Chương 40: **Chapter 40: The Decision of the Third Kazekage**
After a hearty meal, Hattori intended to take an afternoon nap, but Rasa had other plans. He grabbed Hattori and headed straight to the Kazekage's office.
Like the other village leaders, the Kazekage, as the head of Sunagakure, had a vast amount of administrative work to handle every day.
When Rasa and Hattori arrived, the Kazekage was focused on writing on a scroll and, without looking up, asked, "Is that Rasa returning?"
"Yes!"
At the sound of his voice, Rasa immediately stepped forward and knelt on one knee.
"Kazekage-sama, as per your orders, I have brought the Hattori back!"
"Good, very good!"
The Third Kazekage put down the scroll and pen and looked up at Rasa.
"Rasa, you did well. You didn't disappoint me. I have something to discuss with the Hattori alone now; please wait outside."
"Understood!"
With that, Rasa got up, exited the Kazekage's office, and closed the door behind him.
Seeing this, Hattori raised an eyebrow, showing a bit of curiosity. However, he didn't ask any questions, choosing instead to quietly wait for the Third Kazekage to speak first.
Seeing Hattori's calm demeanor, the Kazekage's expression softened slightly in approval. "You're quite impressive; I can see your value."
Hattori felt slightly uncomfortable with this praise, though he was unsure how others might react to such words. If Rasa had said something like this, Hattori would have retorted without hesitation. But with the Kazekage—Sunagakure's most powerful leader and the reputed "strongest Kazekage" — he dared not act out.
So, he replied with a forced smile, "Thank you, Kazekage-sama. I'll work even harder and make sure not to let you down!"
Though I'm not sure if you'll live long enough to see it!
The Kazekage couldn't know Hattori's thoughts. Seeing his somewhat forced expression, he assumed it was due to nervousness and didn't give it much thought. Instead, he asked a seemingly unrelated question.
"What do you think of Rasa?"
"Uh… Rasa?"
Hattori was taken aback by the Kazekage's question, his mind blank for a moment before he answered hesitantly.
"Rasa… I think he's decent. He's fast, but he seems to have a bit of a temper. But his wife's cooking is really good!"
Kazekage: "…"
What nonsense!
Initially, the Kazekage had intended to learn Chiyo's views on Rasa—or perhaps on himself—through Hattori, as Rasa was directly under his command.
But after hearing Hattori's response, he knew this approach wouldn't work.
So, he skipped the preliminaries and got straight to the point.
"Hattori, Advisor Chiyo wishes for you to continue your studies, but I believe you are ready to join the new medical corps. What do you think?"
"Uh… well…"
Faced with the Kazekage's choice, Hattori hesitated only briefly before replying seriously.
"Although I don't wish to go against my teacher's wishes, if Kazekage-sama values me this much, I am willing to follow your orders as a Sunagakure shinobi!"
Everything else could be wrong, but loyalty had to be clear! No matter what else he might not understand, he knew where his loyalty lay!
The Kazekage seemed pleased with his answer; the previously stern face softened into a slight smile.
"You're indeed different from other kids. No wonder Elder Ebizō says you're more than just a medical prodigy. Very well!"
Saying this, he stood and walked to the office door, opening it.
"Relay my orders: In addition to the existing Sunagakure Hospital and Corpse Processing Unit, select another group of suitable shinobi from the academy to form a new emergency medical squad, which will be incorporated into the newly established medical corps!"
"Yes, sir!"
With the Kazekage's command, the messenger shinobi acknowledged, then set off quickly to distribute the orders.
Once the messenger left, the Kazekage turned back to Hattori with a serious expression.
"Hattori, from today on, you will be the captain of the newly established emergency medical squad. I'll arrange an assistant for you shortly. Now, go to the academy and choose your team members."
"Uh… okay!"
Hattori was momentarily surprised by the Kazekage's words, but he quickly nodded.
"I understand. Thank you, Kazekage-sama, for your trust. I will work harder and make sure not to disappoint you!"
He said these standard words of loyalty with utmost seriousness. Once the Kazekage gestured for him to leave, he made an enthusiastic exit.
But as soon as he left the Kazekage's office, Hattori's expression turned from excitement to a tired and disinterested look.
"Tch, what's the point of this new medical squad? Even if it's set up, it'll still be the same as before. A waste of my rest time!"
Although he was a bit dissatisfied, he couldn't disregard the Kazekage's orders entirely, not while his strength was still developing. Muttering under his breath, he headed toward the Sunagakure Academy.
Meanwhile, the Third Kazekage stood by the office window, watching Hattori's figure disappear into the distance. He then turned to Rasa and asked,
"Rasa, what are your thoughts on the new medical corps?"
"Hmm…"
Rasa hesitated briefly before answering, "I believe Kazekage-sama must have deeper intentions. Perhaps a major move is on the horizon?"
"Hahaha…"
At Rasa's words, the Kazekage broke his usual serious demeanor and laughed, giving Rasa a hearty pat on the shoulder.
"Rasa, this is why I trust you. Indeed, Sunagakure is planning something big. Come with me."
The Kazekage led Rasa to the top of the Kazekage Tower and pointed eastward.
"Rasa, what do you see over there?"
"Over there?"
Following his gaze, Rasa frowned slightly before shaking his head.
"Apologies, Kazekage-sama, but all I see is endless desert."
"Correct. What you see is endless desert, but beyond it lies lush forests and fertile lands!"
"Uh… are you referring to the Land of Fire, Kazekage-sama?"
Realization dawned on Rasa, and his expression changed slightly. "Are you planning to move against the Leaf Village?"
"Hahaha!"
Seeing Rasa's deduction, the Kazekage laughed again and nodded firmly.
"Yes, with the Leaf Village currently embattled on all sides, now is the perfect time for Sunagakure to rise. I will personally go to the eastern battlefield and crush the Leaf Village once and for all!"
He then turned back to look at Rasa, his eyes filled with confidence beneath his Kazekage hat.
"This will be a victorious battle, but until I arrive at the eastern front, this must remain secret. Once I leave, I entrust the village to you. Do not let me down, Rasa!"
"Yes, Kazekage-sama!"
At these words, Rasa knelt down on one knee, pounding his fist against the ground in earnest.
"As long as I'm here, the village will be safe!"
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