Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

Perhaps it was because the Sharingan needed a cooldown to evolve, or maybe the stimulus just wasn't enough. Despite Obito's intense emotional breakdown and tears, his Sharingan didn't evolve further. This left Hattori feeling somewhat disappointed.

"Oh well, better not mess with him too much. If I traumatize him and he turns dark, he might come for revenge someday, and that would be a hassle!"

With that thought, he signaled to Rin Nohara, who was comforting Obito.

"Rin, take care of Obito for me. He needs a bit of comfort. I'll be off!"

Before she could respond, Hattori jumped out of the window, landing in the street below.

After landing, he took a small lock of brown hair from his pocket. It was Rin's, which he had managed to snip off with a chakra scalpel earlier without her noticing when they were rushing here.

Hattori carefully wrapped the hair around a shuriken, secured it with cloth, and stored it in his wallet, nodding in satisfaction.

"Good, now I'm prepared. If Obito ever does turn dark, this might just serve as a countermeasure against him."

He glanced back up at the window one last time, then turned and headed off to meet up with Pakura and the others.

Once he found Pakura, the two wandered around the Leaf Village, taking in the sights. They picked up some local specialties, gorged themselves at Barbecue Q, and even hit the hot springs. It was a wonderfully relaxing day.

But good times never last long. By the time they exited the village baths, dawn was already breaking.

The other Sand Ninjas started to appear, and from their excited faces, it was clear they, like Hattori, hadn't slept a wink, making the most of their "one-day Leaf Village tour."

For ninjas, though, traveling for days on end without rest was nothing out of the ordinary. An all-nighter was hardly a big deal.

Seeing the happy expressions all around, Hattori smiled at Pakura.

"Looks like everyone's pleased. Don't worry, with me around, it won't be long before the Sand Village is as lively as the Leaf Village!"

Pakura chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I believe in you!"

As they chatted, Elder Ebizō and Rasa appeared. They weren't as carefree as Hattori, though. Rasa immediately began a headcount and organized the retreat from the Leaf, while Ebizō discussed resource and funding transfers with Hiruzen Sarutobi, formalizing the alliance.

Once the talks wrapped up, morning had fully arrived. The Sand Ninjas gathered outside the Leaf Village, ready to depart. Hattori knew it was time to leave, so he walked over to Hiruzen to bid farewell.

"Lord Hokage, it's time for us to go. They say, 'even the longest journey ends in farewell.' No need to see us off too far. Don't worry, I'll be back someday!"

Hiruzen: "…"

Hearing that, Hiruzen felt even less assured!

Though he wanted to tell Hattori not to come back, he could only smile and nod politely in front of everyone.

"As our ally, you're always welcome in the Leaf Village!"

It was a simple phrase, but layered with meaning.

Hattori understood and smiled back, clapping his hands together. "Summoning Technique!"

*Boom!*

With a puff of white smoke, a giant-winged dragonfly appeared, causing Hiruzen to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

Hattori noticed Hiruzen's reaction and grinned. "Not bad, huh, Lord Hokage?"

Hiruzen nodded approvingly. "In a way, it's almost like a jutsu without hand signs. Impressive!"

Hattori laughed, then cupped his hands in respect. "Until next time!"

With a quick stomp of his foot, he called out, "Let's go, buddy!"

*Buzz…*

At his command, the dragonfly beat its wings, lifting Hattori and Pakura into the sky and carrying them slowly away from the Leaf Village.

As they flew over the village gates, Hattori called out to the Sand Ninjas below.

"Everyone, gather up! Destination: the Sand Village. Move out!"

With his command, the thousands of Sand Ninjas waiting outside the Leaf Village cheered.

"With orders from Lord Hattori, destination: the Sand Village. Move out!"

"Move out!"

"Move out!"

"Move out…"

With cheers from the crowd, the large Sand Village force began their journey home.

From the high wall of the Leaf Village, Hiruzen and the others watched, their faces showing relief.

"They're finally gone!"

"Yes," muttered Koharu Utatane, looking worn out.

"I had worried we might have to fight, that even our village wouldn't make it out unscathed. We were really lucky!"

"Indeed," agreed Homura Mitokado, nodding. "Not only did we keep the village safe, but we also formed an alliance with the Sand Village, and the price wasn't too high—definitely within our budget."

"Hmm…"

Hiruzen chuckled and asked, "Has Danzo returned?"

"Not yet," replied Koharu, frowning. "He's been gone for nearly a whole day now. If the Sand Ninjas had attacked, we might have all been dead by now."

"…"

Homura and Koharu exchanged silent glances, lost in thought. Homura tried to excuse him, though.

"Maybe… he got held up by something. I don't think he would just abandon us."

"Hmph, that's hard to say."

"…"

Homura was at a loss for words when they heard a sound of hurried footsteps approaching.

Looking up, Homura and Koharu saw nearly a thousand Leaf ninjas rushing toward the village, led by none other than Danzo himself in his full Anbu uniform!

Seeing this, Hiruzen turned to his two advisors with a grin.

"Haha, see? Here's Danzo now!"

"…"

Homura and Koharu fell silent at Hiruzen's words, lost in thought. Hiruzen couldn't help but sigh quietly to himself.

He recalled Hattori's words at Sakumo Hatake's grave, feeling a tinge of helplessness.

"Every village has its own secrets and shadows, it seems… truly unfortunate."