"You little brat again."
The next day, at an oasis on the border between Wind Country and River Country, Ebizo's face immediately darkened when he saw Hidezawa.
This brat had left a rather deep impression on him, so much so that he completely overlooked the masked person beside Hidezawa.
"Lord Ebizo, I didn't expect it to be you again this time."
Hidezawa was all smiles, and it was not the false, perfunctory kind—it looked as though it genuinely came from the heart.
He glanced around, quickly spotted a familiar figure behind Ebizo, and waved with a smile.
"Lady Pakura, long time no see. I missed you dearly after we parted last time."
"..."
Pakura raised an eyebrow without saying anything, while Yakushi Kabuto, who had been ignored at the side, could not help lowering his head.
He seemed to understand what Hidezawa meant by "inclusiveness."
"Enough small talk. I have important matters to attend to."
Ebizo waved his hand, leaving only Pakura behind. The remaining Anbu immediately withdrew to the edge of the oasis to stand guard.
Since the previous incident, Pakura had begun following Ebizo, and Ebizo had also told her about certain matters within the village.
If he had a choice, Ebizo truly had not wanted to tell her. But he knew perfectly well that if he did not, Pakura might very well flee overnight!
Sunagakure was already unable to compare with Konohagakure, or even Iwagakure. Its barren geography and depressed economy had constrained its development.
If they could exchange Pakura for benefits, they might be able to grit their teeth and accept it.
But if the matter were exposed and they gained nothing, then how to keep Pakura and earn her trust would become crucial.
All Ebizo could do was be frank. Only frankness could salvage a