Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

After leaving the meeting room, Hattori didn't have to wait long before Chiyo and Ebizō also emerged. Chiyo adjusted Hattori's clothes and coat with a smile as she spoke to him.

"You're always in such a rush! Even if you waited a couple of days to sign the ceasefire agreement, it wouldn't make a difference. You just got back, and already you're off again. Do you not want to spend time with this old lady?"

"Oh no, it's nothing like that!"

Hattori waved his hand, giving her a grin. "Your cooking is so good, I'd eat it every day if I could. But I need to settle things in Kirigakure sooner rather than later."

"As soon as it's over, I'll come right back and spend every day with you until you're sick of seeing me. How's that sound?"

"Heh heh…you really know how to cheer me up, don't you?"

Chiyo chuckled at his words, then turned to look at Ebizō.

"Have you arranged everything?"

"Yes." Ebizō nodded. "All set. We have experienced warriors ready and waiting just outside the village."

"Good." Chiyo nodded again, then turned back to Hattori and gently patted his head.

"You're a good boy. I know what you're capable of, but remember, once you're in Kirigakure, you'll be on their turf. Don't push yourself too hard. Whatever happens, we can deal with it back here. Understood?"

"Yes, understood!" Hattori nodded quickly. "Then, I'll be off now, teacher!"

"Go, and stay safe!"

"Will do!"

With that, Hattori and Pakura set off, heading out of the village. When they reached the outskirts, twenty warriors awaited them. Ten carried scrolls for puppet sealing—obviously the Puppet Division. The other ten, masked and armed with short swords, were clearly members of the village's Anbu.

When Hattori and Pakura arrived, the twenty warriors knelt on one knee, bowing as they shouted, "Lord Hattori!"

"Alright."

Hattori acknowledged them with a nod and raised his hand. "Thank you for your assistance with this mission to Kirigakure. Let's head out!"

"Yes, sir!"

The twenty warriors stood and followed behind Hattori as they departed for the southern port. From Sunagakure, the northern port was much closer than the border post to the Land of Earth. It only took two days for Hattori's group to reach their destination, where they boarded a ship bound for Kirigakure.

Isolated offshore in the middle of the Water Country Archipelago, Kirigakure is the largest island, surrounded by dozens of smaller islands. After several days of sailing, they finally reached the island where the Mist Village lay. Early morning fog shrouded the island when Hattori and his team arrived, so thick that visibility was limited to just a few meters.

"No wonder they call it the Hidden Mist Village," Hattori muttered, taking in the misty surroundings. "This fog is perfect for hiding people, isn't it, Sister Pakura?"

Hattori winked at Pakura, who immediately caught on and drew her weapon, staying alert.

Just then, a voice called out from ahead.

"Are you Lord Hattori, the 'Flame Salamander,' and Lady Pakura, Scorch Release?"

A man wearing Kirigakure ninja attire emerged from the dense fog, beaming when he saw them.

"It's an honor to meet you both. I'm here to escort you—this fog is so thick, you'll need a guide!"

"Oh, really?" Hattori approached with a friendly smile. "Thank you for going to the trouble!"

"Not at all, Lord Hattori. This way, please—ugh…"

The man's words cut off with a grunt as pain shot through his side. Looking down, he saw a kunai buried in his right rib, only the handle peeking out. Hattori was holding the handle. A look of shock flashed across the man's face.

"Why…?"

"You should ask yourselves that question."

Hattori gave him a regretful look. "I came here to sign a peace treaty with Kirigakure, yet somehow, there are thousands of Mist and Stone ninjas hidden in this valley. Care to explain?"

Hattori twisted the kunai as the Mist ninja grimaced in agony.

"Don't tell me you were just negotiating with the Stone ninja, and I happened to show up by accident, right?"

The Mist ninja's expression shifted from surprise to defiance.

"Attack!"

With his shout, a barrage of kunai rained down from both sides of the valley, aimed at Hattori's group. Hattori, prepared, threw a puppet-sealing scroll.

"Four Pillar House!"

The scroll burst open, and from the smoke emerged a wooden structure spanning nearly 300 square feet.

"Thwack, thwack, thwack…"

Kunai embedded themselves into the wooden house above Hattori's head as he grabbed Pakura and swiftly retreated. Moments later, the structure crashed to the ground, splintering upon impact. Without pausing, Hattori guarded against attacks from above and spoke urgently to Pakura.

"Sister Pakura, this is a trap—they never intended to make peace. You need to lead everyone out…"

"Watch out!"

Before Hattori could finish, Pakura shouted, shoving him aside just as a short sword stabbed the spot where he'd been standing. Hattori reacted instantly, striking his attacker with a powerful punch.

*Bam!*

With a sound like an inflated balloon popping, the enemy flew back over ten meters, dead on impact. Only then did Hattori notice—the assailant was one of the Anbu sent by Ebizō to protect him.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, he turned to warn Pakura.

"Sister Pakura, watch out for trai—"

But he stopped mid-sentence, seeing her already lying in a pool of blood. Two Anbu standing behind her were holding bloody swords, turning to face him. Hattori felt as if a sledgehammer had struck his chest. His face went blank.

"Pakura… Sister?"

It took him several seconds to process what he was seeing. He opened his mouth but couldn't speak. His dark eyes turned blood-red, pupils spinning like cross-shaped shuriken. Two lines of blood trickled down his cheeks.

"Susano'o!"

*(End of Chapter)*