Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

Because of her unique ability, Scorch Release, Pakura had always been regarded as a prodigy in her village. After becoming a Jonin, she gained further admiration and respect. 

However, she had never had a suitor. 

Pakura never voiced it, but she couldn't help feeling a bit disappointed. As a young woman, she dreamed of romance and hoped someone would pursue her. Now, that wish had come true. Her admirer was also a rare talent in Sunagakure, handpicked as a Jonin by the Third Kazekage and trained by the venerable advisor, Chiyo. 

With a strong pedigree and impressive skills, his future looked even brighter than hers. Normally, having such a person pursue her would be a joyous thing. 

But looking down at the hand stroking her thigh, she couldn't be happy about it. 

"This guy is so sleazy!" 

Since departing from the camp, Hattori's hand had been wandering, despite her repeated reprimands, leaving Pakura feeling both frustrated and helpless. 

Watching him act as if nothing was wrong, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh. 

"Sigh… Hattori, what do you like about me, anyway?" 

"Hm?" 

Hattori looked up at her with surprise. 

"Why do you ask? Are you planning to change all the things I like about you?" 

"Pfft!" 

Pakura couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head. 

"No, I'm just curious. You seem different from others, even though I'm several years older than you. Somehow, you seem more mature!" 

"Really?" 

Hattori scratched his chin thoughtfully. 

"It's probably because I've had to bear so much… maybe a wisdom far beyond my age. But what can I say? A genius doesn't get to choose these things! I'd love to keep a low profile, but my strength just won't allow it!" 

Pakura's mouth twitched at his self-satisfied expression. 

"So… as a genius who can't stay under the radar, could you kindly take your hand off my thigh?" 

"Hm?" 

Hattori looked at his hand, then turned to Pakura, feigning exasperation. 

"I thought you liked it! If you didn't, you should have said something sooner! Why didn't you say something sooner?" 

Pakura: "(╬￣皿￣)" 

So somehow, this was her fault? 

Pakura's forehead throbbed in anger, her lips twitching. 

"Well, I'm saying it now—take your hand off!" 

"You should've said something sooner!" 

"Take it off!" 

"Why didn't you say something sooner?" 

"…" 

... 

A few hours later, a massive dragonfly touched down at the medical camp on the eastern battlefield. 

Hearing the commotion, Ebizō emerged from his tent and spotted Pakura dragging a tightly bound Hattori down from the dragonfly. 

"What's this all about, Pakura?" he asked, puzzled. 

"Hmph!" Pakura huffed, glaring at Hattori. "Ask him!" 

"Uh…" 

Seeing her anger, Ebizō turned to Hattori. 

"Ahem… I was just joking around with her!" Hattori admitted, then begged Pakura's forgiveness. 

"Sister Pakura, I know I was wrong. I swear I'll be careful next time. Just untie me; I need to discuss something important with Master Ebizō." 

"Hmph, free yourself then!" 

Pakura gave Ebizō a curt nod before turning to leave. 

Ebizō, sensing the dynamic, raised a brow and shot Hattori a wry grin. 

"You tried your hand with Pakura, huh? Pretty bold of you. So, is she your…?" he asked, holding up his pinky, symbolizing "girlfriend" in their village. 

Understanding the gesture, Hattori grinned sheepishly. 

"Heh, looks like you're pretty perceptive, Master Ebizō. You guessed right! Now, could you kindly untie me?" 

"Hahahaha…" 

Ebizō chuckled as he freed him from the ropes. 

"So you and Pakura are here, which means the southern front is settled?" 

"Should be," Hattori replied, tossing the ropes aside and stretching his arms. He smiled confidently at Ebizō. 

"I made some tactical moves. If all goes well, Kirigakure might make a big play against Konoha. Even if they don't, they won't be a threat to us anytime soon." 

"Oh?" Ebizō's eyes lit up. "Come, explain it in detail!" 

"Sure thing!" 

Hattori followed Ebizō into the tent, explaining how he had advised Chiyo to manipulate the suspicious Third Mizukage, drawing him into a trap. 

Ebizō slapped his thigh in amusement after hearing the story. 

"Hahaha! You're brilliant, Hattori. Knowing the Third Mizukage, he'll definitely fall for it!" 

He paced in excitement before stopping abruptly, eyes bright with ambition. 

"If the Mist go after Konoha, Konoha will be fighting on three fronts. Then we can throw our full force against them and crush them in one decisive strike. Sunagakure's rise is finally at hand!" 

"Three fronts?" 

Hattori looked puzzled. 

"Has Iwagakure already attacked Konoha? Even with the Mist, that's only two nations. Are the Cloud from the Land of Lightning getting involved too?" 

"Exactly!" Ebizō's eyes gleamed. 

"Our spies just reported that Iwagakure allied with Kusagakure to attack Konoha. Meanwhile, the Cloud tried to ambush Iwagakure but got surrounded instead, with the Third Raikage, Ay, covering their retreat. He was ultimately overwhelmed by tens of thousands of Iwa-nin." 

Hattori couldn't help but gasp. 

"Whew… So that really happened?" 

"Yes!" 

Ebizō nodded. 

"The Third Raikage's son tried to mount a rescue, but Konoha's interference thwarted him. Now they're officially at war with Iwagakure and Konoha. Once the Mist move, we'll strike immediately!" 

He approached a map hanging in the tent, pointing to a specific spot. 

"The decisive battle will take place here—at Kikyo Pass!"