Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

When Hiruzen Sarutobi returned from Kikyo Mountain, he had anticipated facing enemies from Iwagakure, Kumogakure, or Kirigakure—but never expected it to be Sunagakure.

The move from Sunagakure had completely caught him off guard.

"They actually abandoned defending their village just to directly attack Konoha? Such... audacity!"

Although he spoke with disdain, deep down, Hiruzen had to admit that Sunagakure's approach was effective.

In all the past shinobi world wars, this was the first time a village had been able to gather tens of thousands of shinobi right at Konoha's gates.

From that perspective, Sunagakure had indeed succeeded.

"It seems we have no choice but to go all out."

As he spoke, a trace of resignation flashed in Hiruzen's eyes as he looked at Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado by his side.

"Forgive me. I've failed as Hokage and haven't protected our village well enough."

"This isn't your fault, Hiruzen."

Hearing his words, Koharu shook her head.

"We never imagined Sunagakure would attack Konoha directly. Their general must be a madman!"

"A madman, huh? Perhaps."

Hiruzen chuckled, then turned to Homura. "By the way, where's Danzo?"

"He and his 'Root' have gone to seek reinforcements."

Homura let out a faint, resigned smile and shook his head.

"Though I doubt we'll see his reinforcements in time. You know what I mean, don't you, Hiruzen?"

"Yes, I understand."

Hiruzen nodded.

"Regardless, I still believe in him. Danzo... he may have a different way of doing things, but I think, like me, he has a heart dedicated to protecting Konoha."

"Perhaps."

Homura remained noncommittal, then looked at the massive dragonfly in the sky, a serious expression on his face.

"Is that their general up there? Do you know who he is?"

"Yes," Hiruzen nodded.

"His name is Hattori. He's the head of Sunagakure's medical division, a disciple of Chiyo, and one of the top figures in the village. He's attacked Iwagakure before and has even faced Ōnoki."

"Uh…"

Hearing this, a trace of confusion crossed Homura's face.

"Such a powerful individual… how have I never heard of him?"

"Heh."

Seeing Homura's puzzlement, Hiruzen chuckled again.

"Hattori is his real name, but few people know it. He's known for his skill with aerial explosives. Even Kirigakure has suffered at his hands, so they call him the 'Flame Salamander.'"

"Hiss…"

Upon hearing the name "Flame Salamander," both Homura and Koharu gasped, faces filled with shock.

"According to Danzo's investigation, Iwagakure and Kirigakure's attacks on Konoha are closely tied to him."

"This current shinobi war was sparked by this 'Flame Salamander.' He's a very dangerous person!"

Seeing the cautious expressions of Homura and Koharu, a hint of resignation crossed Hiruzen's face.

"Maybe he's not exactly what you expect. Soon enough, you'll see for yourselves—you'll be quite surprised."

Almost as soon as he finished speaking, the Sunagakure shinobi below erupted in loud cheers.

"Hattori-sama!"

"Hattori-sama!"

"Hattori-sama..."

The voices of tens of thousands of people converged into a thunderous cheer, echoing far and wide!

Amidst the cheers, the giant-winged dragonfly gradually descended, finally hovering at the same level as Hiruzen and the others on the city wall.

Only a dozen meters away, Hattori beamed as he respectfully saluted Hiruzen.

"It's been a while, Lord Hokage. How have you been lately?"

"Uh…"

Seeing Hattori's gesture, which seemed more like greeting an elder, Homura and Koharu were momentarily stunned, then looked over at Hiruzen.

However, Hiruzen had no time to explain and merely returned Hattori's smile.

"Hehe, it's only been four days, after all. I didn't expect to see you here, Hattori-dono!"

"Uh…"

Upon hearing this, Homura and Koharu's eyes widened once more. "This is Hattori?"

"Hehe, that's me!"

Seeing their shocked expressions, Hattori promptly bowed to the two elders.

"Lord Homura, Lady Koharu, I've heard of your reputations for a long time. It's an honor to meet you here. My name is Hattori, and I look forward to your guidance!"

"Uh…"

If this were a regular occasion, seeing such a polite child would have delighted Homura and Koharu, but at this moment, they couldn't muster any joy.

Hiruzen, however, remained calm, still wearing his customary smile.

"Hehe, no need to be so formal, Hattori-dono. So, what brings you here with so many people today?"

"Hmm, that's an excellent question, Lord Hokage!"

Hearing Hiruzen's words, Hattori immediately gave him a thumbs-up, then grinned.

"The truth is, there have been some misunderstandings between our villages, so I came today to pay a friendly visit, hoping we can sit down and talk it out. What do you think, Lord Hokage?"

"…"

A friendly visit? Who brings ten thousand people for a friendly visit? 

Hearing Hattori's words, not only did Homura and Koharu twitch at the corners of their mouths, but even Hiruzen couldn't help but feel a pang of irritation.

"Heh… you're always welcome to visit Konoha, Hattori-dono, but bringing so many people might not be entirely appropriate."

"Oh, don't be like that, Lord Hokage!"

Hattori waved a hand dismissively, pointing down at the Sunagakure shinobi below.

"They're my family, brothers, and sisters—not strangers. They insisted on coming to protect me from any potential harm. What could I do?"

"Hahaha…"

Hearing Hattori's words, the Sunagakure shinobi below burst into laughter, joining in with shouts of agreement.

"That's right! We're here to protect Hattori-sama!"

"Exactly! We can't let anything happen to him!"

"Yes, yes! Hahaha…"

Watching the Sunagakure shinobi echoing Hattori's words, Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu's faces all changed slightly.

At that moment, they finally understood how highly this seemingly young boy was regarded in Sunagakure.

They could not underestimate him.

With this realization, Hiruzen looked at Hattori again, his expression turning serious.

"So, Hattori-dono, how do you propose we clear up this misunderstanding?"

"Haha, that's simple!"

Hattori laughed heartily and extended a hand toward him.

"Let's form an alliance, making Konoha and Sunagakure united as brothers, sharing fortunes and hardships. Wouldn't that resolve all misunderstandings?"

"…"

(End of Chapter)