**Chapter 83: Are You the Devil?**

Even though they hadn't spent much time together, Chiyo had developed a genuine fondness for Hattori.

Whenever she saw Hattori show his remarkable abilities, she couldn't help but think of her young grandson, Sasori, and compare the two. Young Sasori was quiet, well-behaved, and heartbreakingly mature, with a serious and focused attitude. Hattori, however, though he appeared obedient and well-mannered on the surface, was actually mischievous and unpredictable, often doing things that left people baffled.

She felt an itch of frustration just thinking about how, after learning the transformation technique, the first form he chose to take was her in bikini.

"This little rascal! He really needs a good scolding!"

Although she said he deserved punishment, Chiyo's mouth couldn't help but curve into a smile as she thought of Hattori's exceptional talents in medical ninjutsu and puppet techniques.

"Hattori and Sasori... these two kids really are genuine prodigies!"

Watching Hattori disappear beyond the tent, Chiyo seemed to see a shadow of Sasori from the past, and for a moment, the images of the two overlapped, stirring a brief wave of emotion in her.

"Sasori… sigh…"

Returning to her senses, she let out a long sigh, lifted the tent's flap, and walked outside.

Hattori, of course, had no idea what Chiyo was going through internally. After leaving the tent, he dashed off as quickly as possible to Pakura's place.

"Sister Pakura, I'm here, haha!"

"…"

Seeing his excited face, Pakura gave him a towel with a hint of resignation.

"Wipe your face. I heard Lady Chiyo just used the Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets to guide your training, so she must really value you!"

"Uh… maybe?"

Hearing Pakura mention the Chikamatsu Collection, Hattori felt a wave of soreness all over his body. He quickly wiped his face and changed the subject.

"By the way, Sister Pakura, any news from Kirigakure lately? Are they still attacking our defenses?"

"No, not recently."

Pakura shook her head but then frowned slightly.

"However, I feel they're probably planning something. The Third Mizukage may be old, but he survived the First Shinobi World War; he's battle-hardened and cautious. We mustn't underestimate him!"

"Yeah, I think so too."

Having successfully shifted her attention, Hattori smiled slyly, his eyes narrowing like a fox pleased with his own schemes.

Seeing this look on his face, Pakura's expression turned curious.

"You don't seem too worried. Do you have a plan for Kirigakure?"

"Well… of course!"

Originally, Hattori was going to say "no," but seeing her expectant expression, he changed his answer on the spot.

"Not only do I have one, but I have plenty. Let me decide which one to use!"

Displaying his best to impress a girl was only natural, and Hattori was no exception. Fueled by this mindset, his mind began working at double speed, and he quickly came up with a plan.

"All right, I know exactly what to do!"

As he spoke, he looked over at Pakura and asked her directly.

"Sister Pakura, our mission here is to make Iwagakure and Konoha lower their guards, right? You're aware of that, aren't you?"

"Yes!" Pakura nodded. "Lady Chiyo has already informed me."

"Good, then!"

Satisfied with her answer, Hattori nodded and asked her another question.

"Then, if we were to attack Kirigakure, what do you think they'd assume? Wouldn't they be somewhat confused?"

"Well…" Pakura hesitated and frowned. "I suppose they would?"

"Not just suppose—they definitely would!"

Hattori's face was full of confidence.

"We, Sunagakure, have three main enemies: Konoha, the strongest; Iwagakure, which just attacked us. By logic, we should target one of those two. So, why Kirigakure? This is a question Kirigakure will surely ask themselves!"

"Well… that does make sense!"

Pakura nodded, then frowned again in confusion. "But does it really matter what they think?"

"Of course it does!"

Before Pakura could finish, Hattori nodded earnestly and started explaining.

"Our current objective is to defeat Konoha. To achieve this, we must not only gather the strength of our own village but also take advantage of enemy forces whenever possible!"

"Using enemy forces?"

Hearing this, Pakura's curiosity grew. "How exactly would we do that?"

"Well… uh…"

Hattori glanced at the twilight sky outside the tent, rubbing his hands and face together.

"Ugh, this desert at dusk is freezing. It's so cold my brain's practically numb. Normally, I'd be all wrapped up by now. You know, I think much better when I'm warm. Oh, right, where was I?"

Pakura: "…"

What kind of quirk is this? Is this just another sign of his genius?

After hesitating, she finally spoke to Hattori. "Why don't you… sleep in my bed?"

Hattori looked a bit embarrassed at her offer.

"This… I really shouldn't. But, desperate times call for desperate measures, so I'll take you up on that!"

Before he even finished, he bolted toward Pakura's bed, dove under the covers, and curled up like a nimble little mole.

Pakura was stunned.

To her surprise, Hattori even motioned for her to join him under the blanket.

"Come on, Sister Pakura! Such crucial military secrets must not be overheard by anyone. To prevent eavesdropping, get in here, and I'll whisper it to you!"

"This…" Pakura hesitated.

Just then, a voice sounded outside the tent.

"Hattori's right. Such military secrets must indeed be handled with utmost care."

"Uh…"

Recognizing the voice, Pakura looked up toward the entrance and saw Chiyo in her gray robe entering.

She quickly bowed in greeting.

"Lady Chiyo!"

"Mhm."

Chiyo nodded, returning the gesture, then turned to Hattori with a gentle smile.

"Hattori, my student, I, too, am interested in this 'military secret.' Will you tell me now, or should I join you in the bed so you can whisper it to me?"

Hattori: "Σ(°△°|||)︴"

Oh, come on! Every time you ruin my plans! Are you the devil?

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*(End of Chapter)*