Baki wore a bitter smile after hearing Pakura's words. It had only been a simple scheme, yet the Hidden Sand Village had nearly been wiped out by the Akatsuki.
The Shinobi World had never been a merciful place. The weak might not even withstand the aftermath of a clash between the strong.
With the territories of two major nations under its control, the Land of Waves was undoubtedly a colossal power. Merely revealing a hint of its intentions had dealt the Hidden Sand Village a devastating blow.
That sense of helplessness made Baki clench his fists unconsciously. Seeing the children in the distance with their heads lowered, he knew that children in the Naruto World matured early.
They knew why they had come to the Land of Waves. Unfortunately, they had to endure this humiliation, or the Hidden Sand Village might perish in the next Shinobi World War.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lady Pakura. Please ensure these children's safety."
He pointed at a girl standing at the very back. She was only ten years old, yet she already possessed an adult's stubbornness.
"She is the Fourth's child. Of course, you know that the Kazekage would never be swayed by emotions. Please don't..."
With a huge fan strapped to her back, Temari showed no fear and stepped directly to the front. Even Pakura's pressure failed to make her yield.
Pakura had merely been testing Temari's courage. She would not deliberately target a child. Even as the Fourth Kazekage's daughter, Temari showed not the slightest fear within the Land of Waves.
Because Temari knew that she had come here as the hope of the Hidden Sand Village. Moreover, she needed to look after the Genin behind her.
"You're overthinking it."
"You're a pretty good kid. You can stay by my side