The **[Reviver] Puppet**, though only level 19, was polished by Hattori after its creation with some basic training, so its stats aren't bad at all:
- **Name**: Rebirth Puppet - Hardened
- **Level**: 19
- **HP**: 1900
- **MP**: 1900
- **Skills**: Swordsmanship, Hardening Technique, Charge Attack
- **Combat Rating**: B (A)
A combat rating of B already matches a mid-level shinobi, which is the peak for a guard captain in the Land of Wind.
If twenty **[Reviver]** puppets can't bring him down, Hattori thinks it might be time to shut his doors.
Seeing the amazed expressions of the lord and surrounding officials, Hattori chuckled and said, "Apologies, my lord. While these creatures have awareness, they lack any real emotion. For them, your safety is their purpose, so they may act a bit out of line. I hope you'll forgive that."
He then showed a hint of regret and continued, "Of course, if you find them difficult to accept, I could take them back and destroy them, as they'll only recognize you as their master now."
This was, of course, a lie. The **Rebirth Puppets** would only ever recognize Hattori as their true master; he was merely granting the lord usage rights.
Unaware of this fact, the Lord of the Land of Wind grew anxious at the mention of destroying the puppets.
"What? Destroy them? Absolutely not!" he exclaimed, looking at the **[Reviver]** puppets guarding him, his face filled with satisfaction.
"With such strength, unwavering loyalty, and no emotions to sway them, these **[Reviver]** puppets are superior to any human guards."
"Indeed!" Hattori nodded with a grin. "Plus, they'll only grow stronger with experience. They could easily reach the level of a village's Jonin shinobi."
"What?" The lord was even more amazed. "Jonin shinobi level? So I'll have twenty Jonin shinobi protecting me?"
"That's right!" Hattori's smile grew even wider. "With them around, your safety is assured!"
"Marvelous!" Overjoyed, the lord turned to his officials and declared, "Hattori has presented me with such a treasure. I must reward him. He shall be named the **Number One Puppet Master of the Land of Wind**. Prepare the honor!"
"Yes!" The officials responded and hurried off, clearly going to fetch the medal.
Hattori, still smiling, offered his thanks. Though not overly concerned with medals, he knew how valuable an honor could be. This title, **Number One Puppet Master of the Land of Wind**, was essentially an endorsement from the lord himself—sure to boost his puppet business.
Soon, a golden medal was presented, and the lord himself pinned it on Hattori, clapping his shoulder in encouragement. Hattori, feigning immense gratitude, poured out his thanks with flowery praise.
"My lord, you truly are the most brilliant leader of the Five Great Nations! My respect for you is as boundless as the ocean and as unstoppable as a sandstorm!"
"Hahaha…" The lord's laughter grew, and he quickly ordered the officials to settle Hattori's outstanding fees and prepare a feast for him.
After dinner, the lord gifted Hattori two cows, a grandly decorated cart, and granted him open access to the estate.
For… praising him.
Hattori gladly accepted. After all, a little flattery costs nothing, and he could enjoy the lord's hospitality while expanding his clientele.
The days that followed went smoothly. Hattori spent Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at home resting, while on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, he went to the lord's estate for free meals, keeping an eye out for business opportunities.
To stay in the lord's good graces, he even created a mahjong set, teaching the lord how to play.
It worked perfectly. Now, under his "curse of perpetual loss," the lord enjoyed Hattori's company more than that of his own son, Kazue, eager for daily games.
One day, as usual, Hattori left his home, preparing for another mahjong session with the lord. Surrounded by his twenty ornate **[Reviver]** puppets, he set off grandly towards the lord's estate.
Seeing the grand procession, townspeople stepped aside in awe.
Upon arriving, a young man in luxurious clothing approached and bowed. "Master Hattori, my master would like to invite you to our estate in two days. Would that be convenient?"
"Not convenient!" Hattori replied without a second thought. "I'll be playing mahjong with the lord and Kazue in two days, so I won't have time to visit. But I'll be home tomorrow if he wishes to come by."
Without waiting for a response, Hattori turned and walked into the lord's estate.
He had learned that being overly polite only made people nervous. Acting a bit arrogant actually seemed to put them at ease.
As expected, the young man seemed pleased with Hattori's bluntness, bowing with respect. "Thank you, Master Hattori! I'll inform my master."
Hattori gave no reply, disappearing into the estate.
Once inside, his face lit up with a smile. "Business is finally coming in!"
He knew that with his reputation, these nobles of the Land of Wind would come to him only for one reason: to buy puppets.
And that was precisely what he wanted.
The notion of "the customer is king" did not apply to him. With Hanaki and Damyo as his walking billboards, Hattori had no worries about selling his **Rebirth Puppets**!
With the profits he expected, he wouldn't need frequent business—one sale could last him three years.
"But at this rate, I won't even need to wait that long."
Thinking about it, his smile grew even brighter.
"Another fortune on the way!"
*(End of chapter)*