Hearing that, Temari and Kankuro grew serious.
They knew Hoshino wasn't joking.
Tonight's operation wasn't just a reckoning with the Black Scorpion Clan and the Night Sand Clan. It was also the first step for their emerging faction to formally take the stage of power in Sunagakure.
Before this, they had clashed with other factions, but those people had shown some consideration for the elders of the four and hadn't made things too difficult for them.
But once they took this step, they would be drawn completely into the village's power struggle, with no way back.
Even Rasa of the Kazekage's faction... their own father, would become their enemy.
Temari's fists tightened slightly, and a complicated emotion flickered in her eyes.
She had never imagined that one day she would stand against her own father.
Kankuro was silent as well, his brow furrowed, clearly considering the situation that lay ahead.
Hoshino looked at them and said calmly, "I know this isn't easy for you, but this is the path we've chosen."
"If we want to change things in the village, we have to break the existing balance of power."
"Lord Kazekage may be your father, but he represents the interests of an entire faction. We, on the other hand, represent a completely new possibility."
Temari took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "I understand. Now that we've chosen this path, there's no turning back. We'll keep walking it with you."
Kankuro also raised his head and said resolutely, "That's right. We were ready for this long ago. No matter who we face, we won't back down."
Hearing his two friends' answers, Hoshino smiled with relief.
"Good. Since you both feel that way, we'll walk this path together. Sunagakure's future... is ours."
Temari and Kankuro nodded at the same time, bright smiles spreading across their faces.
Hoshino checked the time.
"There isn't much time. Everyone, go make your preparations. Remember, tonight's operation is only the beginning. The real challenges are still ahead."
Temari and Kankuro exchanged a glance, then turned and left to arrange their people and prepare for the operation.
After leaving the puppet factory, Hoshino headed straight for Gaara's home.
Ever since Kankuro had left the team to handle logistics and Temari had joined the Anbu, Gaara's ninja team had consisted of only him and Baki.
As an elite Jonin of Sunagakure, Baki couldn't be with them all the time.
And because of Gaara's special status, he received very few missions outside the village.
As a result, Gaara spent most of his time alone in his room, communicating with Shukaku.
Hoshino arrived at Gaara's home and knocked gently on the door.
A moment later.
The door opened, and Gaara's slightly rosy face appeared in the doorway.
His gaze was as cold as ever, but when he saw Hoshino, a barely perceptible softness flickered in his eyes.
Hoshino walked into the room and closed the door behind him.
The room was simply furnished, with a bed, a table and a few chairs. Several landscape paintings of Sunagakure hung on the walls.
Gaara had always lived a simple life, even a somewhat lonely one.
Hoshino repeated what he, Temari and Kankuro had discussed and asked Gaara for his opinion.
Without even hesitating, Gaara said he would stand by him.
Perhaps Rasa's place in Gaara's heart was far below Hoshino's.
"Hoshino, you're a comrade I've acknowledged. No matter what happens, I'll stand by you," Gaara said earnestly.
A warm current surged through Hoshino's heart at Gaara's answer.
It was no small thing for this boy, who had once been shrouded in loneliness and fear, to express his trust and support for him so resolutely.
Hoshino gently patted Gaara on the shoulder and said, "Thank you, Gaara. With you here, I can put my mind at ease."
Gaara nodded slightly and said firmly, "If you die, I'll avenge you! If you leave, I'll protect your businesses and wait for you to come back!"
"That's a matter for later!"
Hoshino smiled, then checked the time.
"There isn't much time! Shukaku, replenish my Chakra. We've got a big job to do tonight."
No sooner had he spoken than a dense surge of Chakra appeared around Gaara's body.
The Chakra quickly condensed, gradually forming a chubby tanuki.
"Hmph, Hoshino, you brat, you sure are a handful! You bother me every time. Do you think I can just give away Chakra whenever I please?"
Shukaku crouched on Gaara's shoulder, his sharp voice full of mockery.
Hoshino smiled, not minding Shukaku's mockery in the least.
He spread his hands and said lightly, "What can I do? Lord Shukaku's Chakra is just that powerful."
Shukaku rolled his eyes and flicked his tail impatiently.
"Stop flattering me! I'm not that easy to fool. But..."
He glanced at Gaara, his tone softening a little.
"Since Gaara asked, I suppose I can do you a favor this once."
"Thank you, Shukaku," Gaara said gratefully.
Shukaku snorted, his tail held high.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not doing it for you! I just thought tonight's business sounded interesting and wanted to watch the fun."
"Then thank you, Lord Shukaku!" Hoshino said with a smile.
That was just how Shukaku was.
Cold, arrogant and bad-tempered on the surface, but really just like a child: prickly and fond of sweet talk.
Very easy to coax.
Shukaku extended a chubby paw and pressed it gently against the Spirit Control Beads.
In an instant, a dense surge of Chakra poured from his paw into the Spirit Control Beads like a tide.
The light on the beads' surface gradually grew dazzling, as though a miniature sun had lit up the room.
Ten minutes later.
"There, you've got your Chakra. Don't come bothering me again."
Shukaku withdrew his paw and lazily sprawled back on Gaara's shoulder. He yawned, his voice carrying a hint of impatience.
Hoshino glanced at the Spirit Control Beads and said with a beaming smile, "Thank you, Lord Shukaku! Don't worry, I won't let you help me for nothing."
Shukaku rolled his eyes. "Save it! I don't fall for your sweet talk."
Hoshino smiled. "Lord Shukaku, after some time has passed, I'll be sure to make you a custom set of magical artifacts."
"When the time comes, never mind the Nine-Tails-even the other Tailed Beasts will have to bow their heads before you!"
At those words, Shukaku's eyes lit up.
"Really? You'd better not be fooling me!"
He straightened up on Gaara's shoulder, his two round eyes fixed on Hoshino, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
"Of course it's true! I, Hoshino, keep my word."
Hoshino patted his chest and declared solemnly:
"When the time comes, Lord Shukaku, you'll be the strongest of all the Tailed Beasts. Even the Nine-Tails will have to take a detour when he sees you!"