Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

When Hattori left Karura's house, the evening was already setting in. Outside, he carefully slipped the photo he'd just taken into his wallet, then used his heightened vision technique, the Kagura Mind's Eye, to look at Pakura.

The Kagura Mind's Eye, known as one of the most powerful perception techniques, easily allowed Hattori to locate her. 

He saw Pakura focused on training with her apprentice, each holding a kunai as they sparred. The late-day sunlight made their sweat glisten, reflecting off in crystal-like droplets.

Seeing this, Hattori couldn't help but smile. "As expected of my girl; she looks amazing no matter what she's doing. Eh, since she's busy, I'll leave her be!"

With that, Hattori turned off the Kagura Mind's Eye and returned to his own quarters, lying on his bed to rest. But just as he closed his eyes, he found himself once again in his inner world, facing the Four-Tailed Beast.

By now, Hattori was used to this scenario and grinned at the sight of him.

"Heh, hey, Monkey King! Ready for another chapter of *Journey to the West*? You've already heard it three times—aren't you getting tired of it?"

"But you tell it differently every time!"

The Four-Tailed Beast's voice held a trace of dissatisfaction.

"The first time was okay, but the next two times got shorter. Take the story of the White Bone Demon—each time, it's different!"

"Uh… different how?"

"The first time you took twenty minutes; the second, just ten. By the third, it was down to a few sentences. I feel like you're just winging it!"

Hattori: "…"

What the heck—this guy's really that sharp?

As Hattori prepared to argue, the Four-Tailed spoke up again.

"And another thing—the first time you got to the part where Sun Wukong was banished by the monk, you even sang a song! But you didn't sing the other times!"

"Uh… was it *The Scattered, Faint Sorrows*? Alright, I'll make it up to you now!"

Hattori then began to sing softly:

"We part so suddenly, never to look back,

Only on leaving did we know how deep the feelings ran,

So many memories flood the heart…"

As Hattori sang, the Four-Tailed Beast raised its head slightly, seeming lost in thought, a hint of nostalgia in its gaze.

Seeing this, Hattori didn't disturb him further. After finishing the song, he quietly exited the inner world and drifted off to sleep, hugging his blanket.

…

Sleeping in the village was far more relaxing than being on the front lines, and Hattori slept through to dawn. He lingered in bed a bit longer before finally getting up to wash and dress.

When he finally stepped outside, he was surprised to see Pakura standing at his door.

"Pakura? What brings you here?"

"It's Lady Chiyo's orders," Pakura smiled slightly, giving him a playful smile. "You're going to sign a ceasefire with the Mist Ninjas—why didn't you tell me? Or do you think I'd just hold you back?"

"No, no, no… I didn't mean it that way!" Seeing her slight annoyance, Hattori quickly explained. "I just hadn't had a chance to tell you yet! With our relationship, how could I leave you behind?"

"Our relationship?" Pakura raised an eyebrow. "And what kind of relationship is that?"

"(づ￣3￣)づ This kind of relationship!"

"…"

Seeing Hattori pouting at her, Pakura couldn't help but laugh, rolling her eyes at him. "Always talking nonsense. Let's go; Lord Kazekage and Lady Chiyo have been waiting for you a long time!"

"Heh heh!"

Hattori grinned as they walked together toward the Kazekage building. Soon enough, they reached their destination.

The guards, already expecting them, escorted Hattori and Pakura into the Kazekage building's meeting room. Chiyo and the others were waiting there; upon seeing them, Chiyo smiled.

"You finally made it! Lord Kazekage has been waiting for a while now; come on over!"

Hattori nodded and took the seat next to Chiyo, giving a respectful nod to Rasa, who wore the Kazekage's attire.

Seeing this, Rasa's eyes flashed with a hint of disdain before he spoke to Hattori.

"Hattori, for this negotiation with the Hidden Mist, just focus on three things." He raised three fingers.

"First, secure a compensation of no less than one billion ryō, or resources of equal value. Second, sign the ceasefire agreement. Third, avoid any conflict with Hidden Mist if possible."

"Understood!" Hattori nodded, then asked, "But what if they start a fight?"

"Do your best to avoid conflict and keep yourself safe," Rasa replied, smiling. "You're a hero of the Sand Village—your safety is our priority. If the Mist Ninjas go too far, it's alright if the mission fails."

Hearing Rasa's words, both Chiyo and Ebizō smiled in satisfaction, clearly pleased with his response.

Hattori smiled too, bowing slightly to Rasa. "Thank you, Lord Kazekage! Don't worry—I'll complete this mission without fail!"

"Good, that's reassuring."

Rasa nodded and then asked, "When do you plan to leave?"

"Today!" Hattori replied, glancing at Pakura and smiling. "With Pakura going along, I won't need any extra guards. We can set off today."

"No, you should still bring a few guards," Rasa insisted, looking over at Chiyo and Ebizō. "Hattori's history with Hidden Mist is… tense. For safety's sake, let's add a bit more security. What do you two think?"

"Agreed," Chiyo nodded. "We should select ten elite puppeteers to accompany Hattori."

Ebizō added, "And ten top-tier Anbu as well."

Rasa smiled at Hattori. "Hattori, will twenty people be enough? If not, I can provide a few more elite guards."

"No need!" Hattori replied immediately, bowing once more. "Thank you, Lord Kazekage, but twenty will be plenty. After all, I'm going to negotiate, not start a war. If the Mist Village misinterprets our intentions, that could spell trouble."

"Very well, as you wish," Rasa said, standing up and patting Hattori's shoulder gently. "Take care on the journey—I'll await good news from you here in the Sand Village."

"Understood!"

---

*(End of Chapter)*