What is the most important duty of a ninja?
Rasa's answer: the mission.
Completing one's mission helps the village and also benefits friends and family. But what if the mission isn't one you want to do?
Rasa's answer is straightforward: complete it as quickly as possible, and get it over with.
It sounds simple, and carrying it out isn't difficult either. So what's the hard part?
The answer: the people involved in the mission.
Especially the person in front of him right now.
"I really just want to throw him off!"
Looking at the arrogant look on Hattori's face—his wide eyes glaring without a hint of respect—Rasa's mouth twitched in irritation.
"Don't talk to me. We're not close at all, kid!"
With that, he ignored Hattori, focusing on controlling the gold sand under his feet to increase their flying speed a bit more.
With his full effort, the journey that normally took at least a day was done in under two hours.
The cost, however, was high. When they landed at the entrance to the Hidden Sand Village, his breathing was uneven, and beads of sweat formed on his cheeks.
It was clear his chakra was heavily drained, and he was exhausted.
Despite their differences, Hattori wasn't ungrateful. Noticing Rasa's state, he still offered a word of thanks.
"Thank you for picking me up. That was tough."
"Hm?"
Rasa looked at him in surprise, apparently not expecting such politeness.
But he didn't plan to accept it or to start getting along with Hattori. He replied coldly, "No need to thank me. I'm just following Lord Kazekage's orders. Don't cause me any more trouble. Now come with me to see him!"
Not waiting for a reply, he strode forward.
Hattori shrugged and quickly followed behind.
After nearly half a month, the buildings in the village, previously damaged by Shukaku's rampage, were almost fully restored. The streets had also been tidied up significantly.
As they walked into the village, many people greeted them.
"Hello, Lord Rasa!"
"Welcome back, Lord Rasa!"
Of course, it wasn't only Rasa receiving greetings—many people greeted Hattori as well.
"Welcome back, Lord Tokage! Thanks for your help last time. Here, this is a cake I just bought!"
"Lord Tokage, this is my favorite freeze-dried tofu. Please take it home and try it!"
"This is candied chestnut—it's delicious! Please accept it, Lord Tokage…"
Soon, Hattori had so many food gifts in his arms that even Rasa was forced to help carry some.
Seeing Hattori smiling with an armful of gifts, Rasa felt conflicted again.
"I didn't expect this kid to be so well-liked in the village. I guess I did underestimate him."
Rasa began to understand why the Third Kazekage valued Hattori so much; clearly, he had his own strengths.
Looking at the pile of gifts in his hands, Rasa frowned.
"It's inappropriate to bring all this to Lord Kazekage. What are you planning to do with these things?"
"Let's leave them at your place first!"
Hattori answered without hesitation.
"Until we know Lord Kazekage's arrangement, let's keep these at yours. I'll figure out what to do with them afterward."
Rasa frowned again but eventually nodded.
"Fine, let's do that."
He led Hattori toward his home.
Just as in other ninja villages, a ninja's home location reflected their status in the village.
As a powerful ninja and a key commander in the northern battlefield, Rasa's home was naturally in the heart of the village.
They walked along the village's main road, and soon Rasa led Hattori to his home, knocking on the door.
*Knock, knock…*
"I'm coming!"
A pleasant female voice responded, and soon a woman in an apron, holding a ladle, opened the door.
Seeing Rasa, her face lit up with joy. "Rasa, you're back? I've made food for you…"
"I need to see Lord Kazekage first!" Rasa interrupted before she could finish.
Hearing this, her face fell slightly, but she quickly forced a smile.
"I'll keep the food warm and wait for you."
"There's no…"
Rasa had barely spoken two words when Hattori nudged past him.
"No need? You may not, but I sure do! I haven't had a bite since yesterday afternoon. My teacher says I'm still growing, and I can't live off ration pills all the time!"
Hattori then turned to the woman, smiling brightly.
"Hello, Sister Karura. You're Yashamaru's sister, right? I'm Hattori—Tokage—a good friend of Yashamaru's. I hope it's not too forward of me to visit like this!"
"Ah?"
Karura blinked at him, then noticed the gifts Hattori was holding and quickly welcomed him.
"You're Lady Chiyo's student, the genius medical ninja Tokage? You're so young! Please, come in. I'll bring the food out right away."
"Thank you for having me!"
Hattori stepped inside, found a place for the gifts, washed his hands, and then took a seat at the table as Karura invited him.
He clasped his hands together.
"Thank you for the food!"
In disbelief, Rasa watched Hattori eat comfortably, like a familiar guest, even praising Karura's cooking.
"Oh wow, Sister Karura, your cooking is amazing! Rasa is so lucky to have you as his wife!"
"Eat as much as you like, Tokage. Here, try this!" Karura encouraged him, smiling warmly.
"Thank you, Sister Karura!"
With her kind hospitality, Hattori ate happily, almost clearing the entire table of food.
When he finished, he took Karura's hand sincerely and made her a promise.
"Sister Karura, thank you for your hospitality. Because of you, I've decided—I'll accept Rasa as my brother!"
Karura: "…"
Rasa: "(╬￣皿￣)"