Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

Trading half of *Journey to the West* for a life-saving trump card? Hattori felt like he had hit the jackpot! Out of appreciation, he decided to stay up, recounting four episodes straight—from the clever tricks of the Monkey King to the epic battle with Red Boy—leaving Four-Tails thoroughly entertained.

Four-Tails would've preferred to hear the entire story, but Hattori had other priorities.

Morning had come.

As the highest-ranking commander of the Northern Defense Line, Hattori had to set a good example. While others were hard at work, he couldn't justify sleeping in.

The defenses had been devastated just yesterday by the Tailed Beast Bomb. Repairs were urgently needed, and teams had to be organized to restore the defenses.

So, leaving Four-Tails on a cliffhanger with, "To find out what happens next, stay tuned!" Hattori exited his inner world and stepped out of his temporary quarters.

Outside, he found Pakura already busy at work.

Under her direction, the Sand Ninjas were clearing debris and rebuilding the defensive lines. Another group was digging tunnels, constructing underground fortifications—a priority realized after yesterday's battle.

Seeing their effort, Hattori offered words of encouragement.

"More sweat in peacetime, less blood in wartime. Let's keep it up! When we return home, not one of us will be left behind!"

His words instantly boosted morale, and the Sand Ninjas cheered in unison.

Just then, Pakura walked over with a smile.

"Why didn't you rest a bit longer? I've got everything under control here."

"No, I'm good," Hattori said, shaking his head and glancing around at everyone bustling around him.

"With everyone working so hard, it wouldn't feel right to sleep. Besides, after the hit Iwa took yesterday, I'm worried they'll try to get even."

"I thought the same," Pakura replied, looking toward the direction of the Earth Country.

"I already sent out sensory ninjas for recon. If there's any sign of movement, we'll know right away. But with their recent losses, I doubt they'll act anytime soon."

"Even if they do, no problem!"

Hattori grinned and squinted slightly.

"As I recall, Iwa has two Jinchuriki. If they send the other one, I can take him down too!"

Pakura's eyes widened as she picked up on Hattori's implication.

"You mean… you took down Iwa's Jinchuriki?"

"Yep. Otherwise, why do you think I was gone so long yesterday?" Hattori chuckled.

"That guy was slippery, changing directions several times mid-escape. If not for my sensory skills, he might have actually gotten away."

Pakura, trusting Hattori's word, couldn't hide her shock. That wasn't just any ninja—Jinchuriki were ultimate weapons of the Five Great Villages!

The idea that Hattori had taken down such a powerhouse, and in less than half an hour?

What she didn't know was that the battle with Roshi hadn't even lasted five minutes—practically over in a flash! With Hattori's mastery of sealing techniques, once a Jinchuriki was restrained, the fight was as good as over.

The sheer power of sealing techniques had led to the tragic downfall of the Uzumaki clan—a classic case of "treasure invites trouble."

But Hattori had nothing to fear. With his strength, he no longer needed to hide.

Medical ninjutsu, puppet techniques, sealing jutsu, the power of a Jinchuriki, and the Sharingan—Hattori held such formidable cards that few could pose any real threat to him. Revealing a bit of his power now would not only be safe but could also preempt potential trouble.

Confident in his decision, he had no qualms about telling Pakura he had defeated Iwa's Jinchuriki.

Hattori knew this news would turn Iwa's resentment toward him into pure hatred. But others would come to fear him like Kage—exactly what he intended!

Pakura, still reeling from the news, could barely contain her excitement.

"This… this is incredible!"

Her voice trembled with emotion.

"Iwa may have two Jinchuriki, but only one was combat-ready, and that's the one you killed."

"This is major. We need to report it to the village immediately! This could mean an end to our conflict with Iwa!"

She turned to leave, but Hattori stopped her.

"Hold on, Pakura! Right now, the village leaders are preoccupied with the succession of the new Kazekage. Let's wait until the Fourth Kazekage takes office."

"Fourth Kazekage?" Pakura hesitated. "Who?"

"Who else? That loser, Rasa. If I were a bit older, it wouldn't have even been a contest," Hattori scoffed with a dismissive wave.

"Once he's in charge, fine. But if he doesn't do a good job, then in a few years, let's push him out and make you Fifth Kazekage instead!"

Pakura couldn't help but laugh, pinching his cheek.

"Who put you in charge of who gets to be Kazekage?"

"Of course I do! Have you forgotten my connections?"

Hattori lifted his chin with a smug smile.

"I'm already one of the village's top officials. My teacher is First Kazekage's widow and a senior advisor, and I've got an influential elder to boot. You think I don't get a say in who becomes Kazekage?"

Pakura blinked in surprise, her eyes widening.

"When you put it that way… I suppose you're right."

"Obviously!" Hattori said proudly. "Don't you know who I am?"

Watching him boast, Pakura broke into laughter, nodding as she gave in.

"All right, all right. I get it. You're amazing!"

"(づ￣3￣)づ Give me a kiss?"

"No!"

"(づ￣3￣)づ Come on!"

While Hattori playfully flirted with Pakura, he failed to notice a Sand Ninja with half his face hidden beneath his headwrap eavesdropping from nearby.

After overhearing their entire conversation, the ninja quietly slipped away from the fortifications, racing back toward the village of Sunagakure.

*(Chapter End)*