章節 12: Chapter 12: Meeting the Kazekage (Part 1)

Faced with Mizusuna's enthusiasm, Hattori felt nothing but calmness, even a bit sleepy.

"Guess a full stomach really does make you sleepy… hmm..."

He stifled a long yawn and pondered internally.

"Maybe MP is actually a combination of chakra and mental energy, and while rations restore chakra, mental energy can only be replenished with sleep?"

With that thought, he put the Mandrake Lizard back into its cage and waved Mizusuna off sleepily.

"I'm too tired. I'm going to sleep. You go about your business, Mizusuna, and don't bother calling me for dinner."

He turned back to his bedroom, lay down, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Hearing faint snores from the room, Mizusuna's excitement gradually subsided. She checked the room carefully to ensure nothing was out of place, then picked up the cage with the Mandrake Lizard and headed out, vanishing with a swift shunshin.

An hour later, she returned quietly, peeking into Hattori's room and seeing that he was still asleep. Relieved, she closed the door softly and took out her medical notes to study.

Time flew by for those absorbed in their work. When Mizusuna finally looked up, the evening sun was already streaming through the window.

"Wow, it's so late already?"

She blinked in surprise, quickly set down her notes, tied on her apron, and went into the kitchen to prepare a meal. Chiyo's kitchen was well-stocked with potatoes, so she peeled a few, added two carrots and an egg, and made two servings of potato stew.

When the food was ready, she went to knock on Hattori's door.

"Knock, knock… Lord Tokage, it's time for dinner!"

"Hmm…"

Hattori was actually about ready to wake up, so hearing her call, he got up, rubbing his eyes as he opened the door.

"It's already dinner time? Mizusuna, did you feed my lizard?"

The question made Mizusuna chuckle. She waved her hand lightly.

"No need to worry, Lord Tokage. Mandrake Lizards are only fed one per day. Overfeeding isn't good for them, so leave it to me!"

"Uh… okay then, thanks!"

"Heh, it's my duty. No need to be so polite, Lord Tokage."

With that, Mizusuna served the potato stew in front of him.

"It's late; Lord Tokage, you'd better eat up! Afterward, you need to head to the Sunagakure Hospital. The Kazekage wants to see you!"

"Ah?" Hattori was stunned. "The Third Kazekage… wants to see me? Why?"

"Hehe, because you're a genius, Lord Tokage!"

Seeing his surprised expression, Mizusuna laughed, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"When I reported that you've already mastered the Revitalization Technique, the Kazekage decided he wanted to meet you. Isn't that incredible, Lord Tokage? Aren't you thrilled?"

Hattori: "(-_-)"

Not in the slightest!

In his mind, ideal life meant quietly leveling up in secret until he was maxed out. Until then, he had no interest in interacting with people of higher ranks and skills.

Especially with someone like the Third Kazekage—a powerful figure who could kill on a whim, showing zero hesitation or concern for consequences. Meeting someone like that was hardly comforting!

Of course, Hattori could only think this to himself; on the outside, he put on a happy, excited face.

"Wow… the Kazekage really wants to see me? That's amazing! I'd better finish my dinner quickly; I wouldn't want to keep him waiting… chomp, chomp, chomp..."

Watching him wolf down his food, Mizusuna couldn't help but giggle.

"Hehe… no need to rush, Lord Tokage. The Kazekage probably hasn't arrived at the hospital yet, so take your time!"

"Mmm… chomp, chomp, chomp…"

Hattori mumbled in response, hastily finishing the potato stew, then set the empty bowl on the table and grabbed Mizusuna's hand.

"Mizusuna, let's hurry to the hospital. The Kazekage might already be there!"

"Hehe, alright then!"

Seeing his "eagerness," Mizusuna smiled, bending down to wipe the corner of his mouth.

"If you're that eager, let's go now. But remember to be polite when you meet the Kazekage!"

"I will!" Hattori nodded seriously.

Satisfied with his "obedience," Mizusuna nodded and led him out, heading toward the Sunagakure Hospital.

By the time they reached the sandstone hospital in the village center, night had fallen completely, and dim lights shone from the windows.

Looking at the scene, Hattori sighed internally.

"I can't believe I'm back here already after just one day. Seems like I really am meant to be here… sigh..."

Though he sighed inwardly, he maintained a cheerful and expectant expression, trotting alongside Mizusuna into the hospital.

As Mizusuna had said, the Third Kazekage hadn't arrived yet. While waiting, Hattori followed Mizusuna as she inspected the various wards.

During their rounds, they encountered many medical staff carrying equipment. Seeing Mizusuna, each of them bowed politely, and she responded with a smile.

Only then did Hattori realize that this woman who constantly called him "Lord Tokage" held quite a respectable position in the Sunagakure medical community.

"Someone like Mizusuna, working as a caretaker, is definitely overqualified. Chiyo must have had more in mind than just looking after me!"

Realizing this, Hattori's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Chiyo probably sent her to train me, and likely for the long term. This means Chiyo isn't off on a mission at all but is likely pursuing the rogue Sasori. Haha!"

Thinking about not having to encounter Scorpion again—the "dangerous individual"—Hattori suddenly felt relieved, his smile broadening.

As he was grinning, he felt a tap on his shoulder, and Mizusuna's voice sounded beside him.

"Lord Tokage, the Kazekage is here. Look!"

"Ah…"

(End of Chapter)