After being accustomed to the endless sands of the Land of Wind, Hattori didn't think a change in scenery was a bad idea.
With his current strength, as long as he avoided provoking Nagato and his Rinnegan, no one else would pose much of a threat.
As for any future confrontation with Nagato, that would depend on the abilities he unlocked after awakening his own powers. If worst came to worst, he could still go head-to-head with him—after all, they'd both have those "sage eye." Who would fear whom?
For now, though, it was best to steer clear.
Though there was no concrete proof that the Susano'o couldn't withstand Nagato's powerful Shinra Tensei, there was definitely a difference in level, meaning he'd be at a disadvantage.
Nonetheless, accompanying Hanaki to the Land of Fire's capital should pose no issue at all.
Even in the original story, when Nagato controlled the Six Paths of Pain to stir up trouble, he targeted the Hidden Leaf Village, not the capital of the Land of Fire.
It was akin to two gangs fighting; only the underlings would clash, while the leaders would avoid direct confrontation. The leaders would step in only after their respective forces lost, at which point they'd negotiate and perhaps exchange reparations to settle things.
The Land of Wind operated this way, and so did the Land of Fire.
Therefore, Hattori felt no pressure accompanying Hanaki to the Land of Fire.
He closed up the **Alliance of Revivers** shop, left a few puppet bodyguards to guard it, and climbed onto the ox cart with Hanaki.
Of course, he didn't want to delay the production of his Gundam. He instructed the puppet masters to continue developing the experimental model "Avenger," leaving them funds to carry on the project.
Hattori figured that by the time he returned from the Land of Fire, the model should be close to completion.
At that point, he could test if the Avenger could be transformed into a resurrected puppet.
If so, the next step would be to track down Kakuzu and acquire his shinobi gem.
As for how to find Kakuzu, Hattori wasn't too worried.
If all else failed, he'd simply wait for the storyline to catch up, let the Leaf Genins make the first move, and swoop in at the last moment—a foolproof plan.
To make that happen, however, he'd need to establish a good relationship with the Leaf Village, so that his appearance as backup wouldn't seem out of place.
And with time to spare before the Pain invasion, visiting the Leaf Village would not cause any trouble.
"It's been nearly two years since I visited the Leaf. Obito should have graduated from the Ninja Academy by now. I'll have to go mess with him a bit so he doesn't forget about me, haha!"
At the thought, Hattori recalled his past pranks on Obito, which made him chuckle.
"Hahaha..."
Hanaki, sitting with him in the ox cart, looked at Hattori curiously.
"Hattori, what's so funny? Did you remember something amusing?"
"Yeah, something like that."
Hattori nodded, then said, "Hanaki, when we reach the Fire Capital, I'll have you stay at the Fire Daimyo's residence. I want to wander around the surrounding towns. Is that okay?"
"No problem!" Hanaki nodded, then asked, "Are you planning to search for materials for a new puppet?"
"Yes, exactly."
Hattori nodded, his grin widening.
"I'm looking for a rare puppet material. Once I find it, I'll be able to create a puppet that will astonish everyone!"
"Wow!" Hanaki looked excited. "You have to show me first when it's done!"
"No problem. You'll be the first to see it!"
"Hehehe..."
Having someone to chat with made the journey less dull.
Due to the ox cart's slow pace, it took Hattori and Hanaki nearly half a month to reach the Land of Fire.
Though they had once been enemy nations, they were now allies, and thus were treated as distinguished guests.
Upon their arrival at the Fire Capital, the officials welcomed them and escorted them to the Daimyo's residence, where a banquet awaited.
The Fire Daimyo, a thin middle-aged man, greeted them in person. Upon seeing Hattori, he covered his mouth with a fan, his face expressing surprise.
"Oh… Are you the son of the Wind Daimyo? I've heard of you, but I didn't expect you to be so young!"
"Actually, Lord Daimyo, there are many things about me that you wouldn't expect!"
Hattori nodded, gesturing to Hanaki, who looked a bit awkward.
"This is the Wind Daimyo's son. I'm just accompanying him!"
"Ah…"
The Fire Daimyo paused at Hattori's words, looking surprised.
The surrounding officials quickly stepped in to clarify.
"Lord Daimyo, this is Hattori, the Wind Country's top puppeteer, while the young master here is His Highness Hanaki, son of the Wind Daimyo."
"Ah, I see!"
Understanding at last, the Fire Daimyo turned to Hattori.
"I've heard your name before. I heard you've created a kind of puppet with life—one that the Wind Daimyo and his nobles use, is that correct?"
"Yes, indeed!"
Hattori smiled.
"Since we lack the Twelve Guardian Ninja like the Land of Fire, we had to come up with alternative methods to protect our Daimyo and nobles. Wouldn't you agree?"
"Yes, certainly."
The Daimyo then turned to his officials and asked, "By the way, where are my Twelve Guardian Ninja? I haven't seen them in ages."
"Uh…"
The official replied awkwardly, "Lord Daimyo, your Twelve Guardian Ninja disbanded. A new group is currently being selected, but it may take some time."
"Oh… I see."
The Daimyo nodded in understanding.
"In the meantime, why not purchase some of the Wind Country's life puppets? I hear the Wind Daimyo speaks highly of them."
"Um…"
The official hesitated. "Lord Daimyo, since that involves military secrets from an allied nation, it might not be convenient."
"Ah… Is that so?"
The Daimyo looked at Hattori.
"Are your puppets classified military secrets of the Land of Wind?"
"Haha, not at all!"
Hattori chuckled.
"In fact, one of the gifts we brought for you, Lord Daimyo, includes a life puppet as a token of friendship between our two nations."
In truth, the gift list included no such puppet; Hattori made that up to promote his product.
Yes, he planned to open a branch in the Land of Fire!
The Fire Daimyo, unaware of Hattori's intentions, beamed at the news of such a gift.
"Really? How gracious of the Wind Daimyo! I'll have to think of a special return gift…"
As he folded his fan, a messenger called from outside.
"Lord Daimyo, the Third Hokage requests an audience!"