Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter Seventeen: Mom, Let Me Explain

During wartime, the Land of Fire's security was ironically tighter than in peace, as even the most minor bandit groups had long been wiped out by freshly graduated genin. Bandits who might once have roamed freely met quick, often unpleasant ends.

It wasn't long before Hayama arrived at Konoha. Chika Inoue—the girl with the singed hair—covered her mouth in astonishment at the massive gates. Having never left the Land of Frost before, she had only heard merchants' exaggerated tales of the Hidden Leaf Village. Even though she had envisioned Konoha as a sprawling metropolis, reality surpassed her imagination.

In a broader sense, Konoha's territory extended over a rectangular forest spanning approximately 150 kilometers in circumference. According to the village elders, this forest was created by the First Hokage's mighty chakra, though Hayama remained skeptical of such claims. Narrowing the definition, the village itself was no small settlement. The early circular walls had long been outgrown, and small towns had sprouted just outside the gates. Hayama estimated that Konoha's population now exceeded half a million.

Konoha was a militarized community at its core, yet its unparalleled strength attracted waves of people seeking refuge under its protective canopy. With this population influx came thriving commerce, and each year the village felt more like a bustling urban center than a stronghold of ninja. To an outsider, it could easily be mistaken for a regular city rather than the shinobi world's most infamous hideout.

Hayama approached the village's entry office and knocked on the door. Upon hearing a gruff "Come in," he stepped inside.

The room was modest, roughly twenty square meters, with two ninja seated behind a large desk. One glanced up at Hayama before resuming his paperwork and asking, "What's your business?"

"I'm here to request permanent residency for an outsider," Hayama replied.

"We're swamped with applications right now. Come back another day."

Hayama's smile froze as he felt a flicker of irritation, though he maintained his polite tone. "Could you make an exception? I have to leave the village tomorrow."

The man waved dismissively without looking up. "There are no exceptions. Everyone wants to skip the line, and we can't have that."

Hayama's patience snapped. With a loud slap, he placed the application form on the desk, seized the pen, and scribbled his signature under "Sponsor" before walking out without another word.

The stunned ninja at the desk moved to call for backup, but the other one kicked his shin and hurried after Hayama, apologizing profusely and personally escorting him out.

Once Hayama was out of sight, the desk ninja rubbed his leg and complained, "What's the big deal? Why'd you kick me over a chūnin?"

"Better a sore leg than ending up back on the battlefield," the other ninja retorted.

"Do you really think a single chūnin has that much pull?" the desk ninja asked incredulously.

"Not the chūnin, you idiot. It's about who his backer was. That was Tsuchiryu Okata's protégé! You know what happens if you upset someone like that?"

"He's dead. What's the harm now?"

The other ninja shook his head in exasperation. "Okata might be dead, but his friends aren't. Don't you understand the weight behind that name?"

Their argument fizzled as Hayama picked up his pace, heading toward Tsuchiryu Okata's home with Chika and the others trailing behind. He ignored Chika's continuous stream of exclamations and wished he could walk faster.

As a high-ranking jōnin, Okata had lived comfortably, owning a three-story building that doubled as a commercial property in the heart of Konoha's bustling shopping district. It was an enviable spot.

Inside the ground-floor ninja tools shop, Hayama encountered Okata's wife—a plump, matronly woman whose reserved demeanor contrasted with the warmth she showed her customers. Hayama had visited this shop a few times before. She had always been polite yet distant, never bothering to learn his name. That was why her cordial invitation to sit in the living room felt so odd, even unsettling.

To Hayama's surprise, there was no dramatic confrontation. Okata's widow was visibly displeased, but she remained composed, offering tea and pleasantries. She even embraced the boy, now confirmed to be Okata's child, and shared a tearful moment with Chika. Hayama, caught in this domestic scene, felt profoundly awkward.

After arranging accommodations for Chika and her son, the widow turned her attention to Hayama. She served him tea and placed an envelope of money on the table. "Thank you for bringing Okata's child to us from so far away. This is just a small token of my gratitude."

Hayama was taken aback. This woman had barely acknowledged him before, yet now she was humbling herself before a mere chūnin. It spoke volumes about her resilience and adaptability.

But Hayama didn't accept the money. Okata had already paid him in other ways, and Hayama saw no need to take more. He slid the envelope back and said, "There's no need. Okata-san has already compensated me."

He hesitated before adding, "This girl, Chika, traveled here with me. Could she stay here temporarily?"

Before the widow could respond, Chika jumped to her feet and glared at Hayama. "You said you'd take me home! You liar!"

With that, she darted out the door, leaving Hayama and the widow in stunned silence. The widow's demeanor shifted as she turned to Hayama, her gaze hardening. A glimmer of disapproval crossed her face. Hayama's attempt to explain failed before it began. The widow, now thoroughly unimpressed, simply stood and saw him to the door.

Hayama fled, the weight of Chika's outburst and the widow's cold eyes heavy on his shoulders.

Finding Chika down the street, cheerfully buying goldfish from a vendor, Hayama sighed and paid for the fish before dragging her away.

...

At Konoha Hospital's inpatient ward, Hayama paused outside a room, took a deep breath, and smoothed his hair. His mother had been admitted here for some time, thanks to Hayama's many favors and persistent requests. He knew she'd be eager to see him, but he also knew he had to be careful how he explained the unexpected guest he'd brought back.

He entered the room to find his mother, Naemi, chatting with some visitors. As soon as he walked in, the conversation halted, and all eyes turned to him.

"Well, well! Naemi, your son's here!" one visitor said, beaming. "He's looking more and more like a fine young man."

"Yes," another chimed in. "So grown up. By the way, my niece works at the hospital. Hayama, maybe you'd like to meet her?"

"I'll introduce you to my daughter," added a third. "She's hardworking and would be a perfect match!"

Hayama smiled awkwardly and exchanged pleasantries before approaching his mother. He knelt beside her bed, took her hand, and said quietly, "Mom, I'm back."

His mother's eyes roamed over him, scanning for injuries. Satisfied he was unharmed, she smiled and gestured for him to sit down.

At that moment, a small figure peeked through the door. With large, curious eyes, Chika leaned in and said sweetly, "Hello, Auntie! I'm Chika Inoue. Hayama brought me to meet you."

The room fell into silence. Hayama closed his eyes and groaned inwardly. His mother's face lit up with a sudden glow, and her grip on his hand tightened before she let go and turned her attention to Chika.

"Come in, dear! Have a seat right here," she said warmly. Then, glaring at Hayama, she barked, "Well? What are you standing around for? Get her some tea! And bring out the big apples!"

"But Mom—" Hayama began.

"No buts! And peel that apple! We're treating our guest properly."

Resigned, Hayama did as he was told. His mother's beaming smile only made his cheeks burn hotter. His mind raced for a way to explain the situation, but with every sweet word Chika exchanged with his mother, Hayama could feel his reputation spiraling out of control.

Mom, it's not what it looks like! I swear! Mom, let me explain!