Sand Shinobi Village – Kazekage's OfficeChiyo sat behind the Kazekage's desk with a dark expression, silently reviewing the latest report from the Sand Shinobi Intelligence Team.> [Master Chiyo, our intelligence division has searched the entire Land of Wind but found no trace of the Fourth Kazekage. He has been missing for over three days. We suspect he may have met with an accident.]Chiyo placed the document back on the desk with a sigh, then walked over to the large window. Staring out at the desert beyond, she muttered, "The Kazekage has been missing for days... it seems something truly has happened."She couldn't understand—who could have taken down Rasa so silently, without leaving him even a chance to escape?After all, Rasa hadn't become the Fourth Kazekage just through politics. His strength was formidable, ranking at the top of the village. He was unquestionably Kage-level.Now that such a powerful figure had been eliminated without a sound, Chiyo felt a rising sense of unease.What if whoever killed Rasa had set their sights on the Sand Village next?If this unseen enemy was preparing to strike the village, the consequences could be catastrophic.Panic began to creep into her heart. She couldn't think of a way to handle the crisis."Damn it... who is targeting our Sand Shinobi Village?" she muttered.Suddenly, a name flashed through her mind."Maybe... he might have an answer."Without hesitation, Chiyo turned and left the office.---Sand Shinobi PrisonInside the cold, damp cell, Sarutobi Hiruzen hung limply, his limbs shackled with thick iron chains that left him immobile. His expression was numb as he stared blankly at the wall.Chiyo hadn't come to visit—or beat—him in several days.Strangely, even though that should've been a good thing, he felt... disappointed.Ever since the beatings stopped, he couldn't eat or sleep well. He felt listless. Empty."I wonder what Chiyo's been up to lately... why hasn't she come to beat me?" he muttered.Tap, tap, tap...Footsteps echoed in the hallway.Sarutobi Hiruzen's head shot up. His heart stirred with hope.Could it be? Is that her?When Chiyo's figure appeared at the door of the cell, Sarutobi Hiruzen's face lit up with unfiltered joy.Yes! Chiyo's here! I can finally feel the thrill of the whip again!Clearly, Sarutobi Hiruzen had developed... a peculiar taste after enduring Chiyo's "training.""You're finally here..." he said, eyes gleaming with anticipation.Chiyo: "???"She blinked, confused.Did... did she just hear excitement in his voice?That had to be her imagination. Definitely.Chiyo shook her head and pushed the thought away.After all, he was a prisoner. He should be terrified of seeing her, not eager."Haha... Lord Sarutobi Hiruzen, we meet again," she said with an uncharacteristically polite tone.She needed something from him this time, so she deliberately softened her demeanor, hoping to show sincerity."Long time no see... long time no see," Sarutobi replied, his eyes scanning her up and down."That's odd," he murmured. "Where is it? Did she forget to bring it?"Seeing his searching gaze, Chiyo looked behind her, puzzled. "What are you looking for?""The whip," Sarutobi Hiruzen said seriously.Chiyo blinked again. "Whip? What whip?""The one you always use on me. You didn't bring it today? Did you forget?" he asked, sounding genuinely concerned.His expectant look was... unsettling.Chiyo stared at him, speechless.Is this old man actually disappointed I didn't bring a whip? Has he gone mad?"Haha... I must've left it in the office," Chiyo said awkwardly."Oh, I see! Well, you should go back and get it!" Sarutobi urged. "How can you whip me properly without it?"He seemed genuinely uncomfortable without the usual beatings.Chiyo waved her hands frantically. "No, no, no—you misunderstood! I didn't come to beat you today!""You're not? Then why are you here?" Sarutobi asked, surprised."I came to ask for your help.""Help? What kind of help?"Chiyo took a deep breath and explained, "The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, left the village in search of gold and hasn't returned. He's presumed dead. The entire village is in a panic. I don't know how to stabilize the situation... so I came to you. You've been Hokage for many years—your experience might help.""Rasa's dead?!" Sarutobi's eyes widened, then he suddenly burst into laughter. "Hahaha! Finally, the heavens have eyes!"Chiyo's face darkened. She clenched her fists. "Shut up!""Ahem... sorry, I lost my composure," Sarutobi coughed dryly.In truth, he had every reason to celebrate. If it weren't for Rasa suddenly ambushing him, he would have already escaped the village and reunited with White Zetsu.Instead, he'd been captured, tortured, and abandoned.How could he not be thrilled to hear Rasa had died?"If you agree to help me, I'll grant you your freedom—after the task is complete," Chiyo said.Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes lit up.Finally! A chance to get out!"Ahem... if you want my help, it won't be too difficult," he said with a sly grin, staring at Chiyo.Chiyo immediately felt a chill run down her spine.As expected, all men are scum.She didn't expect that even at her age, someone would still be interested in her...Chiyo raised her hand, tempted to bash his head in—but for the sake of the village, she suppressed the urge.If it was for the safety of the Sand Shinobi, then... she would endure this humiliation.She sighed and said with resignation, "Just say what you want. I'll try my best to fulfill it.""Hehe... what I want is..."Chiyo's body tensed.Looks like my old bones are doomed..."...for you to whip me again!"Chiyo: "???"
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