After the battle last night, the southern battlefield of the Sand Village had returned to calm.
However, many Sand ninjas believed that, after suffering such a defeat, the Mist Village would certainly retaliate in full force, so defenses were especially strengthened.
To their surprise, not only did no retaliation come in the following week, but there wasn't even a hint of probing from the Mist ninjas.
Under everyone's suggestion, Chiyo dispatched scouts to the Mist camp to gather intelligence, but the information they returned left everyone shocked.
The Mist ninjas had withdrawn.
Not only was the Mist Village's camp deserted, but even the heavily guarded coastal outposts were now empty.
It seemed as though they had accepted defeat and withdrawn all their forces from the Land of Wind.
Upon hearing this, the Sand ninjas were overjoyed.
Chiyo found Hattori and, with a hint of excitement, said, "Hattori, the Mist ninjas have retreated. Our plan worked!"
"Oh?"
Hattori, who was working on a puppet at the time, immediately put down his tools upon hearing Chiyo's words, a flash of delight in his eyes.
"That's wonderful! So, what are your plans now, sensei? Are you heading back to the eastern battlefield immediately, or are you waiting for more news from the Mist?"
"Neither. I plan to send you back to the village first."
Chiyo smiled faintly, giving an answer that surprised Hattori.
"Hattori, your talents are crucial to the Sand Village, so your safety is the top priority. I'll send you back to the village first, and then I'll head to the eastern battlefield."
"…"
Hattori was silent for a moment, then shook his head.
"Sensei, I don't want to go back. I want to go to the eastern battlefield with you."
"Hmm?"
Chiyo's surprise was evident as she looked at him, startled.
"Didn't you want to go back before? Oh, and what about Pakura? Since you're so fond of her, I could arrange for her to escort you back!"
"(°A°`) Eh?"
Hearing this, Hattori almost couldn't help but agree, but he quickly regained his composure, shaking his head vigorously.
"No, no… It has nothing to do with Sister Pakura. I just think this battle with the Leaf Village is too important. If I go, I'll definitely be helpful to the village, even if only as a medical ninja!"
"A medical ninja… hmm?"
Chiyo frowned slightly, deep in thought, clearly considering Hattori's words.
Seeing her hesitation, Hattori grew a bit nervous.
Following the recent battle, his strength had surged again, making him realize that the battlefield was the best place for him to grow stronger. Aware of this, he was genuinely concerned that Chiyo might still send him back.
Fortunately, Chiyo didn't insist. After considering it, she nodded.
"Alright, the front lines really do need a medical ninja, but you have to promise me that once you're there, you'll stay in the medical camp and won't act on your own like last time!"
"Okay, I promise."
Overjoyed that she agreed, Hattori readily nodded and even raised his hand to swear.
"I swear that I'll obediently listen to you, Sensei, and won't act on my own. If I break my promise, may Rasa's prostate rot!"
Chiyo: "…"
Wow, that's certainly a unique curse!
Seeing Hattori swear with such solemnity, Chiyo shook her head helplessly and held up a finger.
"One more thing: once you're there, you're not allowed to provoke Rasa again, understand?"
"But what if he provokes me first?" Hattori raised an eyebrow. "Can I retaliate then?"
"No, because he won't provoke you."
Chiyo shot him a sidelong glance. "Do you think Rasa is like you?"
"Sensei, you're so biased… boo-hoo…"
"…"
Watching Hattori's sudden exaggerated sulking, Chiyo's mouth twitched before she silently turned and left.
Outside the tent, Pakura stared in shock.
She could hardly believe the way Chiyo and Hattori interacted in private.
And even more, she couldn't believe that Hattori dared to joke around with someone as serious as Chiyo. It was truly eye-opening.
"Their relationship really seems good. Could the rumors be true?"
While Pakura muttered to herself, a familiar voice suddenly sounded beside her.
"What rumors?"
"Eh?"
Startled, Pakura turned and found Hattori—who'd just been sulking—standing right next to her.
Feeling flustered, she stammered, "W-when did you come out?"
"Hehe, I missed you, Sister Pakura!" Hattori chuckled, stepping forward to give her a quick hug before letting go.
After spending some days together, Pakura was already used to such gestures from him, so she didn't react too strongly, though her cheeks did turn a bit pink.
Seeing this, Hattori smiled and asked again, "So, what rumors were you talking about, Sister Pakura?"
"Well…"
Pakura hesitated, glanced around to ensure no one was nearby, and then lowered her voice.
"Everyone's saying… you're Lady Chiyo's grandson!"
"Uh… how could that be?"
Hattori was momentarily stunned, then couldn't help but chuckle.
"Haha, that's nonsense! Her grandson is Sasori, and he's… uh… pudgy like a ball. I'm so handsome; how could I be him, right? Haha!"
Though he'd narrowly avoided slipping up, Hattori's smile was slightly stiff.
Luckily, Pakura didn't think much of it. She gave him a playful glance and said, "You're always making things up. I've met Sasori before, and he's not chubby at all. Actually, he's quite good-looking… though he went missing during a mission."
A touch of sadness crossed her face.
Seeing Pakura's reaction, Hattori realized he'd dodged a bullet and breathed a quiet sigh of relief.
Outwardly, though, he put on a look of disappointment.
"Sister Pakura, you're talking about other handsome men right in front of me. It seems you've fallen for someone else… I was so loyal to you, but here you are, casting me aside, you wicked, wicked woman… boo-hoo-hoo…"
Pakura: "(Д*)"
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