182 CH - 177 Rumored Resurrection
In addition to her primary objectives of gathering intelligence on the Grass and Rain countries and seeking a way to open the passage from the Land of Rain, Chiyo also undertook a crucial secret mission during her visit to the Sand Village.
This clandestine mission revolved around the investigation of a matter of great significance—the alleged 'Resurrection from Death' of Pakura, a revered hero among the Sand Ninjas.
Due to strategic considerations during the war, the Sand Village had made a fateful decision. In order to concentrate their forces on Kikyo Pass and swiftly conclude the conflict, they entered into a secret agreement with the Mist Village. This agreement involved a sacrificial exchange, with Pakura being handed over to the Mist Village in exchange for peace.
The plan was executed with precision, and the subsequent cessation of hostilities between the Sand and Mist Villages allowed the former to redirect their focus to the pivotal battle at Kikyo Pass. While the ultimate mission from the Wind Daimyo might have been unsuccessful, it achieved its primary goal of securing peace with the Mist Village. After all, They had already gotten used to losing to Konoha.
However, intelligence surfaced, suggesting that Pakura, who was supposed to have been sacrificed in the compromise, had somehow resurfaced in the Grass Village. This unexpected twist added a layer of complexity, introducing the need for Sand Village to uncover the truth behind Pakura's purported resurrection.
Speaking of Which, At that time, Mist Village confirmed Pakura's death in the ambush and asserted that no one could survive such a barrage of Kunai. This raises questions about the accuracy of the Mist's account—did they truly kill her, or was it a deliberate trap set for the Sand Village? The intelligence suggesting Pakura's potential presence in the Grass Village instead of Mist Village adds another layer of intrigue to the mystery.
During the Sand Village's secret investigation, the scene of the supposed ambush was examined. Kunai littered the area, and a pool of blood surrounded it. Despite the signs of a fierce confrontation, Pakura's body was conspicuously absent.
Initially, the Sand Village believed Pakura had been brutally slain by the Mist Village, fueling anger and a sense of humiliation. However, the latest developments cast doubt on Pakura's demise. It's now conceivable that she survived the ambush, choosing to conceal herself in the Grass Village.
The decision to hide in the Grass Village could be attributed to the village's reputation for audacity and its acceptance of wandering ninjas and orphans. In this context, Pakura's choice to seek refuge in the Grass Village aligns with its history of embracing those seeking sanctuary.
The gravity of the situation becomes apparent considering the potential repercussions if Pakura is alive and reveals the scandal from the past. Her death as a hero would not only maintain the respect and admiration the Village has for her, but also the village's own reputation. However, if she were to expose the betrayal during the Third Great Ninja War, it could plunge the Sand Village into chaos.
In the aftermath of the war, the entire ninja world is in a state of recovery, and the Sand Village, having suffered heavily, is particularly vulnerable. The loss of faith from the Wind Daimyo and the delicate stability of the village is at stake.
Should it be revealed that the Fourth Kazekage betrayed a village hero, it would not only damage the Fourth Kazekage's authority but also destabilize the village. As an Elder of the Sand Village, Chiyo recognizes the urgency of thoroughly investigating this matter to mitigate any potential risks and maintain the fragile stability the village is currently trying to rebuild. The need to strangle any emerging threats in the cradle is paramount for the village's survival and reputation.
…
Feeling the gentle warmth of the morning sun, Chiyo reluctantly opened her eyes. The residue of the Grass Village's persuasive words lingered in her mind, even invading her dreams. The village's ideas about success and wellness had managed to stir a sense of excitement within her, a desire to become someone significant even at her age.
She chuckled at the absurdity of it. Who would have thought that, at her seasoned age, she'd be tempted by such notions? The allure of health-focused living and the promise of greatness seemed strangely compelling, yet her firm resolve, tethered to the crucial mission for her village and the unknown whereabouts of her only grandson, kept her grounded. Otherwise, the seductive pull of the Grass Village's narrative might have proven too strong to resist.
Chiyo's heart ached as she thought of Sasori, her grandson. The passage of time indicated that he was likely sacrificed, much like the Third Kazekage, silently sacrificing himself for their cause.
The thought that gnawed at her more was the mystery shrouding Sasori's fate. Yet, the real despair stemmed from not knowing the identity of the enemy. If it weren't for her responsibility to the village, she might have retired with Ebizō, seeking solace in quietude after losing her son and grandson.
"Why am I even pondering this here? Sasori... wouldn't choose to hide in the Grass Village like Pakura, would he?" Chiyo chuckled bitterly, dismissing the thought.
Her village's mission took precedence. Only once that was fulfilled could she afford to entertain thoughts of personal matters.
Chiyo gazed out of the window at the bustling Grass Village, its atmosphere both calm and lively. Despite the strained relationship with the Grass Village, she couldn't deny the exceptional leadership of the Grass Ninja leader, surpassing even their Fourth Kazekage, Rasa.
"Sadly, he's not a Sand Ninja," she murmured to herself, the troubled expression fading as she turned and headed towards the door. There were more pressing matters to attend to.
As she opened the door, ready to address her fellow Sand Ninjas, a sudden clatter interrupted her. The Sand Ninjas caught off guard, appeared busy and secretive, attempting to hide something.
Before Chiyo could utter a word, they greeted her with awkward smiles, "Chiyo-sama, good morning!"
Observing their guilty expressions and noticing a familiar cover peeking out from under a chair, Chiyo's face darkened. It was the 'Wealth Manual' distributed by the Grass Ninja yesterday. Hadn't they discarded it? Why were they still holding onto it, and were they even studying it in secret? She couldn't help but question their ninja qualities.
"Um, Chiyo-sama..." The Sand Ninjas, noticing Chiyo's darkening expression, hastened to explain. One of them spoke with a serious demeanor, "We're just studying what the Grass Village wants to do, thinking that maybe we can find weaknesses or information from it. After all, the upcoming negotiations are very important!"
The others nodded in agreement, echoing, "That's right, that's why we were looking at it!"
"For the Sand Village!" declared another Sand Ninja with a righteous expression.
"We're just researching how to deal with the Grass Village, there's no intention of becoming their agents," added another Sand Ninja, reinforcing their loyalty.
"That thing looks like a scam. Who would believe it?" remarked a Sand Ninja as he scrutinized the manual.
"I don't believe it! How about you?" chimed in another Sand Ninja, prompting the rest to nod in agreement, "I don't believe it either!"
Chiyo, listening to their words, raised an eyebrow. Instead of criticizing them, she calmly said, "You've worked hard."
"It's nothing. After all, it's better to work hard for a while than suffer for a lifetime," replied one of the Sand Ninjas with a smile.
However, Chiyo, listening to this, felt a moment of confusion, finding those words strangely familiar.
"Ding dong~, ding dong~," At that moment, the doorbell chimed, its sound echoing through the room. Chiyo was jolted back to the present, and her brows immediately knitted in response. Who could be ringing the doorbell at this hour? Grass Ninjas, perhaps?
Taking charge, she walked briskly toward the door, swung it open, and composedly stated, "Please wait a moment; the Sand Village still requires..."
However, before she could finish her sentence, her expression shifted to one of bewilderment as she found herself staring at a girl with a small bun atop her head and orange hair framing her face. How on earth did this person manage to get here?
Reacting swiftly to the approaching Sand Ninjas behind her, Chiyo promptly closed the door, leaving them puzzled. "What's going on, Chiyo-sama? Who is at the door?"
"It was a hotel staff member, no need to worry," Chiyo replied after a moment of hesitation, still feeling a bit flustered.
Confusion clouded the faces of the Sand Ninjas at her explanation. After all, This wasn't a hotel, so where did the staff member come from? Was this service provided by the Grass Village for their convenience?
