Chapter 37: So, Does This Mean I Get Paid Twice?

"We were just about to go get something to eat."

Scorpion lifted his gaze and looked at Chiyo.

Chiyo's heart stirred slightly.

There was something different in Scorpion's eyes—more lively than before.

"Haha, good! Then you two don't mind an old lady joining you, do you? My treat."

"Sis, how about adding me as well? It's not like you're short on money."

Ebizō chuckled warmly.

He held a high opinion of Shimizu and was happy to support him.

A genius in puppet techniques, a friend of his grandnephew Scorpion, and a member of the Puppet Brigade—all of which placed Shimizu squarely within Chiyo and Ebizō's faction.

The food at Sunagakure's finest restaurant wasn't bad at all.

There were cactus-and-honey drinks, date-and-grain pastries, stews made from meat, vegetables, and spices, and a variety of grilled dishes.

There was even soup made from river fish and shrimp.

This was likely the best cuisine one could enjoy while living in a desert.

"So, what's that kid's background?"

After Shimizu and Scorpion left, Chiyo wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and asked Ebizō.

"Shimizu is on the same team as Scorpion. That was my arrangement," Ebizō said, slowly pouring himself a cup of sake.

"He's clean. And his talent in puppet techniques is extraordinary. While his control skills aren't top-tier, they're solid. But in puppet creation… he reminds me of Master Monzaemon."

Chiyo folded her handkerchief.

"Are you certain?"

Chiyo, who had studied under Monzaemon in her youth alongside Ebizō, knew exactly how lofty Monzaemon's talent in puppetry had been.

Though puppet ninjutsu was invented by the Second Kazekage, it was Monzaemon who perfected the system and took it to its peak.

Even now, so many years later, no one in Sunagakure has created puppets more advanced than Monzaemon's masterpiece: the Chikamatsu Collection of Ten Puppets.

Those ten legendary puppets—and the legacy that allowed puppet masters to reach Kage-level strength—were Monzaemon's greatest contributions to Sunagakure and the entire shinobi world.

All puppet masters since, including Chiyo, had only been following in his footsteps, tracing the path he had already walked.

Even though puppet arts had progressed slightly since Monzaemon's death, no one had truly innovated beyond his framework.

So for Ebizō to claim that a child no older than eleven or twelve had the same level of talent as Monzaemon—it was like claiming a grade-schooler could rival Newton or Einstein in physics.

"Not just Shimizu. I think Scorpion might also become a puppet master of that caliber, as long as he receives the right training—and survives."

Ebizō pulled a bundle of scrolls from his sleeve and handed them to Chiyo.

"These contain all of Shimizu's background records, from birth to present, along with a detailed report of Scorpion's performance since joining the Puppet Brigade."

Chiyo took the scrolls and began skimming through them.

"Graduated from the elite class at the ninja academy… modified a training puppet into one with genin-level combat power… constructed and repaired puppets at a level fit for chūnin… designed one that could protect the entire body… developed a unique puppet-based brute-force technique… and Scorpion's doing well too… S-rank mission experience… Wait—White Fang? They encountered Konoha's White Fang?"

Chiyo abruptly grabbed Ebizō by the collar.

"How could you let Scorpion run into that bastard White Fang?"

"Sis, it was unexpected. No one predicted Sakumo Hatake would cross the border alone and appear inside the Land of Wind. And considering the outcome, no one was harmed. The Third Kazekage seriously injured Sakumo, and even Ishito—the most injured on our side—will recover next month. This was already the best-case scenario."

"This time, the Puppet Brigade is heading to the Rain Country front. Scorpion won't be going. From now on, any mission involving him must go through me first."

"I understand, Sis. Since Ishito is still recovering and Genba isn't quite ready to take on a jōnin-level role, and since Shimizu needs protection as well… I suggest we temporarily disband the current structure of the Sixth Division's Team 3."

Ebizō gently moved Chiyo's hand away and offered his advice.

"As for Shimizu, I'll personally reassign him to a different team for further evaluation. If he is as talented as you claim, I'll do everything I can to groom him into the next cornerstone of the Puppet Brigade."

After Scorpion's parents were killed by Sakumo Hatake, Sunagakure's top-tier shinobi were left with a gap between generations. Beyond fighting wars and securing resources, cultivating the next generation of powerhouses became the village's top priority.

The Third Kazekage had already taken on disciples—Rasa and Karura—to pass on the Magnet Release. Now Chiyo and Ebizō needed to pass on Monzaemon's puppet legacy.

Shimizu and Scorpion were their best candidates.

Back at the Puppet Brigade base, within the Sixth Division's quarters…

"From today onward, the structure of Team 3 of the Sixth Division is temporarily dissolved," Genba announced to the team, reading from the village's latest official directive. "Once Captain Ishito recovers, it will be reformed."

"I've been reassigned to the First Division to support combat operations. Gensetsu has been assigned to Chiyo's newly formed Medical Support Squad. Scorpion will remain in the Sixth Division to maintain operations until Captain Ishito returns."

"As for Shimizu—due to his outstanding mission record and the high-level recognition of his combat capability, he is promoted to Chūnin and transferred to Elite Combat Unit Team 9. He may exchange this assignment document at the village's supply depot for his standard-issue flak jacket."

"All personnel will retain their registration under the Puppet Brigade."

Scorpion stood to the side with an unreadable expression.

Everyone else had been reassigned, while he alone was left behind—a clear move to keep him safely within the village and away from dangerous missions.

Everyone knew exactly whose decision that was.

"Um… what's the deal with the Medical Support Squad?"

Gensetsu raised her hand to ask.

"It's said that on the Rain Country front, Konoha's Princess Tsunade trained a group of medical-nin who greatly altered the battlefield dynamics. So Chiyo has decided to try something similar. Gensetsu, you have a foundation in medical ninjutsu, so you were assigned there," Genba explained.

Among everyone present, aside from Scorpion, Gensetsu had landed the safest assignment.

"Wait, if I'm still listed under the Puppet Brigade… does that mean I get paid twice?"

Shimizu raised his hand with a grin.

(End of Chapter)