The day had grown quiet. The sky outside turned orange and purple as the sun slowly dipped behind the mountains. Haji stood alone in the lower levels of the Hokage Tower, deep within his secret lab. Rows of glowing tubes, storage scrolls, and strange equipnt lined the walls around him.
Haji had just sealed away the Type-00 and Type-01F gene-seed samples, making sure they were safe and untouched. His armor was placed neatly on a tall display stand behind him. Now, wearing a long grey cloak with a high collar, he looked more like a warrior, his tall figure and heavy steps gave away his strength.
He walked out of the lab and up the stairs. Each step was quiet, calm, and steady. He passed empty halls and quiet offices until he reached the upper levels of the Hokage Tower.
Just as he stepped onto the top floor, he saw Tsunade coming out of her office. She was removing her Hokage robe, her golden hair tied up as always. Shizune followed behind her, carrying a scroll and wearing her usual gentle smile.
"Oh," Tsunade said with a small grin. "You're up here again. I thought you were locked underground all day."
"I finished my work," Haji replied, his deep voice calm.
"You always say that," Tsunade teased. "Co on, we were just about to grab sothing to eat. Want to join us?"
Shizune nodded, looking up at him. "We're going to Ichiraku Ran. It's been a while since we saw you outside."
Haji gave a slow nod. "Very well."
...
The three of them walked through the main street of Konoha, side by side. Haji walked with long strides, his cloak brushing the ground. Beside him, Tsunade walked proudly, while Shizune held her hands behind her back, enjoying the cool evening air.
Villagers noticed them right away. Whispers followed in every direction.
"Is that Tsunade Apprentice, The Commander who defeated Kumogakure?"
"He's huge! Is he even human?"
"I heard he has a tal armor covering his whole body."
Haji didn't react. He just kept walking. Tsunade smirked and glanced at him.
"You're the Village hero," she said softly. "Maybe you should smile more. Show them you're not made of stone."
"I don't see the need," Haji replied without looking at her.
Shizune giggled, covering her mouth. "You'll scare them, Haji-san."
.....
They arrived at the small but famous ran shop. The curtain lifted as they stepped inside. The warm sll of broth and noodles filled the air.
Inside, two familiar faces were already eating, Kakashi Hatake, the calm, masked ninja, and Might Guy, the loud and passionate one. Both of them were finishing their third bowls when they noticed Haji walking in behind Tsunade.
Guy stood up so fast that his stool nearly fell.
"Tsunade-sama! Haji-dono! It's a burning honor to eat with you!"
Haji turned slightly toward him. Guy's eyes were full of excitent. He walked over and offered a strong handshake. Haji accepted it, and for a mont, the shop felt smaller as two powerful forces t in silence.
"To one day test myself against your strength," Guy said proudly, "would be the greatest challenge of youth!"
Haji nodded, his grip firm. "Perhaps."
Guy laughed with joy, pumping his fist into the air.
Kakashi gave a small wave from the side. "Nice to see you outside again, Haji. You're taller than I rember."
"I've always been this height," Haji replied simply.
Tsunade chuckled. "Enough talking. Let's eat."
...
Haji sat at the long counter beside Tsunade, while Shizune took the spot on the other side. The owner, Teuchi, leaned over the counter with a kind smile.
"Good evening, Hokage-sama. And… Haji, was it? The one who defeated Kumogakure."
"Yes, Indeed, he is Haji, But Don't give us any discount, Haji is Rich." Tsunade said.
Teuchi laughed. "Of course. What can I get you?"
Haji looked at the nu briefly, then said, "10 bowls of Miso Ran, With Pork. Large."
"10? You sure?" Aya, the owner's daughter, blinked in surprise.
Teuchi, opened his slit eyes, to haji looking at his build, and nodded and accepted the order.
"He's sure," Tsunade said with a grin. "Just bring them out fast."
Within minutes, the bowls arrived. Haji didn't waste ti. He picked up the chopsticks and started eating with perfect rhythm. He wasn't ssy, every move was clean and smooth, but his speed was still impressive.
Tsunade leaned back and watched him.
"What were you doing this ti, Haji, you been in your Lab for quite so ti."
Aya arriving with Tsunade and Shizune Ran, delivering it to her.
Shizune thanking Aya who was delivering, then also started eating. "Itadakimasu."
Tsunade accepted the bowl "Itadakimasu." And started eating elegantly.
"I been busy studying the Eyes of Nagato, The Rinnegan."
Haji said between bites.
Shizune's eyes widened. "Eyes?"
Tsunade said in suprised. "Rinnegan? Sage of Six Path Eye?"
Haji nodded to her, "I was studying the Rinnegan In the lab."
Beside them, Kakashi and Guy stood up to leave.
"We'll be going," Kakashi said. "Don't stay out too late, Hokage-sama."
Guy gave one last salute. "Rember, Haji! Our match still awaits!"
Then they disappeared into the night.
.....
Once Haji finished his last bowl, he placed the chopsticks down neatly and stood up and paying. Teuchi gave him a respectful nod. "Co back anyti. The next al will be on the house."
Outside, the street was quieter now. Lanterns lit the road, and the night breeze was cool and gentle.
Shizune yawned softly. "I'm heading back to my place. Thank you for the al, Haji."
"You're welco."
"Goodnight, Tsunade-sama." She waved and walked down a nearby path.
That left just Haji and Tsunade.
They walked side by side down a quiet road, heading toward the Senju Compound. There was no need for words. The village was peaceful. Dogs barked in the distance. A few windows were lit. The air slled faintly of flowers.
When they reached the edge of the compound, Tsunade glanced up at him.
"You know, Haji you should go outside more often, show your presence, Your always on the lab, hokage tower, even when your going out, it was more of you, going to fight soone."
"I don't need to show them," Haji replied.
Tsunade smiled. Then she placed her hand gently on his cloak sleeve.
"Stay at my place tonight," she said simply. "It's quiet. I've got sake, and… the bed's big enough for a giant."
Haji paused, then gave a slow nod.
The two walked together into the Senju Compound. The moonlight followed them, long shadows stretching behind.
And for one night, Konoha slept peacefully.
End of Chapter 135
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