**Chapter 84: Planning**

Watching Chiyo once again disrupt his plans, Hattori felt his head buzzing with frustration.

At that moment, he really wanted to ask her:

"Why are you everywhere?! Are you the Queen of Chaos?"

But, considering the possible consequences of angering her, he had to suppress his frustration and forced a smile.

"Heh… Teacher, why are you here? It's so late already. How about you go back, and I'll tell you everything you want to know tomorrow, okay?"

"Absolutely not!" Chiyo replied decisively, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Hattori sighed helplessly. "Fine. Ask whatever you want; I'll tell you everything."

Seeing Hattori relent, Chiyo's smile grew even brighter. "Good. Then explain how you plan to use the enemy's power against them."

"It's simple. Just four words—sow discord and confusion."

Since he had started, Hattori held nothing back, laying out his idea in full.

"When I attacked Iwagakure previously, I used some tricks to make it seem like Konoha was responsible. I already told you about that, and now I plan to do the same with Kirigakure!"

"The same approach?"

Chiyo frowned. "Are you saying you'll disguise yourself as a Konoha ninja to attack Kirigakure?"

"Haha, of course not!" Hattori laughed, waving his hand dismissively.

"No need to go that far. Kirigakure has more enemies than just us. If we make it look like we've teamed up with Konoha, what do you think they'll do?"

"Hmm?"

As an advisor to Sunagakure, Chiyo caught on quickly. "You mean we create a false alliance with Konoha to divert Kirigakure's attention? But what if they don't fall for it?"

"That's fine too!"

Hattori smiled. "We don't need them to go all-out against Konoha, just enough to keep them occupied."

After Hattori explained further, Chiyo nodded approvingly, even smiling a bit.

"Indeed. At the very least, it will keep the southern battlefield quiet for a while, letting us concentrate our forces on the eastern front to defeat Konoha!"

Hearing this, Pakura, who had been listening, became excited and quickly asked, "Lady Chiyo, how can we make Kirigakure believe we've allied with Konoha? Should we dress up as Konoha ninjas to create the illusion?"

"No, that would look too deliberate."

Pakura thought her idea was good, but Chiyo shook her head. "The Third Mizukage is extremely cautious. Even the smallest flaw would alert him."

"Extremely cautious?"

Hearing Chiyo's assessment, Hattori grinned. "Heh, that's perfect. I'm great at tricking cautious people. The more careful he is, the more likely he'll fall for it. Come here, Teacher—I'll tell you in secret!"

"Hm?" Chiyo raised an eyebrow but leaned closer. Hattori leaned in and began whispering.

At first, Chiyo's face held some doubt, but as he explained, her skepticism faded, and her eyes sparkled with interest.

When he finished, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Brilliant! It's so simple yet flawless—perfect for dealing with someone as cautious as the Third Mizukage. I think we have a good chance of success!"

She clapped Hattori's shoulder approvingly. "I'll handle the execution myself. If it succeeds, I'll see to it that you're rewarded with an S-rank mission reward. Well, I'm off!"

Without waiting for Hattori to respond, she turned and walked briskly to the door. But just as she reached it, she paused, looked back at Hattori, and spoke.

"Oh, and remember—don't tell anyone about this plan. Got it?"

"Understood!" Hattori nodded quickly.

Satisfied, Chiyo looked over at Pakura. "Pakura, I'm entrusting Hattori safety to you. His wellbeing is essential for Sunagakure, so you must protect him well."

"Yes, Lady Chiyo!"

Pakura straightened up immediately. "I'll follow your orders and stay by his side. Even at night, I won't leave him. I won't let anything happen to him!"

"Hm?" Hearing this, Chiyo gave Hattori a curious look.

Seeing his pleading expression, she said nothing and left.

As she finally departed, Hattori breathed a sigh of relief. "Phew… that was close. I thought I was going to get caught. Maybe she's actually allowing Pakura and me… Heh heh heh…"

The thought made Hattori's heart race, filling him with excitement. Although he wasn't capable of any serious mischief just yet, simply sharing a bed with a beautiful girl like Pakura was thrilling enough for him.

After all, if he won her heart, wouldn't everything else follow?

Pakura, unaware of his thoughts, shook her head, amused, and helped tuck him in. "It's late. Get some rest; who knows when Kirigakure's ninjas will strike. We need to be ready."

"Is that so?"

Hearing this, Hattori shifted over on the bed, patting the empty space beside him. "Sis Pakura, come rest too. There's plenty of room. Don't be shy!"

"…"

Pakura hesitated only briefly before sitting on the bed and removing her jacket.

Watching this, Hattori's eyes lit up.

"Here she comes…"

Just as he was reveling in the idea of falling asleep beside Pakura, a sudden explosion shattered his daydream.

*Boom!*

The blast ripped apart his fantasy, igniting his anger completely.

"Are you kidding me?!" (╯°Д°)╯︵┻━┻

*(End of Chapter)*