words, Hayashi first gave his ears a pat.
"Are you really Sasuke Uchiha?" He circled halfway around Sasuke, deliberately wearing a puzzled look. "Did someone replace you?"
He stepped closer and pressed the back of his hand against Sasuke's forehead, held it there a moment, then lowered it.
"No fever."
"Huh?"
Sasuke let out a confused sound. Then, when he realized what this guy was doing, his whole face flushed red.
"I am Sasuke Uchiha!" He slapped Hayashi's hand away. "And I don't have a fever!"
"Oh." Hayashi nodded. "Then did you eat something funny?"
"Hayashi!"
There he goes, getting all bristly.
Much better. Now that's more like him.
"Then why are you suddenly being so honest today?" Hayashi put his hands back in his pockets. "You didn't say a word when we split up this afternoon."
Sasuke fell silent for a moment.
"I just want to get stronger, too." His eyes lowered, his voice quiet. "I just want to learn more."
Hayashi watched him for a moment, then nodded.
"Do you have any wooden training swords at home?"
"Yes," Sasuke answered absently-
The next second, his head snapped up. "You're agreeing?"
"Didn't I already agree to train you?" Hayashi looked baffled. "What's there to be confused about? Come on."
He silently mourned his prize draw for a second.
The chance isn't going anywhere. I'll give this young master priority tonight.
Sasuke led the way, his steps noticeably quicker than they had been during the day.
The Uchiha Compound stood at the edge of the village.
The streets were wide, with storefronts lined up side by side. Their signs still hung in place, but most of the paint had peeled away.
Most of the shops were shuttered tight. A few shutters hung crookedly, creaking whenever the wind