Seeing that Chiyo didn't take his suggestion seriously, Hattori's heart sank like a stone thrown into a lake.
"It seems that both Chiyo and everyone else are overconfident in the defenses of Sunagakure. Sure, the narrow gorge at the village entrance is easy to defend, but what if the enemy comes from the sky?"
Hattori was certain that Sunagakure would be attacked, but he couldn't convince Chiyo. After all, everyone's focus was on finding the Third Kazekage.
He couldn't just tell them, "The Third Kazekage is already dead, killed by Chiyo's grandson, Sasori. By now, he's likely already been turned into a human puppet with his organs removed, so there's no point in looking."
If he really dared to say that, Chiyo would probably be the first to want to kill him and turn him into a puppet.
Never underestimate a grandmother's love for her grandson, especially when that grandmother wields significant power.
"Looks like I'll have to find a way myself!"
With that thought, Hattori took his leave of Chiyo and went to the Sunagakure hospital to speak with Mizusuna directly.
"Mizusuna, with Lord Kazekage missing, everyone is out searching for him, leaving our village defenses severely weakened. If a powerful enemy invades, the consequences could be dire. So, I need you to move the wounded and critical medical equipment to the shelter."
"This…"
Mizusuna looked troubled. "Should we inform Lady Chiyo about this first?"
"No need!"
As soon as Mizusuna spoke, Hattori waved his hand decisively. "I was appointed by Lord Kazekage as a jonin and the head of the medical emergency unit, so I'm making the call. Do it immediately; I'll take full responsibility if anything happens!"
"Yes!"
The rank hierarchy in the ninja world is strict. Even though Mizusuna had some doubts about Hattori's instructions, he had to follow them.
Fortunately, Sunagakure's shelter was built underground, and the entrance was close to the hospital, making it easier for Mizusuna and his team to transport the injured and important equipment.
After instructing Mizusuna, Hattori went to the village school and directly ordered the principal.
"Sunagakure is in a crisis. Both the hospital and the ninja school need to move temporarily to the underground shelter. The hospital is already moving, so once they're done, move the school there as well, including the books and scrolls."
"Yes!"
The principal, a chunin, assumed this order came from the village leadership since it was from Hattori, a jonin. He didn't question it and agreed immediately.
Hattori's actions carried some risk, and it was only because of the special circumstances that he could act this way. Otherwise, the village's ANBU would've already reported him to the Kazekage.
But with the Kazekage missing, the ANBU dispatched, and the high-ranking members busy with their own tasks, no one had time to monitor other matters.
Because of these reasons, Hattori's orders were carried out without much resistance.
To ensure the transfer went smoothly, Hattori spent most of his time stationed at the underground shelter, coordinating and handling issues that came up during the move.
After hearing about what Hattori was doing, Karura joined him and Mizusuna, acting as his right and left hands.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, it took less than a week to relocate both the hospital and the school to the shelter.
With the hospital and school successfully transferred, Hattori felt a sense of relief.
"As they say, 'Do the job you're given.' I've done my part, even some things beyond my duty. I've lived up to my role here, so it's time to look out for myself now!"
With that, he returned to his place and withdrew the savings he'd accumulated over the past two months.
As a jonin personally appointed by the Third Kazekage and the head of the newly-formed emergency medical unit, Hattori's salary was considerable—50,000 ryo a month, which amounted to 100,000 ryo over two months.
This sum was roughly equivalent to the reward for a B-rank mission of moderate difficulty, the kind that wasn't available every day and depended on both skill and luck.
Earning 50,000 ryo a month put Hattori among the high-income earners in Sunagakure.
Clutching the money, Hattori confidently headed to the ninja tool shop, where he slapped ten 10,000-ryo bills onto the counter.
"Boss, give me a few boxes of kunai and shuriken, and throw in some boxes of explosive tags too."
"…"
The shopkeeper looked at the money on the counter, then at Hattori, and finally replied.
"A box of kunai contains 100, a box of shuriken contains 500, and a box of explosive tags contains 50,000."
"And?"
"You don't have enough money."
"(ω`)"
Damn, that's embarrassing!
Seeing the shopkeeper's amused expression, Hattori's usually thick skin couldn't help but blush.
"Ahem… actually, I was just joking. Just tell me the price—forget the box, what's the single price?"
Choosing caution, Hattori didn't want another shock.
The shopkeeper answered, "Shuriken are 50 ryo each, kunai are 200 each, and explosive tags are 2,000 each."
"Pfft…"
Hattori nearly spat out his drink. His face twisted with anger.
"Are you robbing me? I can understand shuriken and kunai, but 2,000 ryo for an explosive tag? Are you crazy? Making money off war, are you? Do you know who I am? Do you want me to tear down your store?"
The shopkeeper looked at Hattori's rage and replied in an aggrieved tone.
"Sir, the prices were set by Lord Kazekage. I wouldn't dare cheat you. Lady Chiyo is aware of this too. You can ask her if you don't believe me."
"Uh…"
Hearing this, Hattori believed him about 90% and softened his tone.
"Well, if that's the case, you should've said so earlier. Alright, expensive it is. I'll take 200 shuriken, 50 kunai, and spend the rest on explosive tags."
"Got it. Please wait!"
The shopkeeper quickly collected the money and brought out the requested items.
"Here are your 200 shuriken for 10,000 ryo, 50 kunai for 10,000 ryo, and 40 explosive tags for 80,000 ryo, totaling 100,000 ryo. Thank you for your business. Is there anything else you need?"
Hattori: "(╬￣皿￣)"
I want your head!
After two months of freeloading meals at Rasa's, Hattori had finally saved up his salary, only to spend it all at once. And he still didn't get as much as he expected. How was he supposed to feel okay with this?
Watching the shopkeeper's smug expression, Hattori couldn't hold back his frustration, spitting on the ground.
"Pah… what are you looking at? Hurry up and pack my gear! Not even a free bag? Is this how you run a business? Do you know who I am? Do you want me to smash this place?"
"Σ(°△°|||)︴"
(End of chapter)