Hattori , Puppet Tyrant in Sand

**Money and women?**

Hearing Hattori's response, the entire medical tent fell silent for a few moments before bursting into cheerful laughter.

"Hahaha…"

Among the laughter, Chiyo's already stormy expression grew even darker.

Realizing he had said the wrong thing, Hattori quickly tried to clarify.

"No, I mean… what I really want is career and love!"

"Pfft…"

Ebizo, who was standing behind Chiyo, couldn't help but let out a laugh. But after catching a stern glance from her, he quickly suppressed it with a few coughs to cover up.

"Ahem, ahem… Sister, actually, I think the kid made a good point. Yes… career and love, that's good, ahem…"

"Hmph!"

With a cold snort, Chiyo finally turned her gaze away from him and directed her attention to Hattori, who now looked a bit flustered.

"Come with me."

"Oh!"

Hearing Chiyo's words, Hattori obediently agreed, following her out of the tent.

Outside, Chiyo asked him, "Did you eat a soldier pill just now?"

"I had one!" Hattori answered honestly.

Upon hearing his reply, Chiyo stopped in her tracks, turned around, and looked at him with a serious expression.

"Too much is as bad as too little. You must learn moderation in everything—understood?"

"Yes, I understand, Sensei!" Hattori replied obediently once again.

Seeing his humble expression, Chiyo frowned, then sighed in resignation.

"Sigh. I'm not scolding you, just warning you. Soldier pills aren't a replacement for regular meals, and taking them often isn't good for you. You're still a kid and need proper nutrition to grow."

Hearing her words, Hattori realized she was showing concern, and he quickly bowed to her.

"Thank you for your concern, Sensei. I'll make sure to be more careful from now on. I won't rely on soldier pills except in emergencies, and I'll definitely not use them to replace real food."

"Good, that's the way!" Chiyo nodded in approval, her expression softening into a faint smile.

"Hattori, even though I've been away these days, I've heard about your progress from Mizu. I'm impressed. If there's anything you want, just let me know… yes, even money and women!"

At that, Chiyo gave him a playful wink.

Even Hattori, as clueless as he could sometimes be, could tell she was teasing him. He scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

"Heh… no need for help with that, Sensei. I can handle it myself. But maybe you could teach me a bit about self-defense? I don't think it's good to rely on others to protect me all the time."

"Hmm, you're absolutely right!"

Hearing his request, Chiyo nodded in agreement.

"Even a medical ninja can't rely entirely on others. You need to have your own means of self-defense. What would you like to learn?"

"I want to learn puppet mastery!" Having thought it through, Hattori replied without hesitation.

Chiyo looked at him in surprise and then chuckled.

"So, you want to learn the art of puppetry, hmm? That's fine, but first, tell me what a puppet is to you. Think it over carefully before you answer, because I'll decide whether to teach you based on your answer."

"Um… this…" 

The question caught Hattori off guard, as he hadn't anticipated it. Seeing Chiyo's serious expression, he thought carefully for a moment and then tentatively replied.

"Is it… an art form?"

"Hmph!"

At that, Chiyo's expression turned icy again, her smile vanishing.

"I know you're clever, but I want an honest answer, not some nonsense. I'll give you one last chance. If I'm not satisfied, don't expect me to teach you puppet mastery!"

"Uh…"

Seeing her determined look, Hattori's face froze. 

After a long pause, he finally sighed in defeat.

"Alright, if you want the truth, here it is. To me, a puppet is just a tool—a ninja tool, really, no different from a kunai or shuriken."

"Hmm?" Chiyo raised an eyebrow at his answer, showing no sign of agreement or disagreement. "Go on."

"Yes, Sensei!"

With her permission, Hattori continued.

"Although a puppet is essentially a tool, it has advantages that other tools lack. The biggest one is the ability to fight at a distance, allowing for a more flexible and versatile combat style while keeping the user safe."

"I see your point."

After listening, Chiyo's face remained unreadable, and she gave a slight nod.

"In your view, a puppet is essentially a life-saving tool that can be discarded if necessary. Is that correct?"

Not sure if Chiyo was pleased or displeased, Hattori could only nod awkwardly.

"Yes, that's it."

Saying it out loud, Hattori had almost given up on the hope of learning puppetry.

But to his surprise, after a moment of silence, Chiyo nodded.

"Very well. I'm satisfied with your answer. I'll teach you how to control puppets, but I won't teach you how to make them. Do you still want to learn?"

"Huh?"

Hattori, caught off guard, quickly nodded like a woodpecker.

"Yes, yes, of course! Honestly, I wasn't that interested in making them, anyway—it's too time-consuming. Just teaching me to control them is enough, Sensei."

"I'm glad to hear that. Follow me."

With that, Chiyo led him to a field tent and addressed him once more.

"Starting now, you'll stay here. Food and water will be brought to you shortly, and make sure you don't wander around—understood?"

"I understand!" Hattori nodded respectfully. "Thank you for the trouble, Sensei!"

Chiyo waved a hand dismissively.

"It's nothing, don't worry. After you eat, get some rest. I'll begin teaching you puppetry tomorrow."

Without waiting for his reply, she turned and left.

Watching her silhouette fade in the distance, Hattori turned into the tent, clenched his fist in excitement, and pumped it into the air.

"Yes!" 

*(End of Chapter)*