Pakura asked Shindai to explain what was going on regarding their engagement.
Shindai knew that if he told Pakura everything—especially about how he'd boasted in front of Konoha's leader, Hiruzen Sarutobi—he wouldn't escape a good smack on the head.
So immediately, Shindai changed the subject and asked, "Pakura, why don't you come live in Konoha with me from now on?"
Pakura's brows furrowed instantly. "Hmm?"
Shindai analyzed the situation for her: "I think you understand better than me what kind of situation we're in now. Rasa betrayed you—he wants someone else to carry out his orders by using Kirigakure ninja to kill you. If those mist ninjas fail, then the Suna ninjas who have been watching you will personally eliminate you. Their goal is to ensure you die in the Land of Water.
Even though you survived, there's no going back now. There's no way this operation could've been ordered by Rasa alone—it must've had approval from the top brass of Sunagakure. If you return to Sunagakure, how would you position yourself? Who knows, maybe that bastard Rasa might betray you again.
I know how angry you must be feeling right now. You've been betrayed by Sunagakure, and you resent them deeply. Then there's no need to return. Come with me—come live in Konoha."
Pakura lowered her head slightly.
Did she resent Sunagakure?
Of course she did! She had given everything for Sunagakure, yet ended up like this.
Shindai glanced at Orochimaru and gave him a meaningful look, silently urging him to help persuade her.
After all, Orochimaru was also part of Konoha's leadership, and whatever he said would represent Konoha's stance.
Orochimaru spoke up: "Shindai suspected earlier that you might be betrayed by Sunagakure, so he went directly to our Third Hokage in Konoha and requested that the undercover agent in Sunagakure hand over the transmitter to you.
And Shindai was ready at all times—if you pressed that button, he would rush over immediately to rescue you. He came all the way from the border between the Land of Fire and Grass Country, only stopping briefly when his chakra ran out to replenish it—otherwise, he didn't rest at all.
The reason I'm here with Shindai is also by order of the Third Hokage. Therefore, we warmly welcome you joining Konoha. Clearly, you and Shindai mean more to each other than words can say—since the Sunagakure you devoted yourself to has already betrayed you, why not stay with someone who means so much to you? Why not stay with Shindai?
On behalf of Konoha, I promise you this: Konoha will never force you to do anything you don't want to do. Even if you don't wish to become a Konoha ninja, living as an ordinary citizen in Konoha is perfectly fine too."
Orochimaru understood Hiruzen's thinking—whether or not Pakura wished to serve Konoha didn't matter; all they needed was to ensure her bloodline remained within Konoha.
After taking a long breath, Pakura looked toward Shindai.
Shindai looked at her with hopeful eyes. "Pakura, come on! Now that I have a home in Konoha, you can just move in with me—and I'll handle all your meals! What do you think?"
Shindai had already agreed in her heart. Upon hearing that Shindai would cover all three meals, she asked curiously, "How come I didn't know you can cook?"
Shindai replied, "I'll take you to have meals with the neighbors three times a day! Minato Namikaze lives next door to me. I've also got an older sister in Konoha named Kushina Uzumaki. Their cooking is really delicious!"
Pakura's lips twitched: "So this is what you meant by 'three meals a day included'? It turns out you're just freeloading meals at someone else's home?!"
The proxy deity was not straightforward but spoke with confidence: "Yeah, why not take advantage of the opportunity? Cooking by myself would mean having to wash dishes too, which is such a hassle. I really hate washing dishes. There were several times when Kushina Onee-san asked me to wash them, but I just wiped them with the dishcloth and put them directly into the cupboard without even rinsing them."
Pakura was almost at a loss for words: "Your face is as thick as ever. You went to someone's house just to mooch off them and didn't even want to wash the dishes. But it seems like you've been living quite well in Konoha."
Shindai nodded and said, "It's okay... but it would be even better if you came along!"
Since Hayato hadn't yet spoken about going to Konoha with him, Kamiji thought Hayato was still hesitating. He gritted his teeth and stamped his foot, determined to go all out and trick Hayato into going to Konoha first!
"If you come with me to Konoha, from then on, if you say one, I won't say two; if you say east, I absolutely won't go west! How about that!"
Orochimaru and Pakura's eyebrows moved at the same time.
Orochimaru listened to what Shindai said, and it sounded completely opposite to what he had said to Sarutobi Hiruzen back when he was in the Hokage's office.
Pakura's eyes had already lit up: "Oh? Is that so... Then I'll go!"
Shindai let out a long sigh. Finally, she began to soften her stance. After all, she had planned to act stubborn later. If Pakura still refused her request, Shindai would even go so far as to say she would become Pakura's servant.
Orochimaru stood up and said, "I think we've rested enough. It's time to go. So, congratulations in advance on joining Konoha, Pakura."
Pakura nodded: "I also have to thank you all for accepting me."
Orochimaru looked at Shindai and said, "Time to show a man's dominance. Let's go."
Kamiyo immediately started cursing inwardly. Why hadn't she noticed before how sarcastic and annoying Orochimaru could be?
Shindai asked Pakura, "Do you want me to carry you?"
"You?"
Pakura looked Shindai up and down, her eyes filled with disdain.
The blue veins on Shindai's forehead bulged instantly: "What kind of look is that? Hurry up and get in!"
Shindai squatted in front of Pakura. He was determined to show off his skills in front of her!
Pakura fell onto Shindai's back.
When Shindai stood up, it became awkward.
Now, Shindai is not very tall, so when he carries Pakura on his back, her feet drag on the ground.
Pakura mocked, "You little brat, let go of me. You actually think you can carry me?"
Facing Pakura's mockery, Shindai promptly lost his patience: "Shut up!"
"Stay put on my back! I *can* carry you—just watch me!"
Shindai hoisted Pakura onto his back and shot forward.
Orochimaru watched Shindai bolt off and called out, "Wrong way."
Shindai came to an abrupt stop, scraping four marks into the ground.
Why four marks?
Because apart from Shindai's two footprints, there were also two from Pakura's feet.
Pakura, slung over Shindai's back, rolled her eyes dramatically.
If you're short, don't try to play tough! She's the one paying the price!
Pakura spoke more tactfully, even quoting Shindai's recent words: "I promised to follow your lead completely—if you say east, I won't even glance west." She hoped this would convince him to let her down.
But Shindai was too eager to prove himself and had no intention of listening.
"Not happening. Give it up—I'm carrying you no matter what. And… anyone dumb enough to believe that line deserves to be fooled!"
Pakura stared at the back of Shindai's head in disbelief. She knew he could be stubborn—but she hadn't expected him to turn into such a brat so fast!
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