As the son of Daimyo of Land of Wind, Hanaki's estate is not a place that anyone can casually enter.
But Hattori is an exception.
When Hattori arrived at the gate of Hanaki's estate, accompanied by ten Samurai Spirit-style *Reviver* puppets, the guards stationed outside immediately came forward to greet him.
"Lord Hattori, you've finally returned! The princess has sent us to look for you for days!"
"Uh…" Hattori was momentarily surprised by the guard's words. "Didn't I leave her a note?"
"We're not sure about that!" the guard replied.
The guard then glanced at the puppets behind Hattori, his eyes widening with admiration.
"My lord, who are these distinguished gentlemen behind you?"
"Haha!"
Hattori couldn't help but chuckle when the guard referred to the *Reviver* puppets as "lords" and shook his head.
"They aren't people; they're puppets!"
"Puppets?"
The guard was taken aback, staring at the ten *Reviver* puppets behind Hattori, each adorned with antlered helmets and ornate armor, one hand resting on the hilt of a sword.
A look of astonishment crossed his face as he seemed to connect the dots.
"Wait... Are they life puppets, like Lord Mist Demon?"
"Life puppets?"
Hattori raised an eyebrow in surprise at the name, then nodded.
"That's an interesting term, but to be accurate, they're called *Reincarnation Puppets*."
Before the guard could say anything more, Hattori patted him on the shoulder.
"Alright, no need to be so shocked. These guys will probably be your colleagues from now on, so you'll have plenty of time to get to know them. Now, take me to Hanaki."
"Uh… Lord Hattori, you wish to see His Highness? Please follow me!"
The guard then led Hattori into the estate and brought him before Hanaki.
When Hanaki saw Hattori, he was delighted and immediately stepped forward to embrace him.
"Where have you been for the past half month? You left without a word, and Hana cried for days when she couldn't find you!"
"Uh… I didn't mean to worry anyone. I was off creating *these*."
Hattori raised his thumb and gestured to the puppets behind him.
Hanaki finally noticed the *Reviver* puppets and looked astonished at their elegant appearance.
"Huh?"
His eyes lit up with wonder at the sight of the ornate puppets.
"Hattori, what are these?"
"They're *Revivers*. I spent the past half month making them!" Hattori explained.
"Making them?"
Hanaki's eyes widened as he seemed to grasp the significance.
"Do you mean… they're like Mist Demon?"
"In essence, yes, but they serve a different purpose."
Seeing Hanaki's astonished expression, Hattori quickly explained.
"Mist Demon was designed for assassinations, but these *Revivers* are meant to be guards. They're a better fit for protecting you!"
"This…"
Hanaki admired the ornate puppets, but then he sighed and shook his head.
"As much as I'd love to have them, I don't have the financial resources to buy these puppets right now."
"Come on, Hanaki! Don't say that."
Before Hanaki could finish, Hattori gave him a mock-annoyed glare.
"Don't forget, we're friends. Talking about money between us is too formal. These ten *Reviver* puppets are my gift to you, to keep you safe!"
Hattori patted Hanaki on the shoulder again.
"I can't always be around to protect you, so let these guys do it. As long as you stay safe, who cares about money? Haha!"
"Hattori!"
Hanaki was moved to tears and hugged him tightly.
"You're too good to me! When I become the Daimyo, I swear I'll make you the Kazekage. You better not refuse!"
Hattori: "(ω`)"
What a kind-hearted kid! Despite giving me 49.5 million ryo before, he's this moved over a mere 3-million-ryo puppet gift.
A friend like this must be cherished, or karma will strike!
With that thought, Hattori smiled as Hanaki hugged him and patted his back gently.
"Alright, alright. We're friends. Of course, I'd help you if you're in trouble. Don't cry; it's embarrassing if others see."
"Yeah!"
Hanaki wiped his tears, nodding earnestly.
"You're right. I'm the future Daimyo of the Land of Wind. I can't show weakness, or people will mock me as a woman!"
Suddenly, he clapped his hands, remembering something.
"Oh, I almost forgot! Hana's been dying to see you. Want to go visit her?"
"Uh, no, let's not."
Hattori declined and sighed deeply.
"Sigh, our meeting was fated, but seeing me would only bring her heartache. It's better to keep the fond memory than to reunite."
Hanaki: "╭(°A°`)╮"
That sounded meaningful, but wasn't he just rambling nonsense?
As Hanaki pondered whether to tell his sister about Hattori's return, he suddenly saw her rushing over.
"Hattori!"
She ran straight to Hattori, her face flushed with excitement.
"You're back! Where have you been for the past half month? I sent so many people, but no one could find you!"
"…"
Seeing her excitement, Hattori didn't know what to say, so he simply ruffled her hair.
"Don't look for me next time. Someone as clever as me has long abandoned innocence. Why use affection only to end up hurt?"
Hanaki: "╭(°A°`)╮"
Here we go again!
Before Hattori could continue his awkward musings, Hanaki intervened, sending his sister away despite her reluctance, breaking the moment.
He then shifted the topic.
"So, Hattori, even though we're friends, your gift is too valuable. How about you ask something of me in return?"
"A request?"
Hattori thought for a moment and nodded.
"Since you insist, help me find a suitable spot in this Wind Capital. I want to start a security company."
"Security company?" Hanaki looked confused. "What's that?"
"It's a service dedicated to protecting people, like nobles. People like you!"
Hattori's face grew serious.
"I think assassinations are the most despicable act. Only the incompetent resort to such measures!
To counter these vile deeds, I'm forming the *Reviver Alliance*, a security company to protect noble, good-hearted people like you!
And… earn a bit of money on the side."
Hanaki: "╭(°A°`)╮"
So *that* was the true purpose?
(End of Chapter)