Chapter 15: **Chapter 15: Leaving Sunagakure**
When Hattori demonstrated his exceptional medical skills and was appointed as a Special Jonin to support the eastern front by the Third Kazekage, Mizusuna realized her mission was over.
So, while Hattori was still asleep, she quietly left. As a medical ninja of Sunagakure, she had many other duties to attend to.
Hattori wasn't just an innocent child; when he woke up the next morning and didn't see Mizusuna, he guessed that she might have decided to part ways with him.
Though they had only been together for a day, he still felt a little reluctant about the woman who had treated him with such respect at all times.
"What a good person. She knows how to talk, knows how to do things, and most importantly, she doesn't look bad either. Maybe when I'm a little older, I could use some unspoken rules to get her to serve me forever. What a pity!"
Just as Hattori was sighing, a voice suddenly spoke above him.
"Oh, what a pity indeed!"
"Huh?"
Hearing the voice, Hattori was startled and quickly looked up. A red-haired man was hanging upside down from the ceiling, arms crossed, looking down at him with a displeased expression.
Hattori: ╭(°A°`)╮
Damn it, are you Batman?
Seeing the man above him, Hattori's mouth twitched, and he spoke in irritation.
"Hey, eavesdropping on others isn't exactly something to be proud of. Also, I'm a Special Jonin of Sunagakure, so you should be addressing me with respect!"
"Oh, really?"
With that, the red-haired man leapt down from the roof, did a mid-air flip, and landed firmly in front of Hattori.
"Firstly, eavesdropping is common among ninjas, as intelligence gathering is one of our essential skills. Secondly, I'm a Jonin of Sunagakure, so you should be addressing *me* with respect, you insolent brat!"
Hattori: (╬ ̄皿 ̄)
Are you asking for a fight?!
At that moment, Hattori was furious, and he thought about using his chakra scalpel to perform a castration surgery on the arrogant guy in front of him, then testing if his regeneration jutsu could make it grow back!
But before making a move, he checked the man's attributes—
**[Name: Rasa]**
**[Level: 76]**
**[HP: 1260/1260]**
**[MP: 930/930]**
**[Specialty: Magnet Release - Gold Dust]**
**[Combat Rating: S+]**
Hattori: (ω`)
Sorry, my mistake!
Seeing Rasa's stats, Hattori decided to forgive the man's rudeness and came up with a reason in his heart.
"Though Rasa became the Fourth Kazekage, he didn't get to enjoy his position for long before Orochimaru killed him. He didn't get to experience the pleasures of power or the warmth of family. With a fate like his, I don't need to hold a grudge."
Feeling a sense of peace in his heart, his anger dissipated.
After calming down, Hattori took a deep breath, raised an eyebrow, and flashed Rasa a wide smile.
"My apologies, esteemed Jonin. I was mistaken. May I know what brings you here to spend your valuable time with me?"
"It's because of the Kazekage's orders."
Seeing Hattori's sudden change in attitude, Rasa frowned and spoke in a tone that still held irritation.
"I don't know why the Kazekage values you so much, but that's none of my concern. My job is to escort you to the eastern battlefield. You have five minutes to get ready; make it quick!"
Without waiting for Hattori's reply, he turned and left.
Seeing this, Hattori pouted.
"Tch... acting all high and mighty!"
Despite his scornful tone, he started preparing efficiently.
Sunagakure, situated in the vast desert of the Land of Wind, had a typical tropical desert climate: mostly sunny, intense sunlight, dry conditions, frequent sandstorms, and large temperature swings between day and night.
Taking this into account, Hattori donned a long robe, a white head wrap, and a face veil, topping it all with a sandproof cloak.
Water is the most crucial item for desert travel, so after dressing up, he prepared a water pouch.
He didn't bother with dry food, knowing that Chiyo's family didn't have any, but Mizusuna had left him with eight ration pills, enough for two or three days.
Tucking the ration pills into his pocket, Hattori grabbed his water pouch and stepped outside.
Rasa was waiting at the door. Seeing Hattori come out, he didn't speak, just gave him a quick glance before walking ahead with an obvious look of disdain.
Seeing Rasa's expression, Hattori pouted again but followed behind him without a word.
The two walked in silence, one in front of the other, until they reached the entrance of Sunagakure—a narrow passageway between two cliffs.
"Sky Line."
This was the only path in and out of Sunagakure. With its easily defensible position, it served as Sunagakure's strongest and final barrier.
Sunagakure stationed heavy guards here. Anyone entering or exiting was rigorously inspected before being allowed through.
But with Rasa's status, there was no need for inspection. When the guards saw him, they immediately saluted and granted him passage.
He went through, but Hattori, following behind, was stopped.
"Hey, kid, this isn't a playground. Go back!"
"..."
Playground, your face! Do I look like I'm here for fun?
Just as Hattori was about to reveal his status as a Special Jonin, Rasa, who was ahead, spoke up.
"This guy is with me. Let him pass!"
"Yes, sir!" The guard responded promptly, stepping aside to clear the way.
Seeing this, Hattori's mouth twitched again, but he said nothing and quickly followed Rasa.
At this point, it was clear that putting up a fight would be meaningless and would only embarrass him. Better to follow quietly until they reached the destination, where he wouldn't have to see Rasa anymore.
With that decision made, Hattori quickened his pace and soon walked through Sky Line.
**[You have discovered the Desert of the Land of Wind]**
**[XP +10]**
Noticing the purple text floating before him, Hattori raised an eyebrow and looked at the two young shinobi with Sunagakure headbands waiting at the exit.
Among them was Maki, whom Hattori had bandaged before, while the other seemed familiar, though he couldn't quite recall who it was.
So he checked the young man's information.
**[Name: Yashamaru]**
**[Level: 15]**
**[HP: 160/160]**
**[MP: 140/140]**
**[Specialty: Assault Blades]**
**[Combat Rating: C+]**
After reading Yashamaru's attributes, Hattori widened his eyes in slight surprise.
"It's him?"
(End of Chapter)