"Indeed, very impressive," Chiyo remarked, her tone genuine. "This factory is truly remarkable." She surveyed her surroundings, nodding in satisfaction. "The environment is comfortable, the wages are generous, the manager is responsible, and the workers are clearly diligent and hardworking. It seems that you, old guy, actually have some talent."
Hanzō's smile faltered, his confusion evident. Was the puppet mistress out of her mind? Just moments ago, she had been irritable, and now she was suddenly showering him with praise for no apparent reason. What had changed? Why did she seem like a completely different person all of a sudden?
Could it be that his constant bragging over the past few days had driven her to the brink of madness? It wouldn't be surprising. After all, she was of an old age and had recently endured the upheaval of Sand Village's disbandment. Perhaps the accumulated pressure had finally overwhelmed her, and now, because of him, she couldn't hold it in any longer.
Watching Chiyo as she examined the machines, her expression filled with genuine emotion, Hanzō hesitated before cautiously inquiring, "Puppet Mistress, are you... really okay? Do you need to rest?"
"What could possibly be wrong with me? Everything I'm saying is true. This factory is genuinely impressive," Chiyo waved her hand dismissively, a smile gracing her lips. "Did Sasori modify all of this? He truly is an exceptional kid."
"You're saying you're fine? Then why are you praising my grandson?" Hanzō shivered slightly, an uneasy feeling creeping over him. "You must be dealing with something."
"…No, I'm just happy!" Chiyo bit back her frustration at his words, feeling a surge of irritation.
"I apologize; I was wrong to brag about my village, especially considering how poor Sand Village is," Hanzō continued, his voice turning serious. "I shouldn't have done that in front of you. Should I call a medical ninja to check on you? If necessary, I can even bring in a top-notch medical expert from Grass Village. Whatever the issue is, I'll do everything in my power to help you!"
'I have a problem? You are the one with issues,' Chiyo raised an eyebrow, her smile fading as she shot Hanzō a fierce glare. "Are you done yet?"
After inspecting the machines that Sasori had modified, she recognized his techniques immediately. Though time had passed, as the teacher who had instructed her grandson in puppet techniques, she could clearly identify those methods and markings—they were undoubtedly Sasori's.
But why had he suddenly left the village? Why was he working here? Did he no longer wish to be a ninja? After all the hardships he had endured since childhood, it was understandable if he preferred a peaceful, quiet life now.
She chided herself for not noticing sooner. But why had Sasori accepted that old fool of a gas mask-wearer as his 'grandpa'? Didn't he realize that his true grandmother was his sworn enemy? Forget it. Perhaps this child simply yearned for a sense of family. If this was his choice, she would respect it.
In the past, if Sasori had left the village without cause, he would have been labeled a rogue ninja from Sand Village. But now that Sand Village had joined Grass Village, did those labels even matter anymore?
Chiyo's eyes betrayed a hint of sadness as she caressed the machine before her, letting out another sigh.
Under Hanzō's puzzled gaze, she cleared her throat twice, regaining her impassive expression. She chose not to reveal her inner turmoil and asked, "So, where is Sasori? Why haven't I seen him yet?"
"Sorry, Advisor Chiyo," the factory manager explained quickly, his tone apologetic. "Sasori was just feeling unwell when you arrived."
"Did he happen to feel unwell just before I came?" Chiyo furrowed her brow, murmuring to herself, "Is this kid… doing it on purpose?"
However, as soon as those words left her lips, Hanzō interjected, "Hey, old lady, isn't it completely normal to feel unwell sometimes? Why are you getting upset over such a trivial matter?" His displeasure was evident. "Anyway, that kid is always enthusiastic when I visit. And let me tell you, you have no say over my grandson. So what do you mean by 'intentional'?"
Chiyo shot Hanzō a complex look, momentarily taken aback by his concern for Sasori. After a brief silence, she said, "Thank you, you old fool!"
Hanzō couldn't shake the feeling that something was truly amiss with Chiyo, especially given her sudden expression of gratitude toward him.
Before he could inquire again about her well-being or suggest calling for a medical ninja, the factory manager recalled something pertinent to their conversation about Sasori. He sighed heavily and said, "Speaking of which, that kid has seemed a bit lost lately; he's been wanting to resign."
"Yes, just in the last few days. It started right after the announcement that Sand Village had joined the alliance. I really don't know what's troubling him," the manager replied, a hint of concern evident in his eyes. "Some coworkers mentioned seeing Sasori slumped in a chair…"
He gestured toward a distant corner of the factory. "Staring off into space, his gaze vacant and completely motionless—he looked desolate."
Chiyo turned her gaze in that direction, her heart sinking. Isn't that… toward Sand Village? A thought struck her. Is he worried about being seen by me, so he's trying to sneak away?
As Chiyo pondered this, the manager continued, "Regarding Sasori's resignation, considering his odd behavior, I've kept all his applications on hold and haven't approved any of them."
"No, we cannot agree to this. Absolutely not!" Chiyo shook her head, her expression grave. "It's normal for young people to feel troubled from time to time, but they often make impulsive decisions that lead to mistakes. As their elders, we must keep a close watch."
"Rest assured, Advisor Chiyo, I feel the same way. Where can you find such a good job nowadays?" the factory manager replied, frustration evident in his voice. "That kid doesn't seem to know what he's thinking. Whatever worries he has, he doesn't express them. Plus, he's not that young anymore; he should be working hard and thinking about marriage. He seemed fine before; I don't understand what's gotten into him lately. It's just that…"
He sighed again, hesitating before continuing, "A coworker saw him secretly packing his bags, as if he wanted to leave without telling anyone. The factory is quite busy, so we can't keep an eye on him all the time. It's really worrying."
"No, We can't let him get away. We absolutely must not let him escape. He needs to settle down and get married." Upon hearing that Sasori seemed intent on running away, Chiyo's heart sank even further. This kid… He must be worried about being discovered by me.
Shaking her head, she looked around the factory, her tone earnest. "Your factory's defenses are lacking. What if he manages to slip away?"
The factory manager looked bewildered. What is Advisor Chiyo talking about? Given the factory's importance—though he wasn't entirely sure how critical it was—he remembered that Leader Akihiko had specifically requested the factory to strengthen its defenses. The walls were now over two meters high, and there were ninjas patrolling the area. isn't this sufficient?
Before the bewildered manager could respond, Chiyo continued, her tone grave, "I'll send someone later to add a few more meters to the walls, and I'll figure out a way to bolster surveillance."
"Isn't that a bit excessive, Advisor Chiyo?" the factory manager asked hesitantly.
"Not excessive at all," Chiyo countered, shaking her head with determination. "We cannot afford to be negligent in this matter. What if something unexpected happens? This is all for the sake of the Land of Grass. Don't worry; I'll cover these expenses!"
"Well..." The manager glanced at Hanzō, who had been silent, and hesitated before nodding. "Then... I'll rely on you, Advisor Chiyo!"
"Don't worry; it's no trouble at all. I'll head back and make the arrangements right away. I guarantee it will all be in place," she replied, a hint of impatience evident as she walked toward the exit.
Hanzō, finally snapping out of his daze, hurried after Chiyo and asked, "What are you doing, old woman? Why the sudden urgency to bolster the factory's defenses?"
"I just want to do something for Leader Akihiko." Chiyo sighed, shaking her head. She chose not to elaborate and shot an impatient glance at Hanzō, who still seemed curious. "What's it to you, old man? Why do you care what I choose to do?"
Isn't this my factory? How can it not concern me? Hanzo thought, a twitch of frustration crossing his lips.
Before he could voice his feelings, Chiyo suddenly halted, her gaze fixed on the factory behind her. Excitement mingled with melancholy in her eyes. I can only support you here, my dear. Sensing her grandson's hesitation, she resolved to give him a gentle nudge.
Even if you don't want to be a ninja, that's perfectly fine. No matter what path you choose, I will always bless you. As long as you're happy, I won't intrude on your life.
Once her internal monologue concluded, she looked back at Hanzō with a complex expression and said, "Thank you, you insufferable old fool."
At her unexpected words, Hanzo was left in confusion once more. Why is she thanking me out of the blue?
Yet, under Hanzō's bewildered gaze, Chiyo hurried away without a backward glance, as if she had something urgent to attend to.
...
On the other side, after hearing the door close behind them, Sasori let out a long sigh and stared ahead, his expression a mix of complexity and concern. He murmured, "I can't stay here any longer…"
I need to find a way to leave quickly. Initially, he had intended to resign through proper channels, but that plan had been rejected. It seems I'll have to sneak away after all.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, he felt a sudden tap on his shoulder. Before he could react, a familiar voice said, "Hey, feeling any better? You really need to take better care of yourself. Why do you always seem so unwell?"
Sasori, initially tense at the unexpected touch, relaxed when he saw it was the factory manager. He responded in a flat voice, "I'm feeling much better now. What did Lord Hanzō and the Sand Village representatives say?"
"Lord Hanzō and Advisor Chiyo? They didn't say much, but Advisor Chiyo seemed really interested in you. Too bad you missed your chance to meet her; she has already left." The factory manager, used to Sasori's cold demeanor, didn't take offense. He sighed, a hint of regret lacing his tone. "When I first saw Advisor Chiyo arrive, she had a sour expression, but I didn't expect her to be so pleasant."
That old woman… she's fine, I suppose. Just a bit rigid. Sasori thought, feeling a wave of relief wash over him at the news that nothing significant had been discussed. He kept his indifferent expression as he shook off the manager's hand resting on his shoulder and prepared to leave.
But then, the manager sighed again, "She even mentioned wanting to help us improve the factory's surveillance system. She was willing to contribute her own money to raise the walls and keep potential thieves out."
At those words, Sasori stumbled for a moment, nearly losing his balance. With a bewildered look, he turned to the manager and asked, "What did you just say?!"