Feels like Yesterday

Konoha had reached its milestone of 60 years of existence.

This year held immense significance—it marked the inception of Ashura and Indra's lives, and it was the very year that ignited the plot of Naruto in Hayashi's previous life.

Today, a day of great value, was aptly dubbed the 'start of the series'.

In his resident, he donned a kimono. Clutching a notebook in hand, he gazed out the window at the small figure scribbling on the Hokage Rock. His eyes were filled with nostalgia.

Unbeknownst to him, he had spent seven years in this world.

It was a rare day for him not to engage in practice; he had even instructed Hinata not to visit.

Not solely to witness this scene, but to prepare for organizing the future.

Opening the notebook revealed a plethora of foreign characters incomprehensible to this world, containing vital information.

Even he did not possess a photographic memory.

Hence, since the age of six, he had made it a habit to periodically jot down important details.

Seven years had passed, and indeed, he had forgotten much of the intricate plots. The characters with fleeting appearances, such as the Sound Four involved in the Konoha Crush; their names had already faded from his memory.

Luckily, he had foreseen this moment and recorded some crucial plot points in advance.

"In March, the new generation graduates and engages in survival drills. In May, Team 7 undertakes about 3 or 4 D-level tasks, followed by the plot involving the Land of Waves. On June 23, Team 7, 8, and 9 will accumulate eight tasks to qualify for registration in the Chunin exam. The exam begins on July 1st. Following three rounds, there will be a month of training, culminating in the Konoha Crush, Itachi's return to the village, the search for Tsunade, and the battle of the Sannin..." Hayashi meticulously reviewed his notes, contemplating the future trajectory of the seventh class.

Through his textual recollection, forgotten or deeply buried images gradually resurfaced.

After spending the entire morning engrossed in his notes, he only concluded his reading when his shadow clone returned from school.

Upon dismissing the shadow clone, he received today's memories.

Due to Naruto's antics, Iruka had decided to conduct a transformation technique exam for the entire class today. Consequently, tomorrow would be the graduation assessment.

He recalled the pivotal moment when Naruto failed the clone technique. It led to Mizuki's manipulation and the theft of the sealed book. This event also revealed his identity as the 'Nine-Tailed Demon Fox'. It was a turning point in Naruto's life, marking his first true recognition and successful graduation.

Reflecting on this episode, he closed his notes.

Picking up Shigure Kintoki beside him, he stood up and began to complete today's daily tasks.

With a swift motion, the ordinary bamboo sword transformed into a real sword. It emanated a chilling aura, instilling a sense of foreboding in those who beheld it.

The sharp blade sliced through the air with precision.

It was a seemingly ordinary sword swing, with Hayashi's kimono draped gracefully over his frame and his silver hair slicked back neatly, yet there was no fluttering in the wind.

In his vision, everything appeared vividly alive.

The Breath of All Things ranged from faint whispering to clear sounds. It seemed to pulse with vitality, awaiting his command. With a mere flick of the sword in his hand, he could summon its power.

As he completed today's task, dusk settled in.

"Hayashi, have you eaten yet?"

Just as he finished showering and prepared to head out for dinner, Hinata appeared in the living room. She seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, holding a bento box. He had instructed her not to visit today.

Observing Hinata's gesture, he smiled faintly. "Ah... I haven't eaten yet."

Two years had passed, and the girl had matured into the image he remembered from the paper doll, albeit with a newfound confidence nurtured through years of training alongside him. Her temperament was no longer as timid as portrayed in the original story. Hinata now bore the semblance of her Shippuden self. Her waist-length lilac hair framed her face, while her demeanor exuded strength, devoid of weakness and shyness.

Clad in a white windbreaker and trousers, she exuded a sense of conservatism that mirrored her upbringing.

Her lavender-white eyes were soft, yet full of thoughtfulness and care for Hayashi. They eased his loneliness on the arduous path towards strength.

Unbeknownst to him, this girl had stealthily captured his heart over the course of six years.

And in return, he had done the same.

While enjoying the bento prepared by Hinata, he engaged in light conversation with her about the Transformation Technique test scheduled for that day. Playfully, he employed Naruto's reverse harem technique to tease the gentle and lovely girl. Her face flushed with warmth, nearly fainting as the atmosphere between them became incredibly awkward.

After finishing their meal, Hayashi and Hinata lingered in conversation for a while longer. Eventually, he escorted her out of the house, accompanying her back to the Hyuga family mansion.

However, he refrained from seeing her all the way to the door. Their relationship hovered delicately between that of friends and potential lovers. He was wary of revealing too much of his strength to Konoha, given his uncertain status.

The love between a commoner and a princess from a prestigious family was akin to a tale - lovers faced countless obstacles, their path fraught with challenges and hardships. Even if Hinata were to defy the expectations of her father, Hyuga Hiashi, her status as a princess would remain unchanged.

Once he saw Hinata safely enter the mansion, he made his way back to his own home.

With notes in hand, he settled against the headboard of his bed, continuing to peruse them by the soft glow of the light.

As night descended, the surrounding houses dimmed their lights. He finally closed his notebook, rubbing his tired eyes. He laid down to rest, succumbing to the weight of drowsiness as his consciousness gradually slipped into the realm of dreams.

As the world around him shifted and blurred, he felt as though his soul traversed through time and space, becoming intertwined with a man possessing eagle-like eyes. Together, they engaged in a fierce duel against a red-haired adversary of similar age.