Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

Under the command of Hattori and Ebizo, over ten thousand Sand Shinobi began to march into Konoha in an orderly manner, each one wearing the smile of a victor. In stark contrast, the Konoha side stood by with grim faces, clenching their fists in anger and humiliation.

Seeing this reaction, the Sand Shinobi felt even more delighted—it was exactly how they wanted the Konoha forces to feel! Satisfied with their victory, the Sand Shinobi kept their behavior in check, following Hattori's instructions not to cause trouble within Konoha.

This approach allowed Sarutobi Hiruzen and his advisors to relax slightly and proceed with arranging the signing of the alliance agreement.

The signing was held in Konoha's meeting room, with Konoha and Sunagakure's leaders present. Sarutobi Hiruzen represented Konoha, supported by the advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. On the Sand side, Ebizo led the delegation, with Hattori and Rasa assisting.

As the terms had been settled beforehand, the alliance treaty was signed smoothly.

"From this moment on, Konoha and Sunagakure are allies!" Sarutobi Hiruzen announced with a faint smile, then turned to Hattori with a lingering question.

"I have one thing I'd like to know. Who decided to abandon Sunagakure to attack Konoha directly?"

"Do you even need to ask?" Hattori immediately pointed at Ebizo standing beside him.

"Who else but someone as ruthless and cunning as Elder of Sunagakure could disregard well-being of ordinary citizens?"

Ebizo: "(Д*)"

Is he seriously shifting the blame onto me? This is outrageous!

Hattori flashed a smile at Ebizo's stunned expression. "Elder Ebizo, you're the commanding general—I wouldn't dream of taking credit for your achievement!"

Ebizo: "(╬￣皿￣)"

"Credit?" Ebizo fumed inwardly. "It's not credit; it's blame!" Though irritated, he knew Hattori was correct. As Sunagakure's general, he had to take responsibility for both the positives and negatives of this campaign—including the consequences of leaving their village to attack Konoha.

Still, he wasn't too worried. Just as Konoha hadn't overstepped in their attack on Sunagakure, he knew they wouldn't retaliate too severely either. Most likely, Konoha had turned back as soon as they learned of Sunagakure's movements against them. Konoha, after all, would never abandon its own village just for the sake of victory!

Thinking this, Ebizo couldn't help but feel a bit devious himself, appreciating Hattori's resourcefulness.

Unaware of Ebizo's musings, Hattori turned to Sarutobi Hiruzen with a grin. "Heh, Lord Hokage, the alliance agreement is signed. Let's get on with the handshakes and flower offerings quickly—everyone hasn't had lunch yet!"

"Right, of course," Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and instructed the Anbu at the door, "Go to the shelter, tell the citizens it's safe to come out, and ask the Academy teachers to bring some children over for the flower ceremony."

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" The Anbu nodded and departed immediately.

Seeing this, Ebizo signaled to Rasa behind him. "Rasa, gather some Jonin as representatives to accept the flower offerings and inform the others of our alliance with Konoha."

"Understood," Rasa nodded and exited.

Once Rasa had left, Ebizo and Sarutobi Hiruzen discussed strategies for handling Iwa and Kirigakure, dividing responsibilities between their forces.

When they finished, the Anbu who had been sent out earlier returned. "Hokage-sama, everything is ready."

"Good work." Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, then stood and motioned to Ebizo. "Shall we proceed with the final step of the alliance ceremony?"

"Let's go." Ebizo nodded, and together they walked outside.

Outside, a massive crowd awaited them, filled with Sand Shinobi, Konoha Shinobi, and Konoha civilians. As Sarutobi Hiruzen and Ebizo appeared, everyone's eyes turned toward them.

Under everyone's gaze, Sarutobi Hiruzen announced, "From this day forward, Konoha and Sunagakure are allies. Together, we will face the battles against Iwa and Kirigakure."

With that, he extended his hand, shaking hands with Ebizo, Rasa, and Hattori in turn.

Seeing this, the Sand Shinobi erupted in cheers.

"Long live Lord Ebizo!"

"Long live Lord Hattori!"

"Long live Lord Rasa!"

As the Sand Shinobi cheered, the Konoha Shinobi and civilians watched with complex expressions, unsure whether to feel relieved or disheartened. But with Sarutobi Hiruzen's words making the alliance official, they had no choice but to accept it.

After the handshakes came the flower ceremony. The flower-bearers from Konoha were young girls from the Ninja Academy, each holding a bouquet and looking a bit shy. Many Sand Shinobi couldn't help but smile as they accepted the flowers, thanking the girls warmly and easing the atmosphere.

Hattori, wanting to contribute to the long-term friendship between Konoha and Sunagakure, took a different approach. When a cute girl with red eyes came forward to offer him flowers, he hugged her and gave her a couple of playful kisses on the cheek.

The girl, startled, burst into tears and ran off, abandoning her flowers.

Hattori shrugged helplessly, turning to Sarutobi Hiruzen. "I think the Konoha girls could be a bit braver! It's just a flower offering—why run away?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "…"

He kept his composure, though he was internally exasperated. Really, did Hattori not understand why she ran?

Suppressing his reaction, Sarutobi Hiruzen signaled for the remaining girls to continue the ceremony. Hattori, feeling free, proceeded to hug and kiss each girl who came to him, sending several more running in tears.

Finally, only one girl remained—a shy one with purple face markings, who held her bouquet uncertainly. Just as she gathered her courage to step forward, a boy wearing dark blue clothes and sunglasses stepped in front of her.

"Hold on, Rin," he said, taking the bouquet from her, his expression resolute.

"I promised I'd protect you, so I'll do it myself!"

**(End of Chapter)**