246-250

Chapter 246: Secret Encounters

Upon realizing that the young man who had taken advantage of her just moments ago was none other than Chiyo’s disciple—and the Fifth Kazekage—Ridai couldn’t help feeling a mix of shock and amazement.

“I remember the Third Kazekage was still quite young. I didn’t expect we’d already have a Fifth Kazekage. Did the Third Kazekage fall in battle?” she asked, curious.

“…” Chiyo’s face immediately darkened at Ridai’s question. After a moment, she let out a sigh.

“Alas, the Third went missing and hasn’t been heard from since. And Sasori has left the village on his own mission. But the Fifth has promised to find a way to bring him back.”

“The Fifth?” Ridai’s face instantly reddened as she recalled how Hattori had nonchalantly taken advantage of her.

“Was that the man from earlier? If it’s him, I’m sure he’ll succeed. After all, he can even bring the dead back to life!”

“Yes,” Chiyo agreed, nodding deeply.

“This boy has had a difficult life. He left the village for nearly ten years after losing someone important to him, all in search of a way to bring dead back. Thankfully, fate was on his side, and he succeeded. Even I, an old lady, am lucky enough to benefit from his success. Soon, Aihara will be revived!”

“Really? That’s wonderful!” Ridai cheered, feeling a wave of happiness. Then, as if realizing something, her expression shifted to one of regret.

“Now that I think of it, I didn’t thank him properly earlier. I should visit him personally and express my gratitude!”

“No, better not!” Chiyo quickly waved her hands in exasperation.

“Everything about that boy is fine… except for his greed and, well, his weakness for women. Since Pakura isn’t around today, if you go see him, he’s bound to take advantage of you again!”

“Uh…” Ridai’s face flushed a deeper red, and she looked flustered.

“Then… then what should I do? I can’t just do nothing!”

“Of course not. Just go home, cook a nice meal, and I’ll invite him to join us,” Chiyo said reassuringly. As she spoke, she took out a piece of white cloth and handed it to Ridai.

“Cover your face with this. Resurrection techniques are forbidden jutsu. It wouldn’t be good for either you or the Fifth if people found out. Once Aihara is revived, you both should move to the Land of Wind’s capital.”

“Yes, Mother. I understand.” Ridai nodded and took the cloth, covering her face as instructed.

Once Ridai was veiled, Chiyo led her out of the puppet workshop and back home to prepare the meal. While Ridai was cooking, Chiyo made a detour to the Kazekage Building to call Hattori over for dinner.

Unexpectedly, however, she found not Hattori in the Kazekage’s office, but a weary Ebizo, knee-deep in paperwork.

“Ebizo? Why are you here? Where’s the Fifth Kazekage?” she asked, startled.

“Uh…” Ebizo was caught off guard, looking bewildered.

“Aren’t you the one who told me to help the Fifth with his duties? Wait… no… Hattori tricked me with a transformation jutsu again!”

Chiyo: “…”

Ah, my stupid brother!

Chiyo’s mouth twitched as she looked at Ebizo’s dumbfounded expression. With a long sigh, she shook her head.

“Why can’t you learn your lesson? Well, since he’s run off, you might as well finish his work. I’ll have someone bring you something to eat.”

With that, Chiyo turned and left.

Left alone, Ebizo looked at the mountain of documents in front of him, sighed deeply, and reluctantly returned to his work. By the time he had finished, night had fallen.

Looking out over the Sand Village, he saw darkness blanketing the town, with only a few homes still lit. His fist clenched tightly, and he let out a low growl.

“Curse that Fifth Kazekage! If I fall for his trick again, I’ll write my name backward!”

…

Meanwhile…

“Achoo… Achoo!”

Hattori, who had just finished bathing and was getting ready for bed, sneezed twice, frowning.

“Is someone talking about me? It can’t be Pakura—she’s gone to the Land of Wind for funding and probably doesn’t have the time. Could it be… Kurenai?”

Thinking of the beautiful woman with the striking red eyes, Hattori’s heart couldn’t help but race a bit.

As the saying goes, ‘Nothing excites like forbidden love,’ a thought perfectly suited to Hattori’s current mood.

After pondering for a moment, he made a decision.

“Ah, I’m not busy anyway… I’ll just teleport over with Flying Thunder God for a quick look. Just a peek, then I’ll come right back!”

With that, he activated his Flying Thunder God technique, disappearing in a flash of golden light.

When he reappeared, he found himself on a soft bed.

On the other side lay Kurenai, dressed in a lace nightgown, staring at him sleepily.

“Huh… Hattori? How did you get here? Am I dreaming again?”

“…”

Hattori remained silent for a moment before he smiled, reaching out to caress her cheek gently.

“No, you’re not dreaming. I came back to see you.”

“Hmph… you’re lying again!” Kurenai, apparently a bit tipsy, hugged him and murmured in a half-dreaming state, “Last time, when I dreamed of you… you said the same thing. I know… I know you’re Kazekage now and promised to come see me. But you’re just… a liar!”

As she spoke, tears started streaming down her face.

“You’re such a liar… You said you liked me… that you even thought of names for our future children. But it was all lies… you liar… sob, sob…”

Listening to Kurenai’s accusations, Hattori suddenly felt a pang of guilt. As much as he had his charms, seeing her cry made him feel like he’d failed miserably.

Seeing her clinging to him, calling him a “liar” over and over, he clenched his jaw.

“It seems I need to do something about this. Kurenai, you leave me no choice… Hattori’s secret technique—Old Ox Plowing the Field!”

“Uh…”

…

The next morning, Asuma Sarutobi knocked on Kurenai’s door, holding a bouquet of red roses. The scene that greeted him, however, left him stunned.

It wasn’t his beloved Kurenai who opened the door but Hattori, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers. Hattori greeted him cheerfully.

“Oh, hey, Asuma! Morning! Uh… Kurenai’s not feeling too well today and can’t get out of bed. Could you do me a favor and call sick for her? Thanks!”

Asuma: “(Д`)”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 247: Hattori’s Carefree Life*

After sending off the utterly flustered Asuma, Hattori closed the door behind him, then turned to see Kurenai Yuhi glaring at him furiously.

“It`s Asuma. I’ve already asked him to cover for you at work.”

Kurenai Yuhi: “(╬￣皿￣)”

He did this on purpose!

Seeing Hattori’s “I’m only helping you” expression, Kurenai was instantly flustered and angry, recalling last wild night.

“Last night… did you put me under a genjutsu?”

“Hiss…”

Hattori sucked in a breath, looking shocked.

“I swear to the heavens, you were the one who lost control after drinking last night and took advantage of me. And now you’re turning the tables on me? Don’t you feel the least bit guilty?”

To prove his point, Hattori undid his shirt, revealing the marks on his neck and shoulders.

“See, these are solid evidence of your ‘crime.’ I treated you as a friend, came to check on you out of kindness, and yet this is how you repay me—with such rough treatment. Unbelievable! I’m going to report this to the Third Hokage—boohoohoo…”

Kurenai: “(Д*)”

Was this really happening?

Watching Hattori “boohooing” his way to the door, Kurenai panicked and rushed to stop him, fearing he’d really go complain to Hiruzen Sarutobi about such an embarrassing matter.

“You can’t! This is not something the Third Hokage should know about!”

“Humph, and why not?”

Hattori’s attitude only grew bolder in the face of Kurenai’s attempts to stop him.

“You have the nerve to do this, but not the guts to let others know? No, I’m definitely telling the Hokage that you forced yourself on me!”

Kurenai: “(Д*)”

You can say that with a straight face?

Given what she knew of Hattori’s personality, Kurenai felt he might actually go through with it, and an expression of helplessness appeared on her face.

“I heard you became the Fifth Kazekage, yet you’re still so shameless… Fine, let’s just pretend this never happened. Can we do that?”

“Oh?” Hearing this, Hattori gave her an intense stare. “So you plan to get away with it after using me up? No way, I’m telling the Hokage!”

Kurenai: “(╬￣皿￣)”

Are you kidding me?!

Seeing Hattori adamantly pursue his “justice,” Kurenai, in a rage, opened the door and booted him out.

“Fine! Go tell him if you want!”

With that, she slammed the door shut.

Hattori blinked and scratched the back of his head.

“Well… given your sincerity, I’ll let it slide. Just don’t do it again. Anyway, I still have work in Sunagakure, so I’ll be off now!”

With that, he disappeared in a flash of golden light.

Once the noise outside had faded, Kurenai reopened the door.

Seeing no one there, a hint of melancholy appeared on her face.

“You just come and go whenever you like… What do you take me for?”

“Of course, you’re my precious one!” Hattori’s voice suddenly sounded from behind her.

“Huh…”

Kurenai froze, staring at Hattori, who had somehow reappeared behind her. “How did you get in?”

“Ah, don’t worry about the details!”

Saying this, Hattori grabbed her hand, looking at her earnestly.

“Kurenai, I have a three-billion-dollar project for you to discuss. Come on, let’s discuss it in the bedroom!”

“Huh…” Kurenai was momentarily stunned by his words.

But as Hattori led her toward the bedroom, she realized his intentions, her face flushing. She quickly gripped the doorframe.

“No… I’m not talking about it! You can discuss it with whoever you like; let me go!”

“Oh, don’t be so stubborn!”

Watching Kurenai clinging to the doorframe, Hattori tried to reason with her.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, very profitable, and it’s a buy-one-get-one deal! Trust me, you’ll come out of this ahead. Come on!”

“I don’t—mmph mmph…”

…

After finishing his “business discussion” with Kurenai, Hattori teleported back to Sunagakure and dragged his weakened legs to the Kazekage’s office.

To his surprise, he found Lady Chiyo already inside, handling paperwork.

Seeing him enter, Chiyo put down her pen and looked up.

“Where did the Fifth Kazekage run off to last night, hmm? Don’t tell me you were out stirring up trouble with some village girls again?”

“What? Granny, you can’t just make things up like that!”

Hattori shook his head with a serious expression.

“I’m telling you, I, Hattori, am not that kind of person. Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘a rabbit doesn’t eat grass near its burrow’? Slander me one more time, and I’m done with this job!”

“Oh? Really?”

Chiyo raised an eyebrow, seemingly unimpressed by his threat.

“Mizusuna told me a few days ago that you took her daughter Yuuno home and didn’t bring her back until noon the next day. The poor girl could barely walk straight. What do you say to that?”

“Huh? Could she have twisted her ankle on the way back?”

Hattori paused, then put on a serious expression.

“A twisted ankle is no small matter! One mustn’t be careless. Why don’t you have her sent to my place later? I’ll take care of her… um, I mean, help with her recovery!”

Chiyo: “…”

Did he just let that slip?

Watching Hattori act so righteous, Chiyo was left speechless and shook her head with a wry smile.

“Hattori, you’re the Fifth Kazekage now. Sometimes you should think about your reputation . Can’t you exercise a little self-restraint? Is Pakura not beautiful enough?”

“Of course she’s beautiful, but that’s not the issue here!”

Hattori sighed, looking distressed.

“A man as dazzling as me stands out no matter where he goes, like a firefly in the dark. Women fall for me, and what can I do? I can’t just break their hearts, can I?”

Chiyo: “…”

%#&%$#@&!

Watching Hattori spin his nonsense without a hint of shame, Chiyo could only sigh.

“Fine, I’ll leave you be. Just don’t overdo it, and remember—Ridai is Sasori’s mother. Don’t even think about going there, got it?”

“Huh… Ridai?”

Hearing Chiyo mention that name, Hattori was briefly stunned, then recalled the woman he’d revived just yesterday—Chiyo’s daughter-in-law.

Thinking of her, a flash of interest lit up his eyes as his spirit of conquest reignited.

“Not bad…”

With this thought, he took Chiyo’s hand and said sincerely:

“Granny, I’ve just realized that my jutsu no longer works, so I’m afraid I can’t revive your son. But don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility.

From now on, I’ll call you ‘Mom,’ and Ridai will be my wife. When Sasori returns, he can call me ‘Dad.’ What do you think?”

“Get out!”

“…”

*End of Chapter*

Chapter 248: The Dinner Gathering

Ever since Hattori had shown strong interest in Ridai, Chiyo started watching him like a hawk.

Usually, she’d invite him out for a meal at least every three days, but now it had been three weeks with no invitation. She was worried Hattori would use a meal as an excuse to get closer to her daughter-in-law.

She would usually have plenty to say about Hattori’s flirtatious behavior, but now she kept silent, afraid he’d set his sights on her son’s wife.

A classic case of "better him than me."

Because of this, Hattori, who had been planning to play "father" to Sasori, never got the chance and had to give up, feeling a bit dejected.

Though he had dropped his plan, Chiyo remained on high alert.

Inwardly, Hattori couldn’t help but sigh, *"She really forgot about her apprentice the moment she got a daughter-in-law."*

Three months later, Hattori managed to revive her son, Yahara. Only then did the “overprotective mother-in-law” invite Hattori over for a meal.

They were also supposed to discuss plans for Yahara and his wife to buy a house in the Land of Wind’s capital.

Hattori immediately offered to gift his own property in the Land of Wind to Yahara and his wife.

The only request was that he’d be allowed to stay there when he visited the capital.

Upon hearing this, before Yahara or his wife could respond, Chiyo firmly objected.

“No way! Yahara’s place can’t be known to others, especially to certain people with questionable intentions… yes, Hattori, I mean you!”

Hattori: “(¬_¬)”

*What did I do to deserve that?*

Labeled as "questionable," Hattori felt wronged but could only shake his head helplessly.

“Sigh, trying to be a good person really isn’t easy. Fine, if that’s the case, I’ll just give you the cash equivalent!”

With that, he handed Ridai a scroll and said earnestly, “Sister-in-law Ridai, housing in the capital isn’t cheap. Here’s 50 million ryo. Please accept it—my small token”

Chiyo's face broke into a gratified smile, feeling that her care for her apprentice hadn’t been in vain.

But soon, she noticed Ridai’s face looking slightly off—a hint of shyness and a bit of flustered confusion.

Curious, Chiyo glanced down and saw Hattori’s hand, somehow placed on Ridai’s thigh, moving slowly up and down.

Seeing this, and then the grateful smile on Yahara’s face, Chiyo’s mouth twitched as she put her hand to her forehead in exasperation.

“Well then... Yahara, since the Fifth Kazekage has generously given you the money, you and Ridai should move to the capital right away. I’ll go with you!”

“Uh…”

Yahara looked confused.

“But, Mother, there’s really no rush. The Fifth Kazekage has been so kind to us, and I wanted to stay to help him.”

Chiyo: “…”

*Help him?*

*I'm afraid if you stay, you’ll end up raising his children!*

Looking at her son’s clueless expression, Chiyo’s face darkened, and she issued an ultimatum.

“Enough. I said we’re leaving today, so we’re leaving today... no, now!”

Skipping the packing altogether, she had Yahara and Ridai cover their faces, and then she led them out the door.

Hattori offered to see them off, but due to Chiyo’s adamant refusal, he had to stay back.

After seeing them off, he returned to Chiyo’s place and happily dug into the lavish meal laid out.

Might as well eat it!

He was enjoying the food when suddenly there was a knock at the door, and a voice called from outside.

“Sister… are you in there?”

“Huh?”

Recognizing the voice, Hattori's eyes lit up. He used a transformation technique to take on Chiyo’s appearance and called out.

“Ebizō? Hang on, I’ll open the door!”

After quickly clearing the extra place settings from the table, he went to the door and greeted Ebizō.

“Ebizō, what brings you here?”

“Hehe, just thought I’d stop by and see you, Sister.”

Glancing at the table, Ebizō looked a bit puzzled.

“Sister, why’d you make so much food? Were you expecting someone?”

“Mhm!” Disguised as Chiyo, Hattori nodded.

“I was actually planning to have the Fifth Kazekage over for a meal, but he had to go to the capital. Lucky you’re here—join me!”

“Hehe, don’t mind if I do!”

Ebizō sat down and began eating, nodding approvingly as he tasted each dish.

“Mmm, Sister, your cooking is as good as ever. Really, treating Hattori to this food is a waste. That guy does nothing but chase the village girls all day. You should rein him in!”

Hattori: “(¬_¬)”

*What did I do to deserve this? Now you’re badmouthing me too? Guess you have too much time on your hands.*

With a smile, he picked up a piece of food and placed it on Ebizō’s plate.

“Fifth Kazekage’s still young. Once he’s played around a bit, he’ll settle down. But we, older generation, should be there to support him. Don’t you think so?”

“Yeah!” Ebizō nodded. “Sister, you’re right. So how should I help?”

“Easy. Start with village affairs.”

Moving beside Ebizō, disguised Hattori placed a hand on his shoulder.

“You’re the village’s strategist. No one has your experience. From now on, take over the village’s administrative work to give the Fifth Kazekage some time to adjust.”

“Oh…” Ebizō’s face fell. “But the workload is enormous. I’m afraid…”

“No need to worry; Sister believes in you!”

Before he could finish, Hattori ended the discussion with another helping of food.

“Alright, it’s settled. Here, try the tofu—it’s Kōya tofu, incredibly tender!”

Ebizō: “…”

The tofu… got stuck in his teeth!

…

A month later, after helping Yahara and Ridai buy a house and spending some family time, Chiyo finally returned to Sunagakure.

But upon arrival, she was stunned to see Ebizō with dark circles under his eyes, looking utterly exhausted.

“Ebizō, what happened to you? Are you sick?”

“No!”

Ebizō shook his head and forced a smile.

“Last month, you asked me to take over the village’s administration so Fifth Kazekage could have time to learn. I’ve been working late every night to keep up.”

“…”

Chiyo paused in silence, then decided to tell him the truth.

“Well, Ebizō… actually, I’ve been in the capital since last month. I just got back today. So you were probably… tricked by the Fifth Kazekage.”

Ebizō: “(_)”

*(End of Chapter)*

*Chapter 249: The Resignation Incident*

Once again, Ebizo found himself deceived. In protest, he submitted his resignation to Hattori during a high-level meeting in Sunagakure, citing his advanced age as a reason for stepping down from his advisory position.

Of course, Ebizo didn’t actually plan to retire. He merely wanted to make a point and discourage Hattori from overworking him as if he were some expendable old laborer.

But to Ebizo’s surprise, before he could even make his point, Hattori’s face filled with regret.

"Advisor Ebizo wishes to resign—that’s on me!"

As he spoke, Hattori removed his Kage hat and let out a long, pained sigh.

“Sigh… Since the founding of Sunagakure, we’ve had five Kazekage. But for an advisor to resign—this is unprecedented.

“It just proves how unfit I am for the role. I am truly ashamed to be Kazekage. I hereby announce my formal resignation!”

Ebizo: “(Д*)”

Are you kidding me?

What had originally been a tactic to make a point had completely backfired, giving Hattori the perfect opportunity to pull the same stunt. Ebizo could already sense that things were about to go wrong.

He suddenly recalled that Hattori never really wanted to be Kazekage; he had only agreed because Chiyo persuaded Pakura, who then used her charm to sway him.

Now, it seemed Hattori was ready to throw in the towel, using Ebizo’s resignation as his excuse!

Ebizo nearly slapped himself—why had he given Hattori this opening?

Watching Hattori’s pained, regretful expression, Ebizo realized what it truly meant to shoot oneself in the foot.

Regret was inevitable, but in this situation, he had to prevent Hattori from actually stepping down. If Hattori left, who would hold Sunagakure together?

It wasn’t just Ebizo who recognized this issue; the other Sunagakure leaders quickly caught on and began trying to talk Hattori out of it.

“Kazekage-sama, you’re being too modest. In our eyes, you are more than qualified—one of the finest Kazekage we’ve ever had!”

“Yes, Kazekage-sama! Since you took office, neither Iwa nor Kiri dare set foot in the Land of Wind. Our village has never been this powerful!”

“That’s right. Because of you, the daimyo has increased his mission allocations and funding every year. We owe it all to you!”

“Kazekage-sama, you can’t resign…”

Hearing their pleas, Hattori shook his head in distress, still unmoved.

“Please, everyone, you don’t need to say anything. If I were truly that capable, how could Advisor Ebizo, our ‘Sunagakure Brain,’ want to resign? He says it’s due to age, but isn’t it clearly because he can’t bear my tyrannical rule? I’m not fit for this role. You don’t need to try to convince me.”

With that, he placed his Kage hat on the table, rose, and bowed deeply to everyone.

“Everyone, I apologize for the trouble I’ve caused over the past half year. Farewell.”

He covered his eyes, as if unwilling to let them see his tears, and began walking slowly toward the door.

Watching this scene, many leaders shed tears.

“Kazekage-sama!”

“Please don’t go, Kazekage-sama!”

“Kazekage-sama…”

Among the Sunagakure high council, only three remained unmoved: Gaara, Chiyo, and Ebizo.

The three of them had spent the most time with Hattori and understood his personality well, so they had a good idea of what he was really up to.

But while Gaara silently supported Hattori’s decision, Ebizo turned to Chiyo, seeking guidance from his respected elder sister.

Chiyo gave him a sharp look, signaling for him to clean up the mess he’d created—or face the consequences himself.

Even without Chiyo’s warning, Ebizo understood, especially with so many disapproving eyes now on him.

If Hattori actually succeeded in leaving, everyone would blame Ebizo entirely.

Decades of dedicated service to Sunagakure would mean nothing. In his twilight years, he’d be known as the man who drove away the strongest Kazekage.

That would be the ultimate disgrace.

Unable to bear the thought, Ebizo rushed forward, grabbing Hattori’s hand.

“Kazekage-sama, this is all my fault. I shouldn’t have resigned. I didn’t mean anything by it—please, don’t leave! If it comes to that… I’ll take back my resignation!”

“No, Advisor Ebizo!”

Hattori shook his head with a face full of guilt.

“This is not your fault. It’s mine. If I weren’t so incompetent and had not placed such a heavy burden on you, you wouldn’t have wanted to resign.”

Ebizo: “…”

So you do know?

Though that’s what he thought, Ebizo forced himself to wave his hand sincerely.

“No, no… Kazekage-sama, you didn’t burden me at all! I chose to share your workload for the good of Sunagakure and for you!”

“No, no… it’s not that way!”

Hattori waved his hand in return.

“You’re too kind, Advisor Ebizo. I know the weight is too much for you. It’s my lack of ability, my laziness, my failure. I should resign!”

Ebizo: “…”

Are you really trying to pin this all on me?

Seeing Hattori’s remorseful face, Ebizo’s eye twitched, and he finally steeled himself.

“Kazekage-sama, I’m not just comforting you. I truly enjoy helping you with the village’s work. I’m happy to do it every day—I don’t feel burdened at all!

“From now on, except for major village decisions, leave everything else to me. Please, I beg you, don’t step down from being Kazekage!”

He bowed deeply to Hattori.

Moved, Hattori quickly lifted Ebizo up, nodding gratefully.

“Since Advisor Ebizo is willing to bear with and guide this inexperienced junior, I’ll remain in this role a little longer!”

Returning to his seat, he addressed the others.

“Thank you for your patience and understanding. From you all, I now understand the true meaning of the ‘Will of Wind!’”

Under their intense, moved gazes, Hattori picked up his Kage hat and placed it on his head once more.

“Will of Wind is as cold as winter wind to our enemies but as warm as spring breeze to our own. I… I feel it. Thank you!”

At these words, everyone around nodded vigorously, deeply moved.

“Yes, Kazekage-sama! That’s exactly it!”

“The wind should be like that!”

“Indeed, that is our Will of Wind…”

Even Ebizo, who had cursed Hattori’s scheming a moment ago, now looked on with admiration.

For the first time, he felt that supporting a Kazekage like Hattori—even if it was exhausting—might not be so bad.

“With a Kazekage like you, I’ll gladly keep going a few more years. I truly want to see where you lead Sunagakure!”

(End of Chapter)

*Chapter 250: Joint Chunin Exams (Part 1)*

As the saying goes, "an old hand can often do the work of two."

After Elder Ebizo took on a substantial portion of the administrative tasks, not only did Hattori get more free time, but even his "assistant," Pakura, found herself with a lighter workload.

However, Pakura was not one to sit idle. With fewer duties, she threw herself into education, becoming the head of the Sand Village Ninja Academy.

This role was undoubtedly crucial, given its connection to nurturing loyal shinobi, so it was traditionally held by the Kazekage’s most trusted confidant.

In this respect, Pakura was well-qualified.

Hattori had brought up the idea of marriage several times since they’d been back, but Pakura always deflected the topic, neither agreeing nor refusing.

Hattori wasn’t in a rush, though. In his mind, they were already living together, so once Pakura became pregnant, she would naturally say yes.

It’s what they call "marriage by necessity."

Unexpectedly, a year went by, and despite his efforts, Pakura’s figure remained the same—no sign of pregnancy. The same was true of every woman Hattori had been involved with, including Kurenai from Leaf Village.

This put a dent in his previous ambition to "single-handedly create a clan with a Kekkei Genkai."

Still, Hattori wasn’t discouraged and only became more "diligent," resulting in an increasing number of young women in Sand Village with painted faces.

With such an elusive and unpredictable Kazekage, the villagers couldn’t help but stay vigilant.

Some bold individuals even gave him an unflattering nickname—“Degenerate Kage.”

Upon hearing the nickname, Hattori was stunned and, consequently, became more cautious in his personal life and focused on his duties.

Now, before noon each day, he’d go to the Kazekage’s office to see if there was anything that needed his attention.

One day, as usual, after finishing lunch, he went to the Kazekage’s office. The moment he arrived, Elder Ebizo, who was busy with paperwork, greeted him with a smile.

“Haha, Lord Kazekage, you’re right on time. The Fifth Hokage of the Leaf Village sent an invitation for a joint Chunin Exam. Take a look!”

With that, he handed Hattori a scroll.

Hattori took the scroll, glanced at it, and chuckled.

“Haha, looks like Tsunade is setting a trap!”

“A trap?”

Hearing this, Ebizo looked confused.

“A trap? You mean... for Orochimaru?”

“No, no…”

Seeing Ebizo’s misunderstanding, Hattori waved his hand.

“Not Orochimaru—he’s been quiet for two years now. Tsunade’s target is the Akatsuki.”

“The Akatsuki?” Ebizo’s eyes widened. “Isn’t that the group of rogue S-rank shinobi?”

“Haha... yes, exactly!”

Seeing that Ebizo was familiar with the group, Hattori chuckled, tossing the scroll back to him.

“Reply to Tsunade, saying that the Sand Village agrees to the joint Chunin Exam. However, while the written exam can be held in the Leaf Village, the practical exam’s second venue must be in the Sand Village!”

“Uh…”

Ebizo hesitated at this, but quickly caught on.

“Are you planning to target the Akatsuki?”

“Yes!”

Seeing how quickly Ebizo understood his intention, Hattori nodded with a smile, then looked out the window.

“That’s prey worth going after… maybe even two…”

Even though Ebizo didn’t fully grasp Hattori’s plan, he understood enough to execute his orders.

“I understand. I’ll convene the senior council to explain the joint Chunin Exam plans. I’ll have you join us to assign tasks, Lord Kazekage.”

Hattori knew that hosting the Chunin Exam was no simple task. Hearing this, he nodded in agreement.

“Understood. Go on ahead; I’ll wrap up the pending matters here and join you shortly.”

“Understood!”

With a nod, Ebizo turned and left.

Hattori spent some time going through the essential documents Ebizo had set aside for him. After handling them, he headed to the conference room.

When he arrived, all the Sand Village’s senior officials were present.

Seeing him enter, everyone rose and greeted him respectfully.

“Lord Kazekage, hello!”

“Lord Kazekage!”

“Thank you for your hard work, Lord Kazekage!”

Smiling, Hattori raised his hand in response.

“Thank you for your efforts as well. Please, be seated.”

“Thank you, Lord Kazekage!” they replied in unison and sat down.

Hattori took his place, removed his Kazekage hat, set it on the table, and addressed the group.

“Advisor Ebizo has informed you of the situation, so I won’t repeat myself. I’ll keep it brief with two main points.”

Raising one finger, he continued, “First, I plan to make the Sand Village the main venue for the joint Chunin Exams. I expect each of you to fulfill your duties so that we don’t make a poor impression.”

Then, pointing to Gaara, he added, “Gaara will be the chief examiner and coordinator of the Sand Village’s exam. Kankuro and Temari will assist him in overseeing the proceedings.”

“Yes!”

Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari stood up, bowing their heads in unison.

“Lord Kazekage, we will accomplish this mission!”

“Good!”

Seeing their serious yet slightly excited expressions, Hattori nodded approvingly. Then, he looked around the room and addressed the others.

“I know some of you still regard Gaara as a ‘dangerous weapon.’ Your opinions are your own, but know this…”

His expression turned stern.

“Gaara is my nephew and one of people I trust the most. If he ever betrays the village, I will deal with him myself.

But if anyone targets him behind my back, you’re targeting me as well. Is that clear?”

At this, everyone tensed and replied in unison, “Understood!”

Satisfied, Hattori smiled.

“Good, as long as that’s clear. Now, here’s the plan: arrange everything accordingly and select a hundred genin to go to the Leaf Village by the 6th of next month for the first exam. That’s all.”

“Yes!”

Chapter End