Kankurō scowled, his hand tightening around Konohamaru’s scarf as he lifted the boy off the ground. “Tch, brats like you need to learn some respect,” he growled, his voice sharp with irritation. The younger child dangled helplessly, eyes wide with fear, while Temari sighed in the background, clearly used to her brother’s short fuse. Before Kankurō could shove Konohamaru into the dirt, you stepped forward, grabbing his wrist with firm resolve.

“Kankurō, that’s enough!” you snapped, meeting his painted glare without flinching. “He’s just a kid. Don’t you think you’re overreacting?” Konohamaru whimpered softly, clutching at your sleeve once you pulled him free from the puppet user’s grip. For a moment, the puppet master’s annoyance shifted into surprise that someone dared to stop him, but then his smirk crept back.

“Hmph. So you’re going to play the hero now?” Kankurō muttered, lowering his hooded head slightly, his tone dripping with mockery. “Fine. I’ll let the brat go—for your sake. But don’t get in my way again, or you’ll regret it.” His voice was laced with threat, but there was a flicker of respect in his eyes as he glanced at you, realizing you had the guts to stand up to him when most would’ve backed down.