The Shadow Play Begins

After ensuring Hinata's safe departure, Hayashi was about to leave as well when a swarm of insects suddenly appeared before him.

"Shino," he said, recognizing the signal. A swarm of insects had gathered, conveying Shino's presence.

"Rally the others and protect the civilians. I have a task that requires my skills," Hayashi instructed, knowing he would receive the message through the insects.

Trusting his capable ally to handle that front, Hayashi made his way towards the arena's far exit, drawn by the presences deep in the forest of death.

As he approached the exit, a figure emerged beside him. It was Kakashi, who turned to him with urgency.

"Hayashi, in the name of the village, I'm assigning you an A-rank mission..."

However, before Kakashi could finish, Hayashi cut in. "Sorry, but I must refuse!"

Then, without hesitation, he explained, "I need to save the villagers. Sand and Sound ninjas are already infiltrating the village in large numbers."

He had no interest in listening to the mission details. He suspected it would involve chasing after Sasuke, bringing him back, or assisting in dealing with Gaara. Tasks he wasn't keen on undertaking.

"Is that so? Then go ahead," Kakashi replied, understanding the situation. "Hurry up, I will cover you."

With that, Kakashi unleashed his fire style jutsu, attacking the enemy ninjas and creating an opening for Hayashi's escape.

As he made a dash for the exit, some nearby Sound ninjas, engaged in battle, noticed him and prepared to attack.

However, before they could make a move, Kabuto, disguised as an Anbu, intervened. "Let him go, if you value your lives," he warned.

Having witnessed the S-rank slash, Kabuto was well aware that Hayashi's strength surpassed his own.

This was a genius born for troubled times. Had it not been for the peace, Hayashi would have already been a renowned figure in the ninja world.

Kabuto realized that even if he could handle the slash, the others would surely perish. As if sensing Kabuto's thoughts, Hayashi glanced back at him while running.

Seeing that Hayashi was now outside, Kakashi made his way to join Guy.

----------

Before disappearing from view, Hayashi cast a final glance at the rooftop, where the Third Hokage and Orochimaru were locked in combat.

He knew this was the last time he would see the Third Hokage. When the battle concluded, the man known as 'The Professor' and 'God of Shinobi' would fall.

He was confident in his ability to save the Third Hokage if he chose to intervene. The Four Purple Flame Formation was no match for his slash, as he could sense its weaknesses.

However, he knew that saving the Third Hokage would prevent necessary changes from taking place.

The Third Hokage was no longer fit to lead. Konoha needed a new leader. His death was necessary for the village's future.

In fact, Hayashi wanted him to die. Only with his death would Jiraiya be compelled to find Tsunade, who would become the Fifth Hokage.

Therefore, he had no intention of joining the battle. He understood the necessity of the Third Hokage's sacrifice for Konoha's future.

As the chaos of the invasion raged on, Hayashi remained focused. With a subtle pulse of his Observation Haki, he scanned the area to ensure no one was watching him. Satisfied, he quickly made his way toward the Forest of Death.

After a short distance, they emerged from the shadows - Zabuza, Haku, Jugo, and Suigetsu. They had infiltrated the village under his command.

"This had better be good, kid. Cutting through those Suna pawns wasn't exactly a walk in the park." Zabuza's growl was menacing, even through the wrappings concealing his mouth.

Hayashi's gaze swept across the group, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

"This will be the first official mission of our organization," he announced. "We're going to take down Shimura Danzo."

"I've been tracking his movements for some time now," he continued.

"His collaboration with Orochimaru, his secret dealings with the feudal lords to undermine the Hokage's authority - it all points to a long-game strategy of taking complete control of Konoha."

Zabuza let out a low chuckle. "Gotta hand it to the bastard, he's got some serious balls playing both sides against each other like that."

Jugo and Suigetsu exchanged a wary glance, both intimately familiar with the depths of Danzo's depravity from their time as Orochimaru's test subjects.

The memories of their past still lingered, a painful reminder of the horrors they had endured.

Jugo's face twisted into a feral snarl as his body began to mutate.

"That man..." he growled through clenched teeth. "I'll tear him apart for everything he's done!"

Suigetsu shot his raging comrade a sharp-toothed grin, placing a hand on Jugo's shoulder as he struggled to contain his transformation.

"Easy there, big fella," the former Mist ninja chided. "You'll get your chance soon. Save some for the rest of us."

Haku remained silent, his mask hiding his emotions. Even Zabuza seemed indifferent to their outrage towards Danzo, his gruff demeanor betraying no deeper emotion beyond his usual disdain for authority.

"So what's the play?" Suigetsu asked. "We just gonna kick in the front door and start cutting down anyone who gets in our way?"

As if on cue, the earth beneath their feet shook violently. Hayashi's gaze snapped towards the colossal form of the Three-Headed Serpent, tracking its destructive path.

Spreading his Observation Haki further, he sensed the dark chakra emanating from the One-Tail, which was rampaging through the arena.

Then, his gaze fell upon each of his comrades in turn.

"Our objective is Danzo's secret base," Hayashi stated. "While the village's forces are occupied dealing with the chaos, we will infiltrate his base and eliminate him."

"Show no mercy," he continued, his voice cold,"because they won't show us any."

With those words, Hayashi turned and set off, the others falling into step behind him like silent shadows.

As they navigated the abandoned streets, the sounds of war erupted around them - explosions, screams, and clashing steel. However, Hayashi tuned it all out, his focus fixed solely on the mission ahead.

----------

Hinata's chest heaved with ragged breaths as she sprinted through the chaos. The once-proud streets of Konoha were now filled with rivers of the blood of the innocent.

As the Three-Headed Beast's deafening roar shook her to her core, she picked up her pace.

The ground shook beneath her feet as the beast's bodies whipped back and forth, sending debris flying everywhere.

However, her training kicked in, and she drew on her father's wisdom to calm her nerves.

After all, fear was a luxury she couldn't afford - not when so many were relying on the protection of the Hyuga clan.