Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

While the Sand Ninjas were busy digging tunnels at the base of Kikyo Mountain, Sarutobi Hiruzen was deep in thought.

The Inuzuka clan had returned with a report that during their battle with the Sand Village the previous night, someone had used the Hidden Mist Jutsu to cover the enemy's retreat.

This news caught Sarutobi Hiruzen's immediate attention—he suspected that the Sand Village and Mist Village had allied. His suspicion was based on the fact that the Mist Village had recently launched an attack on Konoha, followed closely by an offensive from the Sand Village.

And this was no minor attack; it was a full-scale invasion, indicating it was premeditated.

In such a situation, the likelihood of the Sand and Mist Villages collaborating to strike Konoha was at least fifty percent.

That probability was too significant to ignore. At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen was not concerned about whether there were Mist Ninjas within the Sand Village forces but rather how many of them were present.

The Mist Village, after all, boasted formidable clans with unique abilities, such as the Kaguya Clan with their *Shikotsumyaku* (Bone Pulse) and the Hozuki Clan, known for their *Hydrification Technique*.

"If these clans are indeed within the Sand Village's ranks, a direct assault would be disastrous. We need to clarify the situation first!"

With this thought, he summoned Namikaze Minato and gave him an urgent mission.

"Minato, I need you to scout Kikyo Mountain and gather intel on the Sand forces. Capture a high-ranking individual if possible. If that's not feasible, bring back the head of a deceased one, but ensure it's intact."

"Understood. I'm on my way!"

With that, Namikaze Minato's figure transformed into a flash of golden light, disappearing instantly.

Seeing this, a smile appeared on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face.

"He's a promising one. Once the war is over, he will be the one to succeed me as Hokage," he mused, his gaze turning resolute.

"But before that happens, we must win this war. The honor of the previous Hokages cannot be tarnished here. With the Will of Fire, I will not fail!"

He stepped out of his tent and issued orders to the ANBU guarding outside.

"Summon Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Nara Shikaku, and Yamanaka Inoichi. Have them come here immediately, even if they have to set aside their current duties."

"Yes!"

The ANBU dispersed swiftly to relay the message, and within minutes, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Shikaku, and Inoichi gathered in Sarutobi Hiruzen's tent.

Once they were assembled, Hiruzen addressed them.

"The situation with the Sand Village is becoming more suspicious. I've sent Minato to gather intelligence. We should have news soon."

The group listened in silence, acknowledging Hiruzen's words. After all, Minato had successfully completed previous missions with excellence, and this time should be no exception.

Their expectations were met when, only ten minutes later, a flash of golden light filled the tent. Namikaze Minato had returned, carrying a red-haired boy, about seven or eight years old. Sarutobi Hiruzen looked puzzled.

"Minato, who is this child?"

"I'm not sure," Minato replied, setting the boy down. "But he was heavily guarded by Sand ninjas, including Pakura of the Scorch Release. He must be important, so I brought him here."

"Pakura of the Scorch Release?"

Everyone's attention immediately shifted to the boy, curiosity and intrigue evident in their eyes.

Surrounded by so many people, the sleepy red-haired boy finally came to his senses, looking utterly confused.

"Who am I? Where am I? What am I supposed to do?"

Seeing the boy's bewildered expression, Jiraiya squinted and moved closer.

"Hey, kid, you seem familiar. Have we met before?"

The boy quickly snapped out of his daze and shook his head vehemently.

"Nope! Never seen you before! You must be mistaken!"

Jiraiya paused, surprised by the boy's swift denial, but then he had a sudden realization.

"Oh... I remember now! You're that kid who pretended to be Tsunade's apprentice! I even let you stay in my tent! Don't think dyeing your hair will fool me!"

Hattori: "Σ(°△°|||)"

Damn it, he thought. Busted!

The boy was indeed Hattori. Just moments ago, he had been comfortably napping on Pakura's lap, only to be abruptly captured. Now he found himself face-to-face with a group of high-level Konoha shinobi, all seemingly above Level 70.

It felt like a nightmare come true, especially as Jiraiya recognized him.

"Life is so unfair," Hattori groaned inwardly, racking his brain for an escape plan. After a minute of thinking, he concluded:

There's no way out!

With nearly all of Konoha's top brass present, escape was impossible.

"It looks like I have no choice but to surrender. Live to fight another day," he resolved, raising his hands toward Sarutobi Hiruzen.

"I surrender! I'll tell you everything! Just don't kill me!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."

Everyone else: "..."

Is he really this cowardly? How did he even manage to pass himself off as Tsunade's apprentice?

The group turned skeptical eyes on Jiraiya, who felt insulted and leapt to defend himself.

"I'm not mistaken! Almost everyone on the western front saw him summon slugs and heal the wounded. There's no doubt about it!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's face turned serious.

"Reports did mention Tsunade's 'apprentice,' but Tsunade herself denied having any disciple. So, it was this boy impersonating her?"

He stepped forward, addressing Hattori sternly.

"Tell us who you really are. How can you summon slugs, and what is your connection to the Sand Village? If you're honest, we won't harm you."

Hattori bowed gratefully.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage. My name is truly Hattori. Besides not being Tsunade's apprentice, everything else is genuine. I have a deep, personal vendetta against the Sand Village!"

He clenched his fists dramatically.

"Lord Hokage, I used to live peacefully in the Land of Rivers, with a house and fields. But that tyrant, Ebizo, colluded with the Sand ninjas, seizing my land and home! My grandfather protested and was killed with a single punch. My grandmother, who stood up to him, was abducted and violated a hundred times until she hung herself in despair!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen: "..."

Everyone else: "..."