Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

In the Village Hidden in the Sand...

Upon hearing his subordinate's report, Rasa, who had just returned from the capital of the Land of Wind, wore a dark expression.

"Did he really say that? You can't lie about this!"

"It's absolutely true!"

The reporting Sand Ninja, afraid that Rasa might not believe him, pounded his chest with conviction.

"Lord Rasa, I swear on my life—I, Yura, can guarantee that Hattori did indeed say that to Pakura. I wouldn't dare fabricate anything!"

"Alright, I understand," Rasa nodded and looked at Yura again.

"I'm about to assume the position of Kazekage. To avoid unnecessary complications, do not speak of this to anyone. 

Also, do not replace the northern front-line forces for now; let Hattori's team remain in place. We'll address other matters after I take office. You're dismissed."

"Yes, sir!" Yura responded and exited.

After Yura left, Rasa thought for a moment and went to visit Elder Ebizō, explaining his intentions directly.

"Elder Ebizō, while the Daimyō has agreed to my appointment as the Fourth Kazekage, I feel that my achievements are still modest. Assuming the position too hastily may invite criticism."

"Hm?" Ebizō was taken aback, then frowned.

"Rasa, I know you wish to make a significant contribution to the village, but that's no easy feat. Achievements can come once you're Kazekage."

"No, I think there's one thing I can accomplish beforehand," Rasa replied, a hint of confidence on his face.

"I will force the Village Hidden in the Stone to surrender."

"What?" Ebizō looked shocked.

"How is that possible? Ōnoki isn't the type to surrender so easily!"

"He will. This is the latest report from the front lines." Rasa took out a scroll Yura had given him and handed it to Ebizō.

"Our northern front-line forces repelled an assault from the Stone Village, killing over three thousand, including over a hundred elite Jonin—and the Four-Tails Jinchūriki!"

"What?!" Ebizō, astonished, quickly took the scroll from Rasa and began reading. He hadn't even finished before exclaiming, slapping his thigh with excitement.

"Excellent! Excellent! Hattori, that kid, I knew I could trust him! Ha ha ha!"

"…"

Watching Ebizō laugh heartily, Rasa managed a faint smile. However, a dark glint in his eyes betrayed that his mood was not as pleasant as he seemed.

Unfortunately, Ebizō didn't notice this; his heart was already full of joy.

"That kid Hattori did a fantastic job! For Stone to deploy the Four-Tails Jinchūriki shows that Ōnoki is desperate. Now, with the Four-Tails defeated and Konoha pressuring them, this is a prime opportunity to force their surrender!"

Ebizō rolled up the scroll, then looked at Rasa.

"Take six thousand…no, ten thousand troops, and march to the Stone Village as fast as you can!"

He clapped Rasa's shoulder firmly.

"Bring back their surrender, and you'll surpass the Third Kazekage to become the greatest Kazekage!"

"Understood!" Rasa nodded, bowed to Ebizō, and left.

Once Rasa was gone, Ebizō suddenly realized he'd forgotten to ask about Hattori's situation. He slapped his forehead.

"Oh no, I forgot to ask about Hattori. But since he managed to send word back, he should be fine!"

He chuckled.

"That kid Hattori, so young yet already racking up such impressive achievements. This time, a hero—the youngest in our village's history—is about to be born!"

Ebizō's heart was full of hope.

He envisioned Rasa, the future "strongest Kazekage," and Hattori, the "youngest hero," working together to lead the Sand Village to greatness.

But he didn't know that Hattori hadn't sent any word at all; the information had all come from Rasa's spies.

Rasa had even ordered that no one should relieve Hattori from his position on the northern front. Until he assumed office as Kazekage, Rasa had no intention of letting Hattori return!

From the moment Yura reported back, Rasa's feelings toward Hattori had shifted from distaste to hatred.

A rift had formed in Rasa's heart—a rift too deep to mend.

But Ebizō was completely oblivious to this. After leaving Ebizō's place, Rasa gathered his loyal followers and prepared to lead them on a campaign to the Stone Village.

On the way to Stone, Rasa began integrating his trusted subordinates into the ranks of the Sand Village forces.

He recruited prominent Jonin and sidelined Ebizō and Chiyo's loyalists to diminish their influence within the ranks.

As for the more defiant figures, Rasa assigned them to the vanguard, to act as the front-line "spears"…or, rather, as cannon fodder.

To ensure success, he even bypassed the northern outpost, taking a shortcut through the Land of Birds to enter the Land of Earth and advance directly toward the Stone Village!

Already weakened by their battles with Konoha, the backline defenses of the Stone Village were no match for the Sand forces.

With their Jinchūriki gone, the Stone Village was even more vulnerable. In less than half a month, Rasa's forces reached the gates of the Stone Village itself.

Facing this situation, Ōnoki wasn't prepared to surrender outright. After some bargaining, he signed a "Non-Aggression Agreement" with Rasa.

Of course, compensation was part of the deal.

Although the total amount from the Stone Village was less than what Konoha had once promised, it was a one-time payment.

The vast amount of money and resources helped the Sand Village immensely, providing much-needed relief from the financial strain of the war.

Following this campaign, Rasa's reputation soared within the Sand Village, overshadowing Hattori.

After so much effort, Rasa finally seized the moment he'd been waiting for.

Upon returning to the Sand Village, he ascended to the position of the Fourth Kazekage amidst the cheering of the people, becoming the new leader of the village.

For a time, he was unmatched.

Two months later, a Sand Village relief unit finally arrived at the northern front line to relieve Hattori's forces.

And Hattori, together with Pakura, returned to the Sand Village—

As heroes.