Chapter 393: Chapter 393: Return to the Sand Village
Early the next morning.
Shishou woke from his sleep and, seeing Temari sleeping in his arms, he leaned down and kissed her on the forehead.
Then, he gently released her and got up to stretch his body.
He threw a few pieces of wood onto the smoldering campfire, rekindling it. Shishou sat down in front of the fire with the puppet of the Third Kazekage, studying it carefully.
Although he wasn't particularly interested in puppet techniques, he was very intrigued by Sasori's craftsmanship in making human puppets.
Being able to preserve a person's skills and abilities in a puppet was, in Shishou's opinion, not much different from the Edo Tensei technique.
However, Shishou didn't have much knowledge about puppet-making, so after a long time, he couldn't discern much.
Unable to figure it out, he shifted his focus to trying to control the Third Kazekage puppet.
Luckily, he had previously considered creating his own version of Pain's Six Paths, so he had some knowledge of puppet techniques.
After numerous attempts, Shishou finally managed to control the Third Kazekage puppet to perform simple movements.
After that, he set the puppet down and went to wash his face and brush his teeth.
It wasn't until late morning.
A groggy Temari, who hadn't slept well the previous night, finally woke up.
As soon as she woke, she smelled the aroma of food.
When she stood up, she saw that Shishou had already prepared a meal not far away.
Setting the last dish on a small earthen table, Shishou pointed to a small water basin nearby and smiled at Temari:
"Wash your face and brush your teeth, then come eat."
It was a washbasin he had made using Earth Release and Water Release techniques.
One had to admit, ninjutsu was really convenient at times.
"Okay," Temari responded, heading to the basin to freshen up.
After washing up, she obediently sat down at the table and ate with Shishou.
After breakfast, they tidied up the campsite.
Naturally, Shishou took Temari's hand, leading her to jump onto the spread iron sand wings of the Third Kazekage puppet, flying towards the Sand Village.
Seeing the Third Kazekage puppet underfoot, Temari wanted to say something several times but held back.
The Third Kazekage was a significant figure in the Sand Village, and having him used as a puppet was a disgrace to the village.
However, since Shishou had taken it from Sasori, she felt it wasn't her place to speak.
Seeing Temari's hesitation, Shishou smiled and said: "When we return to the Sand Village, I'll give this puppet to the village as part of the dowry when I marry you. What do you think?"
Originally, Shishou had planned to give the Third Kazekage puppet to Pakura as a gift to bolster her influence in the village. But giving it directly to her might reveal his true identity.
Hearing the word "dowry," Temari blushed and mumbled: "I never said I was going to marry you, you playboy."
Shishou shrugged, "Then I won't marry you."
"You..."
Temari glared at Shishou.
Shishou chuckled, cupping Temari's face and kissing her.
After a moment, he asked, "So, will you marry me or not?"
Temari blushed, lowering her head and whispering:
"Marry...you..."
With the iron wings of the Third Kazekage puppet, Shishou and Temari arrived at the Sand Village by dusk.
The village's atmosphere was tense due to Pakura's unexpected and forceful return.
The villagers were shocked and worried about Pakura's return and feared she might seek revenge, affecting them.
Meanwhile, those loyal to the late Fourth Kazekage Rasa were terrified, fearing a purge by Pakura once she became the Fifth Kazekage.
This situation had split the village into three factions regarding Pakura's return.
One group sympathized with her, supporting her bid for the Kazekage position, hoping her strength would lead the village out of its troubles.
This group comprised the majority of the village, including those who had witnessed her prowess in Konoha.
The second group consisted of Rasa's old allies, who opposed Pakura and aimed to nominate Gaara as the next Kazekage.
However, they quickly realized Gaara and Kankuro had already started calling Pakura "teacher," which filled them with despair and fear of her methods.
The last group remained neutral, observing the unfolding events, or were indifferent, like Elder Chiyo.
Temari's return gave some hope to Rasa's old allies, who sought to use her against Pakura.
As soon as Temari stepped into the village, she was respectfully greeted by these hopefuls.
Understanding their intentions, Temari's teacher, Baki, approached her and said:
"Temari, don't let them use you."
In Baki's view, Pakura's willingness to return and take over as the Fifth Kazekage was a great fortune for the village.
If Pakura refused, the Sand Village might soon be erased from the five great ninja villages.
He couldn't allow Temari to get involved.
"I understand, Sensei," Temari nodded.
Then she looked at Rasa's old allies and said:
"Let's go. I will give you an explanation."
Sighing, Temari led Shishou towards Pakura's residence.
These people were still her father's subordinates, and Temari didn't want to see them purged.
Baki and the old allies were surprised but quickly followed.
Inside Pakura's residence.
Pakura, having received the message, sat silently in the hall, watching Temari enter.
Gaara, Kankuro, and Juugo stood beside Pakura.
For Pakura, whether to kill Rasa's old allies was inconsequential; she just wanted to see what Temari, the former princess of the Sand Village, would do.
Temari took a scroll from Shishou, took a deep breath, and approached Pakura.
Then, kneeling on one knee, she respectfully presented the scroll and said:
"Lady Fifth Kazekage, I retrieved the Third Kazekage, who had been turned into a human puppet by Sasori of the Red Sand. Please take a look."
With that, Temari opened the scroll, revealing the Third Kazekage puppet and placing it at Pakura's feet.
Hearing Temari's words and understanding the hidden meanings, everyone present was shocked and stunned.
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POWER STONE!!!!
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This fanfiction is complete on my P@treon. If you want to read it, you can find it at [email protected]/Betek.
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