**Chapter 43: Intimidation**

It turns out that the power of group ridicule is directly proportional to the eloquence of the ridiculer and inversely proportional to the age of the one being ridiculed. 

The sharper the speaker's words and the younger the target, the more potent the ridicule. 

Right now, Hattori possesses both qualities.

The moment he said, "Everyone here is trash," he instantly set off the anger of the group of newly graduated Genin, none of whom were older than twelve. They became furious, voices rising with indignation.

"What did he say? Did he really just call us trash?"

"Who does he think he is? That's way over the line!"

"Yeah, he needs to be taught a lesson..."

They clenched their fists, pushing and shoving as they approached Hattori, clearly ready to show him just how serious they were.

Seeing this, Mizusuna and the two examiners beside her were instantly alarmed.

"How dare you! Stand down!"

"What are you all trying to do?"

"Do you even realize who he is...?"

But before they could finish speaking, a wave of intense chakra surged from behind them.

The three of them turned around to see that the previously laid-back Hattori was now radiating an astonishing amount of chakra. 

The chakra around him was so concentrated it became visibly white, surrounding him like an unsheathed weapon, emanating a sharp and dangerous aura.

With this burst of energy, the desk in front of him shattered to pieces, and even the stone tiles beneath his feet began to crack with a sharp "ka-ka" sound.

This was brute strength!

This Senju clan ability was something Hattori was using for the first time, but the effect was extraordinary, stunning everyone present into silence.

Seeing this, even the two experienced teachers from Sunagakure widened their eyes in shock, looking at Hattori in disbelief.

Mizusuna was also taken aback, but she quickly regained her composure and called out to him.

"Master Seki, they're just a bunch of kids. Please forgive them!"

"Silence! An enemy won't care if they're children!"

Hattori cut her off sternly and turned to the trembling young Genin.

"Since you've graduated from the Ninja Academy, you're ninjas who can stand on your own. You represent not only yourselves but also Sunagakure!"

He took a step forward, his gaze sweeping over the frightened faces of the Genin. He let out a cold scoff.

"Hmph, you all talk about revenge, about killing the Iwa and Kiri ninjas. Do you have the strength to do it? Do you think they're just logs, standing there waiting to be cut down? Where does your confidence come from, huh?"

Each of his questions hit the young Genin like a hammer, causing their faces to pale, their heads bowing lower with each word.

Seeing this, Hattori sneered.

"Heh... trash like you dare to look down on medical ninjas? What do you think medical ninjas are? How dare you dismiss the orders of Lord Kazekage?"

"…"

Under Hattori's intense questioning, no one dared to make a sound. Even the two examiners beside Mizusuna lowered their heads.

Hattori, now feeling it was pointless, released his chakra, gesturing dismissively at the crowd.

"Just a bunch of worthless brats. This was a waste of time. Mizusuna, let's go. Tell Lord Kazekage none of them passed."

With that, he turned and walked toward the door, a slight smirk on his lips.

"Hehe, now I can go home and get some sleep!"

It turned out his outburst was a ruse. He only wanted to go back and sleep!

But Mizusuna didn't know that, so she anxiously called out to him.

"Master Seki, please wait! Give it some more thought!"

"No waiting, no more thought—they failed, and that's that!"

Hattori continued walking, determined, not looking back.

However, just as he reached the door, he was blocked by a figure in a long white robe.

In his view was a pale green hat with the character for "Wind" written on it.

"Lord Kazekage!"

Seeing the unexpected figure, Mizusuna and the others immediately bowed in respect, while Hattori quickly lowered his head.

It was the Third Kazekage, who had apparently been there for a while. Without waiting for anyone to explain, he began speaking.

"I've heard everything. Let me clarify that the establishment of the Medical Department and Emergency Medical Corps was my order, given to win the war and strengthen Sunagakure. No one is to defy it!"

He then gently patted Hattori on the shoulder.

"Seki, I heard what you said. I understand your anger and admire your skill and loyalty to the village. It shows I made the right choice. But you need to understand them, too."

He gestured to the Genin across from him, a faint smile on his face.

"They lack your talent. You're a genius, but they aren't. Yet, they share something with you—their love and loyalty to the village. So I hope you won't judge them too harshly and give them another chance."

Hearing this, the previously downcast Genin raised their heads, many of them now looking at the Kazekage with tears in their eyes.

Watching this, Hattori couldn't help but give the Third Kazekage a thumbs-up in his mind—*truly a Kazekage!*

*I played the bad guy, and you swoop in to play the good guy, winning everyone over.*

*Well played!*

At that moment, Hattori finally understood why this man was Kazekage. Leaving aside his strength, his tact and experience were unmatched.

This cunning approach reminded him of a classic line from a drama:

"The ninja world isn't about fighting and killing; it's about understanding people, which is a true art!"

"Today, I've learned something—I'm impressed!"

With this in mind, he bowed respectfully to the Third Kazekage.

"Lord Kazekage, you're absolutely right. I understand now. I'll allow them to join the Emergency Medical Corps, but whether they can stay will depend on them!"

"Good, that'll do."

Pleased with his response, the Third Kazekage nodded and patted his shoulder once more.

"The Medical Department and Emergency Medical Corps are vital to the village's support system and safety. We can't afford any mistakes. Seki, starting today, you're a Jonin. Don't let me down!"

And with that, before Hattori could respond, he turned and left, leaving everyone behind in stunned silence.

"What? Jonin?!"

*(End of Chapter)*