"The Third Hokage is here?"
Upon hearing his attendant's report, a flash of confusion crossed the Land of Fire Daimyo's face, and he momentarily forgot to lift his small folding fan.
"Why is he here again? Hmm... well, it's not really important why he's here. What's more important is what kind of attire I should wear to meet him."
He lifted his small folding fan again, half-covering his face as his eyes filled with deep contemplation.
"Hmm... I should probably look a bit more dignified for the Hokage. But before I decide on my attire, let him wait for me a while!"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
This sounds sort of reasonable, but honestly, isn't it just nonsense? You're going to keep someone waiting outside just because you're unsure of what outfit to wear? Negative points! Get out of here!
Watching the Land of Fire Daimyo seriously pondering this, Hattori couldn't help but twitch his mouth, thinking to himself:
"I thought the Wind Country Daimyo was unreliable, but I didn't expect the Fire Country's Daimyo to be even more eccentric. How sad that the ninja world is governed by people like this, sigh!"
With a helpless shake of his head, he bowed toward the Land of Fire Daimyo.
"Honored Daimyo, the Rebirth Puppet I've prepared for you needs to be unsealed in a spacious area to absorb the spirit energy of heaven and earth. If you'll excuse me, I'll step out briefly."
This, of course, was complete nonsense. The Rebirth Puppet could be unsealed from the scroll just like any other puppet. Hattori just couldn't bear watching the Daimyo struggling over his outfit any longer, so he wanted some fresh air.
Unexpectedly, the Daimyo's eyes lit up as he heard this.
"So that puppet is called a Rebirth Puppet, and absorbing the spirit energy is its preparation for bonding with a master?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
This guy actually knows about master bonding?
As Hattori stood, mildly astonished, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire spun around dramatically, waving his folding fan, and began reciting with a solemn expression.
"Explode, reality; shatter, spirit; exile this world! From this day forward, this man before you is your new master.
Hesitation is defeat, and cowardice invites death. Fight for him until the world is obliterated!"
Then he suddenly turned to Hattori.
"Is that how you say it?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
Wow, talk about over the top! He's even more intense than me! Watching the Daimyo's eager expression, Hattori could only bow respectfully.
"I'm impressed. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire even knows this. It truly seems destined that you are to be master of Rebirth Puppet."
"Oh-ho-ho-ho..."
Hearing Hattori's praise, the Daimyo raised his fan to cover his mouth, letting out an owl-like laugh. Afterward, he enthusiastically headed outside, calling out to Hattori.
"Come, little Hattori. Let's go outside together. You'll let the Rebirth Puppet absorb the spirit energy, and I'll oversee the master bonding ceremony. Sounds perfect, doesn't it?"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
I feel like I can't get rid of this guy!
Watching his overjoyed expression, Hattori forced a smile as he looked at him.
"Um… Honored Daimyo of the Land of Fire, shouldn't you wear something a bit more dignified for such a ceremonious bonding ceremony?"
"╭(°A°`)╮"
Startled, the Daimyo showed deep agreement, nodding emphatically.
"You're absolutely right, little Hattori. I'll change first. Once I'm ready, you can unseal the puppet. I want to be the first to see them!"
"Sure, no problem!" Hattori immediately agreed.
Seeing how quickly he agreed, the Daimyo shot him a look of admiration.
"You're truly reliable. Once the bonding ceremony is over, I'll give you a medal. I'll call it… um..."
He thought for a few seconds before clapping his hands.
"I've got it! The medal shall be called the 'Honorary Puppet Master Medal, officially recognized and awarded by the Daimyo Palace of the Land of Fire, Konoha Village, the Daimyo Palace of the Land of Wind, and the Hidden Sand Village of the Land of Wind.' What do you think?"
Hattori: "╭(°A°`)╮"
What the heck is that?
Hearing that long-winded name, Hattori couldn't stop his mouth from twitching again.
"Um… Honored Daimyo, how about just calling it the 'Honorary Puppet Master Medal'?"
"No way!"
Before he could finish, the Daimyo vehemently rejected his suggestion.
"The name must be long to display the dignity of the Daimyo Palace!"
Hattori: "(Д*)"
Does a long name really add dignity? Although he kept silently criticizing this, Hattori knew that if he continued to argue, it would be never-ending.
So, he forced a smile.
"Haha, Honored Daimyo of the Land of Fire, you're absolutely right. I realize now how shallow and ignorant I was. I'll be waiting outside."
"Yes, that's the spirit. I'll go change now!"
With that, he cheerfully went off to change.
Watching this, Hattori finally sighed in relief, raising his hand to halt Hanaki, who was about to speak.
"Don't ask anything, don't say anything. Just wait here; I'll be back soon!"
"???"
Ignoring Hanaki confused look, Hattori walked outside.
As he stepped out, he immediately saw Sarutobi Hiruzen in a red and white robe, wearing the Hokage's hat.
At the same moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen spotted Hattori.
Seeing Hattori dressed in an elaborate black robe and wearing a tall green hat with the character "Wind" embroidered on it, Hiruzen looked taken aback.
"Are you… Hattori? Aren't you from the Hidden Sand Village? Why are you dressed like that?"
"Sigh, it's a long story!"
Hattori shook his head helplessly, spreading his hands.
"In short, I'm here as an official from the Land of Wind Daimyo Palace, accompanying Lord Hanaki on a goodwill visit to our ally, the Land of Fire. But what about you, Third Hokage? Why are you here?"
He glanced at Hiruzen and the Anbu members behind him, his face showing confusion.
"Aren't you supposed to be stepping down for Minato Namikaze? Oh… I get it now. You're here for the transfer of power to Minato, right? It's long overdue. So, where is he?"
"..."
Seeing Hattori's look of sudden realization, Sarutobi Hiruzen stayed silent for a long while before finally replying.
"Minato… is dead."
"..."