CH - 269 Pakura returns.

Returning to Sand Village, Pakura experienced a rush of mixed emotions. The village appeared largely unchanged, yet there was a palpable sense of desolation lingering in the air.

Sand Village had evidently stagnated in recent years. Abandoned by the Daimyo and having lost both the Third and Fourth Kazekage, the village had been forced to downsize its ninja force, significantly diminishing its overall strength.

"Who would've thought I'd find myself back here," Pakura sighed wistfully.

Before she could dwell further, a voice beside her broke the silence. "That banner must be from Grass Village, right? That symbol below—it's unmistakable."

Hanzo nodded knowingly. "The moment I saw it, I recognized it. Probably churned out from one of Rain Village's factories. Surprising that the old lady went this far, putting up a banner. Though the craftsmanship looks shoddy, likely recycled materials."

"Mind your words. We're guests here," Akihiko interjected firmly, giving Hanzo a stern look.

Pakura glanced at the two village leaders beside her, feeling exasperated. Here they were, debating the origin of a banner, oblivious to the more pressing matters at hand. Was this truly the time to be concerned about such trivial details?

Reflecting on the situation, Pakura shook her head with a hint of helplessness. She hadn't intended to return this time, feeling uncomfortable with her ambiguous position. It seemed wisest to avoid entangling herself in Sand Village's internal affairs.

Yet, Advisor Chiyo's invitation had come with the pretext of reconnecting with her roots, and the Grass Village leader had suggested it might be her last chance to visit her homeland. Reluctantly, Pakura had acquiesced, thinking that since the Fourth Kazekage's sacrifice and her long absence, it might be a fitting occasion to revisit her hometown.

Despite the tumultuous events and her initial reluctance, Pakura found herself unexpectedly nostalgic for the place where she had spent most of her life.

As Pakura was caught up in her emotions, a familiar voice tinged with surprise called out, "Sensei!"

Pakura's body trembled slightly as she turned around and saw Maki, a girl with bandages styled in the Land of Wind fashion and colorful face paint. She smiled warmly, "Long time no see, Maki." Glancing at Maki's ninja attire, she asked, "You've become a ninja already?"

"Sensei, is it really you?!" Maki exclaimed with tears in her eyes, rushing over to embrace Pakura tightly. "The village said you sacrificed yourself. I... I..."

With Pakura's return, excitement rippled through the entire Sand Village. In their current dire situation, having a hero like Pakura could potentially alleviate many of their problems. After all, who could be more fitting to become the Fifth Kazekage than Pakura?

Though it remained a mystery why Pakura, believed to have sacrificed herself, was now alive, such details seemed insignificant in the face of her return.

"Alright, I understand what you're trying to say," Pakura gently pushed Maki away, sighed, and added, "But I'm sorry, I... I'll explain later."

She then looked up to see Chiyo approaching. "Long time no see, Chiyo-sama."

"Indeed, it has been a long time, Pakura," Chiyo replied, sensing Pakura's hesitation to discuss further.

Reflecting on the past, Chiyo couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. Perhaps, compared to Rasa, who mastered Magnet Release: Gold Dust, Pakura might have been a more suitable choice for the Fourth Kazekage. After all, Sand Village needed a leader who could quietly steer the village toward stability.

Of course, the Fourth Kazekage had also done commendable work. During his tenure, Sand Village experienced significant recovery and no longer struggled with financial hardships.

Bowing deeply, Chiyo said, "I apologize, Pakura... For what happened in the past, it was…"

"Enough! I don't want to talk about it now. I just came back to see how things are." Pakura waved her hand dismissively. "If there's anything important, talk to my leader."

"Pakura, you..." Chiyo began, but sighed and decided not to press further. She gestured to clear the confused Sand ninjas nearby, then turned to address the amused Rain Village leader. Her expression turned serious as she sighed, "I didn't expect you to come too, old man. Are you here to mock Sand Village?"

As she spoke, Chiyo anticipated the legendary status of the Rain Village leader in the ninja world would bring some restraint.

"Yes, indeed!" Hanzo nodded, he had a playful glint in his eyes. "It's quite amusing. Old lady, how about switching sides? The Daimyo of the Land of Wind has already ordered your village's disbandment anyway. Then, why not join us? We offer good benefits and accommodations."

Hanzo paused for effect, then chuckled, "But considering your track record of losing four Kage in a row... it might be a bit of a jinx, so the salary might be lower."

'This guy was still as annoying as ever' Chiyo tightened her grip on her staff, mustering a strained smile through gritted teeth. "Thank you for your offer, Hanzo, but I'll pass."

She brushed off the Rain Village leader's jest about the Kazekage deaths, refocusing her attention on the Grass Village leader. However, when she noticed the recruitment flyer in his hand, her expression darkened further. What were these two plotting? Sand Village hadn't fallen yet.

Chiyo had heard about Grass Village's recruitment efforts in Konoha before, but to now see them extending to Sand Village was another matter entirely.

She couldn't help but voice her disapproval. "Grass Village Leader, this is too much! I'm still here!" her tone was stern.

"Sorry, sorry, old habits," Akihiko quickly apologized, stowing away the recruitment flyer with a laugh. "I'll save that for next time when you're not around."

'My presence is not the issue here!' Ignoring his attempt to lighten the mood, Chiyo took a deep breath, clutching her chest momentarily. She shook her head with a hint of bitterness and cut straight to the chase. "Bringing the Grass Village Leader here this time is to discuss cooperation."

"I decline!" Akihiko shook his head firmly. "Grass Village is already a cherished ally of Sand Village."

"Sand Village is more than just an ally," Akihiko continued, his tone growing more impassioned. "They are our dear kin, our brothers and sisters in arms."

Chiyo fell silent again, grappling with the weight of the situation. Should she disclose what was on her mind? After a bitter shake of her head, she sighed deeply and began, "I know this is a lot to ask. The issue for Sand Village lies not with the other Great Shinobi Villages, but with the Daimyo of the Land of Wind."

The shinobi village system was a creation of the First Hokage to prevent ongoing conflict among clans. He and Madara Uchiha brought together numerous clans to establish the shinobi villages. Sand Village was similarly founded when Reto, the First Kazekage, united the Land of Wind's shinobi clans and struck a pact with the Daimyo to form the village.

In theory, the shinobi villages were supposed to adhere to the Daimyo's commands, and the succession of each Kage required approval from the Daimyo. In practice, however, many villages paid only superficial deference to the Daimyo's authority while clandestinely acting against it. This disobedience was kept hidden because any village lacking the Daimyo's recognition faced dire consequences.

"We initially planned to collaborate with Konoha and Grass Village to negotiate with the Land of Wind's Daimyo. We even considered convening a Five Kage Summit to ensure compliance with the Daimyo's directives, including allowing the Daimyo to choose the next leader," Chiyo continued with a sigh. "But this morning, Konoha's Hokage's Assistant, Danzo Shimura, arrived and abruptly left upon hearing..."

Suddenly, the previously indifferent Grass Village leader became visibly excited. "Danzo is here?!" He looked around eagerly. "Danzo! Danzo! Where are you?"

This unexpected reaction left everyone in Sand Village, including Pakura, momentarily stunned.

Chiyo raised an eyebrow. "Danzo has already departed. Upon hearing of your arrival, he immediately turned back."

"He left? What a pity," Akihiko commented with a sigh of disappointment. "Your Sand Village couldn't even let him stay."

The Sand ninjas fell silent. They had attempted to persuade him to stay, but forcing his compliance was out of the question. Provoking Konoha would only exacerbate their already precarious situation.

Observing the regretful expression on the Grass Village leader's face, Chiyo furrowed her brow slightly. "What is the connection between the Grass Village leader and the Hokage's Assistant of Konoha?"

Why did one hastily turn tail while the other appeared so disheartened? Moreover, The previously indifferent Grass Village leader had suddenly shown keen interest upon hearing Danzo's name.

"Oh, you mean Danzo?" The Grass Village leader sighed dramatically, assuming a composed posture as he glanced upwards, his eyes filled with emotion. "He's my... dearest friend~"

Before Chiyo could articulate her puzzlement, the Rain Village leader, Hanzo of the Salamander, also gazed upwards, his eyes brimming with a similar sentiment. "He's my... brother-in-arms as well!"

Chiyo fell silent, contemplating their sincerity. Their emotions seemed genuine. But how could the Deputy Hokage of Konoha and the Grass Village leader share such a close bond?