Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 200: The Betrayal of Sunagakure's Hero

Because of Haku's weak constitution, Haneda and his group moved slowly along their journey. As they traveled, Haneda taught Haku wind and water techniques, while also guiding Kimimaro in taijutsu. Haneda couldn't help but recognize both Haku and Kimimaro as geniuses. After seeing Haneda perform a basic wind technique once, Haku was able to replicate it. Similarly, Kimimaro's talent was astonishing—after observing Haneda's demonstrations of swordsmanship and hand-to-hand combat just once, he quickly picked them up and improved with remarkable speed, reminiscent of Kakashi's growth.

However, Haneda still considered Kakashi to be the real prodigy.

During their journey, Haneda unexpectedly received some news. Due to the Kaguya clan's betrayal, the Mist Village, previously at war with the Sand Village, was preparing to end hostilities. The Sand Village had sent Pakura to the Mist Village for peace negotiations, and her route would bring her close to Haneda's path toward Ryūchi Cave.

Haneda knew Pakura was being used as a sacrificial pawn by the leadership of Sunagakure. The reasoning likely stemmed from internal conflicts within the Sand Village. Before the Third Great Ninja War, Pakura and Rasa were both contenders for the Fourth Kazekage title. However, Rasa's performance in the war had been shameful—he had been captured and embarrassed the village. Yet despite this, Sunagakure's leadership still chose him over Pakura. This must have upset the lower-ranking ninjas, especially Pakura's supporters. To protect his authority, Rasa likely intended to sacrifice Pakura to Mist Village, killing two birds with one stone by eliminating her.

Studying the intelligence scroll purchased from the black market, Haneda considered that Pakura's Scorch Release, a fusion of wind and fire chakra, might be a valuable asset. Since he was already proficient with wind and fire chakra, understanding Scorch Release might also enhance his studies of Ice Release, as both involved wind chakra. Additionally, with her formidable abilities, Pakura would make a valuable ally if convinced to join his side.

Kimimaro, always watching Haneda closely, came over and asked, "Haneda-sensei, is there something troubling you?"

Haneda glanced at Kimimaro, playfully tapping him on the head. "Adults' business isn't for kids to meddle in. Have you completed your training tasks?"

"No." Kimimaro shook his head, murmuring softly.

"Then get back to training," Haneda laughed.

As Kimimaro went off, he couldn't help but cast a sidelong glance at Haku, grumbling, "As a tool, you should have the dedication to ease Haneda-sensei's troubles!"

…

The Sand Village's peace delegation, led by Pakura, had disembarked on the southern coast of the Land of Water, not far from Haneda's intended route. After a slight detour, Haneda arrived at a small town Pakura would have to pass through.

"This town is lively, Haneda-sensei. Are we staying here for a while?" Haku asked, marveling at the bustling streets.

"Idiot," Kimimaro said, "Haneda-sensei has business to attend to."

Haneda booked a room at an inn and said, "I have some matters to attend to. You're free to explore the town or practice your skills. And Kimimaro, make sure to protect Haku."

"Yes, Haneda-sensei!" Kimimaro pledged enthusiastically, taking the assignment seriously. Haku, however, looked rather downhearted at the prospect of spending time alone with Kimimaro, who didn't offer the same comfort as Haneda.

Leaving the inn, Haneda headed toward the western side of town, where he sensed a volatile chakra presence—similar to that of Scorch Release chakra. He recognized it as Pakura and quickly adjusted his appearance before making his way toward a side alley. He timed it so that, at the corner, he would "accidentally" bump into Pakura.

Pakura briefly frowned but dismissed him as merely a passerby in a hurry. However, as she continued walking, she had an odd sense of familiarity about him, though she couldn't place it. After checking herself for any missing items or unusual marks, she eventually dismissed the feeling and resumed her path.

With the Flying Thunder God marking now planted, Haneda could track Pakura's movements and intervene at the right moment to "rescue" her. Given the Sand's betrayal, Haneda felt confident that even if his persuasion skills weren't perfect, they would be enough to gain her trust.

…

Pakura only stayed in the town for half a day before heading north to a valley as per her agreement with Mist Village. That night, under the shroud of dense mist, she made her way along a narrow path. Soon after, Mist Village ninjas appeared.

A Mist ninja approached her with a smile, saying, "It's an honor to meet you, Pakura of Scorch Release. I'm here to guide you."

"Thank you, but I won't lose my way crossing a valley," Pakura replied politely.

"Of course," the Mist ninja said, gesturing for her to follow him.

Feeling more at ease with their apparent friendliness, Pakura continued forward. She had already learned that the Mist Village's situation was as strained as Sunagakure's, having recently lost significant power due to the Kaguya clan's defection.

But suddenly, a kunai struck her chest. Stunned, she turned to see countless Mist ninjas emerge from the fog, kunai in hand. Overwhelmed, she collapsed onto the cold ground, horrified by the realization that she had been betrayed by her village, which had sacrificed her for peace.

"If there is a next life, I swear I'll destroy Sunagakure!" Pakura vowed, directing her hatred at the village she had served with her life.