Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

After an emotional introduction, Hattori turned his gaze back to Minato Namikaze.

"Alright, I've answered your questions. Now tell me about Pakura's situation. And a reminder—don't try to deceive me. My goodwill toward Konoha is running thin."

Hearing this, Minato glanced at Hiruzen Sarutobi, who nodded in approval. Minato then smiled and spoke to Hattori.

"Relax, she's fine. My mission is to capture you; killing her isn't necessary. I have no reason to lie."

"Whew..."

Hearing Minato's response, Hattori felt a weight lift off his chest and took a deep breath.

Seeing his relief, Minato's smile grew warmer. "Looks like you also have someone worth risking your life to protect?"

After saying this, he looked at Kushina Uzumaki with a tender expression.

Under his soft gaze, a hint of blush crept onto Kushina's cheeks, and she shyly lowered her head.

Hattori: "╭(°A°`)╮"

This is basically Kidnaping, isn't it? Isn't hurting single people like me supposed to be illegal?

Luckily, I'm not single—I have my dear Pakura.

So, the real single person here must be—

He looked around and finally settled his gaze on Jiraiya.

"That's the single guy!"

Noticing Hattori's slightly mocking and pitying gaze, Jiraiya immediately burst out.

"Kid, what's with that look? Are you looking down on me, Jiraiya, the Toad Sage of Mount Myoboku?"

"(￣▽￣) Heh… single guy!"

Jiraiya: "Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Pfft… that's basically a personal attack, isn't it?

Though he'd never heard the term before, Jiraiya instantly understood it.

Of course, he'd never admit it.

Realizing everyone's eyes were on him, he quickly raised his head and struck a pose he thought was suave.

"A true man wins women's hearts, skilled in jutsu, caring for beauties. Who in Konoha doesn't know the name… Jiraiya-sama?"

"(￣▽￣) Heh heh… single guy!"

Jiraiya: "Σ(°△°|||)︴"

What… the… heck?

Watching the usually smug Jiraiya get deflated by Hattori, everyone present couldn't help but stifle their laughter.

Kushina, with her bold personality, burst out laughing, causing Minato's face to flush with embarrassment.

"Uh… Jiraiya-sensei, Kushina didn't mean it like that. She's just… uh, she's just really happy about something, haha…"

Jiraiya: "…"

You'd be better off not explaining at all!

Minato's attempt only added to Jiraiya's embarrassment, making him glare at Hattori in frustration.

"Hmph, disrespectful brat! But what I want to know is why Inoichi saw such… chaotic things in your mind?"

"Chaotic things?"

Hearing Jiraiya's description, a faint smile appeared on Hattori's face.

"So, Jiraiya-sama, as the Toad Sage's chosen Child of Destiny, do you consider that 'chaos' too?"

"What?"

Jiraiya's expression shifted immediately.

"How do you know about that? Are you also a Child of Destiny? That's impossible; the Great Toad Sage never said…"

"Are you sure?"

Hattori raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Did he specifically say there wouldn't be another Child of Destiny beyond Minato Namikaze and Nagato? Are you certain?"

"This…"

Jiraiya froze, unable to respond for a moment.

Everyone around him seemed completely in the dark, unable to make sense of the conversation.

Eventually, Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke up.

"Jiraiya, I think you should tell us about this."

"Well… alright."

At Sarutobi's urging, Jiraiya nodded and recounted the prophecy of the Great Toad Sage—that the Child of Destiny would bring peace to the ninja world.

After he finished, Sarutobi turned his gaze to Minato.

"So, you took Minato as a disciple because the Great Toad Sage dreamt of him and believed he could bring peace to the world, right?"

"Yes, but..."

At this, Jiraiya looked uncertainly at Hattori.

"If this boy is also a Child of Destiny, then something isn't right. Now I'm not so sure!"

"Hmm, understood."

Sarutobi nodded and turned to Hattori, asking directly.

"Then are you a Child of Destiny?"

"Isn't that a silly question?" Hattori shot him a sharp look. "Of course not!"

Jiraiya: "…"

Sarutobi: "…"

If you're not, why are you acting so bold about it? Are you just toying with us?

As the two prepared to retort, Hattori spoke up again.

"Although I'm not a Child of Destiny, I can see others' destinies and even alter them to some extent. If you must put a label on it, you could call me… the Father of Destiny!"

Minato: "…"

Something doesn't feel right here. I feel like I'm being taken advantage of somehow.

Realizing this, Minato forced an awkward but polite smile.

Compared to his gentleness, Kushina wasn't so amused. She reached over and tugged at Hattori's cheeks.

"Minato is my little sunshine! Even if you're my clan member, you can't joke about him. Got it?"

"Ow, ow, ow! Okay, okay, I get it! Let go…"

"Hmph!"

Seeing him give in, Kushina released him and put her hands on her hips.

"And don't go around making up stories! Our Uzumaki Clan may have strong sensory abilities, but we don't have the power to see other people's destinies!"

Hattori nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, you're right!"

Kushina: "(╬￣皿￣)"

You annoying brat!

Just as she was about to roll up her sleeves, Hiruzen stepped in to stop her.

"Alright, Kushina, leave this to us. You should go rest. There may be a major battle soon!"

"Ah… alright!"

Kushina bit her lip and nodded.

"Um… Hokage-sama, if possible, please don't hurt him."

"Understood." Hiruzen nodded. "Go on."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"

Kushina thanked him and cast Hattori a few worried glances before leaving.

Watching her go, Hattori muttered.

"Tch… what a pesky one."

Then, narrowing his eyes, he turned to Hiruzen.

"Alright, now that the nuisance is gone, let's get to the point. Ask what you need to ask; if you have any tricks, use them now. We're all busy, so let's not waste time!"