Chapter 153: Baki Seeks Help

Meanwhile, on the other side of Sunagakure—

Baki had just left Ryo and was rushing toward a secluded wooden residence on the outskirts of the village.

Knock, knock, knock—

He pounded on the door, standing in place as he waited anxiously.

It didn't take long before—

Click.

The door creaked open, and an elderly man stepped out, his face adorned with a warm smile.

"Baki? What brings you here?" The old man's voice was calm yet curious.

Baki bowed slightly in greeting.

"Lord Ebizō, I've come to discuss something important with you and Lady Chiyo."

Ebizō raised an eyebrow, his expression turning thoughtful before he nodded.

"I see… Well then, come in. I'll go fetch my sister."

"Thank you, Lord Ebizō," Baki said sincerely.

Without another word, Ebizō turned and walked into the house.

Baki followed at a respectful distance, his mind racing.

Once inside, Ebizō gestured for him to sit.

"Wait here."

Baki nodded, watching as Ebizō disappeared into a back room.

Moments later, Lady Chiyo emerged, her sharp gaze immediately locking onto Baki.

"Baki, you know we no longer concern ourselves with village affairs," she said, her tone neutral but firm.

Baki took a deep breath.

"Lady Chiyo, I understand. But this time… the matter is far too serious to ignore."

Hearing this, both Chiyo and Ebizō exchanged puzzled glances.

Chiyo narrowed her eyes.

"Explain."

Baki clenched his fists and spoke gravely.

"Lord Rasa—the Fourth Kazekage—is dead."

Silence.

Ebizō's brows furrowed deeply.

"Dead? Since when?"

Baki let out a bitter chuckle.

"We only found out two days ago. Turns out, the 'Kazekage' we've been following… was Orochimaru in disguise all along."

Chiyo's eyes sharpened immediately.

"Orochimaru?"

"So the attack on Konoha… That was all his doing?"

Baki nodded grimly.

Even now, the realization made his blood boil.

Their entire village—manipulated like fools.

Sunagakure had been turned into nothing more than a tool in someone else's scheme.

Damn it!

Chiyo gritted her teeth, her expression dark.

"That damned Konoha!" she spat.

But then, she stared at Baki again.

"If the Kazekage is dead, then electing a new one should be your priority. Why are you here?"

Baki shook his head.

"It's not about the Kazekage. It's something else."

Ebizō frowned.

"Then hurry up and say it. Stop wasting time."

Baki let out a nervous chuckle before explaining everything—

About Ryo. About Pokémon.

By the time he finished, both Chiyo and Ebizō's expressions had changed.

Chiyo's face hardened.

"You're sure this isn't some Konoha scheme?" she asked suspiciously.

"Konoha has never been generous enough to gift us power."

Baki shook his head again.

"No. The boss may be from Konoha, but he doesn't seem to have any ties to the higher-ups."

Ebizō snorted.

"Ridiculous. Something this powerful appears, and you expect me to believe Konoha's higher-ups haven't done anything about it?"

Baki sighed.

"I heard… the boss is so strong, even Konoha might not be able to control him."

"Tch—"

Ebizō scoffed, clearly unconvinced.

"No matter how strong someone is, they can't surpass an entire village."

But—

Chiyo suddenly shook her head.

"No. It's possible."

Both Baki and Ebizō looked at her in shock.

"Think about it," Chiyo continued.

"People like Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha… They existed."

"They weren't just strong. They were beyond Kage level."

Ebizō's eyes twitched at her words.

"You're saying… this man is on their level?"

Chiyo nodded slowly.

"That would explain why Konoha hasn't monopolized Pokémon for themselves."

"Someone like that… the higher-ups wouldn't be able to easily control him."

At her reasoning, Ebizō's expression grew serious.

Baki, too, was startled.

He had expected resistance—

But not acceptance this quickly.

Finally, he spoke up.

"So, Lady Chiyo… Lord Ebizō… should we let our people bond with Pokémon?"

Chiyo fell silent, contemplating.

Then—

She nodded.

"We should."

"If power is being offered, we'd be fools to reject it."

Ebizō hesitated… but ultimately, he nodded as well.

"As long as it's not a Konoha trap, we have nothing to lose."

Baki felt immense relief wash over him.

This was exactly what he had hoped for.

Even though he was a high-ranking jōnin, he alone couldn't convince everyone to accept Pokémon.

But if Chiyo and Ebizō backed him—

The entire village would listen.

"Thank you, Lord Ebizō, Lady Chiyo."

He stood up and bowed deeply.

Chiyo gave a small nod.

"Tomorrow, I'll gather people and bring them along."

Hearing this, Baki finally let out a long exhale.

This was a huge step forward.

"Thank you, both of you. I'll take my leave now."

Ebizō got up as well.

"I'll walk you out."

But Baki quickly waved his hands.

"That won't be necessary, Lord Ebizō. I can see myself out."

Ebizō rolled his eyes.

"You jōnin are always so damn polite. It's annoying."

Still, he didn't insist, instead settling back into his chair.

Baki chuckled softly, then bowed one last time before stepping outside.

As he disappeared into the night, Ebizō turned toward Chiyo.

"Sis, do we really need to get involved?"

Chiyo nodded firmly.

"This is different."

"We once swore to stay out of Sunagakure's affairs, but this…"

"This is an opportunity to strengthen the entire village."

"Opportunities like this don't come often. We can't afford to ignore it."

Ebizō let out a long sigh.

"I see your point. But…"

His expression darkened slightly.

"Do you really believe this?"

"This… 'Pokémon' business. Do you think it's real?"

Chiyo didn't hesitate.

"Baki is a high-level jōnin. He wouldn't joke about something this serious."

"Even if it is a hoax, we need to see for ourselves."

"Sigh—"

Ebizō exhaled, his expression weary.

"We've been out of the picture for a long time."

"Do you think the villagers will still respect us?"

Chiyo turned toward him, her gaze resolute.

"I don't know."

"But for Sunagakure's sake—"

"I'm willing to put my reputation on the line."

>>>>><<<<<>>>>><<<<<

follow my patreon.com/Yueru1 for more advanced chapters