Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

Following the key gaming strategies of "play it safe," "develop," and "don't rush," Hattori decided to lay low to avoid Sasori, a dangerous character.

This wasn't cowardice, but a rational, strategic retreat.

However, he'd already promised to go back with Chiyo, and backing out now would leave a bad impression. Coming up with a good excuse was crucial. Unfortunately, time was short, and before he could think of a reason, Chiyo entered the hospital room again.

"Hattori, let's go home!"

Having recently undergone surgery, Chiyo's face looked a bit weary, but she still managed a smile for Hattori.

"Heh... you haven't eaten all day, so you must be hungry. I'll make you potato pancakes when we get back!"

"Uh…"

Hearing the care in her voice, Hattori almost agreed to go with her.

But then he thought about the small insect that had just died and Sasori's emotionless face. He steeled himself.

"Um… Chiyo-sensei, you look pretty tired, so I don't want to trouble you. Please go home and rest; don't worry about me. I'll just stay in the hospital tonight."

"What a good kid!"

Hearing Hattori's thoughtful words, Chiyo's weary face softened, and she reached out to pat his head again.

"Don't worry. I'm fine, and it's no trouble at all. Besides, other than my grandson, Sasori, it's just me at home. Since you're so well-mannered, I think you two will get along just fine. Let's go!"

Hattori: Σ(°△°|||)︴

No way am I going to get along with Sasori, the Demon King!

Hattori wanted to refuse, but before he could get a word out, Chiyo grabbed his hand and started leading him out.

There was no way he could back out now; otherwise, something strange would definitely happen.

As Chiyo led him out of the Sunagakure Hospital, Hattori felt a wave of despair as his plan to lay low crumbled. But there was no way out now, so he tried to reassure himself.

"If I can't avoid it, I'll just have to be extra careful. This is Sunagakure, after all. No matter how brutal Sasori is, he shouldn't be too obvious. Plus, I'm with Chiyo, so he shouldn't go 'under tower' to kill me."

With that thought, his anxiety eased, and he even managed a smile when he looked at Chiyo again.

"She's my human shield…"

Noticing Hattori's silly grin, Chiyo asked, "What is it?"

"Hehe, nothing!"

Hattori shook his head, but his smile grew even brighter.

"I was just thinking that being able to study medical ninjutsu with Chiyo-sensei feels like a dream, so I can't help but smile. Chiyo-sensei, can I live in the room next to yours?"

Actually, Hattori's ideal was to stay in Chiyo's own room so he could maximize his "protective shield." But that seemed unrealistic, so he settled for the next best option.

Unaware of his true motives, Chiyo smiled warmly at his words.

"You're such a dedicated student. Since that's what you want, you can stay in the room next to mine. Feel free to come to me if you have any questions!"

"Thank you, Chiyo-sensei!"

Thrilled with the arrangement, Hattori grinned from ear to ear. His happiness seemed to lighten Chiyo's mood too, and even her steps became brisker.

Soon, she led him to her home.

But as soon as they entered, Hattori was taken aback to see Sasori's expressionless face.

With Sasori staring at him, Hattori fought the urge to turn and run, and instead gave a polite bow.

"Sasori-sama, I apologize for the disturbance. My family's away on a mission, and they won't be back for a while. I hope I won't trouble you too much."

"Hm?"

Hearing Hattori's words, Sasori frowned and looked over at Chiyo with a scrutinizing gaze.

Under Sasori's gaze, Chiyo's expression grew complex, as though she felt both guilt and something else, but she ultimately turned away.

"Well… Hattori will be staying here from now on. Sasori, show him to the room next to mine. I'll go make dinner; it'll be ready soon!"

Without waiting for Sasori's response, Chiyo headed straight to the kitchen.

Watching her retreating figure, a flicker of displeasure crossed Sasori's face.

"I hate waiting for people!"

Then he turned back to Hattori, his annoyance apparent.

Seeing this, Hattori's face stiffened, but he managed to force a smile.

"Hehe… uh, Sasori-sama, please don't mind me. If you're busy, you can go do your thing. I don't mind waiting!"

"But I hate making others wait!"

Without waiting for Hattori to respond, he turned and walked off.

Hattori had no choice but to follow.

Chiyo's house wasn't large, so within seconds, Sasori led Hattori to the designated room and opened the door.

"You'll stay here. Chiyo's room is right next door."

"Got it. Thank you, Sasori-sama!"

Hattori thanked him again, then couldn't help but ask, "Where does Sasori-sama stay?"

Sasori pointed to the room directly opposite Hattori's.

"There."

Hattori: Σ(°△°|||)︴

…

Knowing that the Demon King Sasori was right across the hall, Hattori felt his spirits sink.

But given the circumstances, he could only reassure himself with "the safest place is the most dangerous one."

Unaware of Hattori's thoughts, Sasori finished his guiding duties and returned to his room, only reappearing when dinner was ready.

Hattori came out too and sat down at the table. Looking at the bowl of soup and two potato pancakes in front of him—and seeing that both Chiyo and Sasori had the same—he felt a bit surprised.

"This is so… simple?"

He knew that Sunagakure was in the middle of wartime and resources were scarce, but he hadn't realized they were this scarce.

Chiyo was an advisor to Sunagakure, second only to the Kazekage. Hattori wouldn't have been surprised if she had a lavish meal every day.

Yet here they were, with plain potato pancakes, and judging from Chiyo's smiling face, they might even be considered decent food.

"If even Sunagakure's advisor only eats this, then the regular folks must have it even worse. Is Sunagakure's survival environment really this harsh?"

The thought made Hattori feel a little heavy-hearted.

Chiyo mistook his expression for distaste and quickly spoke up.

"Hattori, don't you like potato pancakes? I added flour and eggs—they're very tasty. Go ahead, eat up!"

"Uh… okay!"

Pulled out of his thoughts, Hattori quickly clasped his hands together with a loud "snap."

"Thank you for the meal!"

With that, he began eating quickly, and when he noticed Chiyo watching him, he put on an overjoyed expression.

"Oh, wow, this is… incredible! I've never had anything this delicious in my life! One more bite… amazing…"

Chiyo: "…"

Sasori: "…"

(End of Chapter)