Chapter 185: Sasori of the Red Sand vs. the Third Kazekage
Chapter 185: Sasori of the Red Sand vs. the Third Kazekage
A hidden underground base in an isolated area.
Two figures sat in a concealed corner of the base. Before them were several cats, each with distinct appearances yet unnervingly humanlike expressions.
In the dimly lit room, the faint glow revealed the faces of the two individuals: Tonari, who had not taken on any missions since completing the escort task in the Land of Hot Water, and Kakuzu, a top-tier bounty hunter renowned across the underground world.
It was clear that the two were not merely there for casual conversation.
They had been monitoring the recent events unfolding in Sunagakure. The two notes delivered to Rasa were undoubtedly the work of Tonari.
"Is that brat named Sasori really as strong as you claim?"
Kakuzu's voice was muffled beneath his mask, carrying a deep, skeptical tone.
Tonari responded with a smile.
His intervention had indeed caused changes in the world's course of events, but many key events remained unaffected. It seemed the world had a robust mechanism for maintaining its natural order.
The Sasori incident was one such example. Despite his interference, it was progressing similarly to what he remembered. While the outcome might differ, the overall impact was minimal.
"In your eyes, I'm just a brat too, aren't I? So, what do you think of my strength?" Tonari retorted.
Kakuzu's green eyes glared at him, the black threads under his mask writhing.
"You're an exception. Don't lump yourself in with normal people. Sasori is different from you."
Tonari's smile widened as he responded, "And why do you assume that Sasori isn't also an exception?"
Kakuzu opened his mouth to argue but realized he couldn't refute Tonari's point. Indeed, it wasn't impossible.
"What's with this world? Why are brats like you popping up everywhere?" Kakuzu grumbled, exasperated.
Even if Sasori were as exceptional as Tonari suggested, Kakuzu thought it unlikely he could surpass the freak sitting before him.
"What's your plan then? Rasa won't easily become a pawn in your hands, will he?"
Tonari nodded in agreement. "It's not just difficult—it's impossible. Someone who stands a chance of becoming the Fourth Kazekage won't allow himself to be manipulated.
"But even so, planting seeds of doubt in him will serve its purpose at a critical moment. It's a single-use move, but it'll be worth it."
Kakuzu understood Tonari's strategic mind. He rarely acted without calculating every outcome, even when it seemed risky or pointless.
"What about Sasori, then? Are you planning to recruit him into the organization?" Kakuzu asked.
Sasori was clearly a rising star, with immense potential to strengthen their as-yet-unnamed organization.
But Tonari shook his head.
Kakuzu was surprised. Tonari had spoken highly of Sasori, almost to the point of admiration. Why wouldn't he recruit someone so talented?
"He's not the type to be controlled," Tonari explained, leaning back in his chair.
Sasori was ambitious, methodical, and deeply entrenched in his ideals. After defecting from Sunagakure, Sasori didn't immediately join the Akatsuki but focused on perfecting his puppet army.
He also created a network of spies from war orphans, embedding them across the ninja world. His most successful example was Kabuto Yakushi, a master manipulator and triple agent.
Even though Sasori eventually joined the Akatsuki, he wasn't an ideal candidate for Tonari's organization. Sasori's strong-willed nature could lead to internal conflict.
"That doesn't mean we can't interact with him," Tonari continued. "If an opportunity arises, we might even strike a deal."
"With what identity? Acting as an individual won't work anymore," Kakuzu pointed out.
Tonari considered this. It was indeed time to establish an official identity for their group. If the Sasori incident were to spark the Third Shinobi World War, they needed to act swiftly to execute their plans for profiteering during the chaos.
"Kasumi," Tonari said, a faint smirk playing on his lips.
"What?"
"We'll call ourselves 'Kasumi,'" Tonari repeated. His inner desire for dramatics and symbolism burned brightly. If the Akatsuki represented the dawn, then Kasumi would embody the dusk—the fading light of the ninja world.
"Kasumi? The setting sun? The twilight of the ninja world? Not bad," Kakuzu mused.
Tonari blushed slightly at Kakuzu's serious tone, though the dim lighting concealed it.
"From now on, we'll use that name," Tonari declared, eager to move past the awkward moment.
Kakuzu nodded, then added, "By the way, about that Akatsuki group in the Land of Rain—you said they existed, but I've found no trace of them."
Tonari rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
True, Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan were likely still in their formative years. The Akatsuki wouldn't be established until after the Third Shinobi World War sparked their ideals of peace through strength.
"That's fine. Just keep monitoring the Land of Rain. Let me know the moment they emerge."
Tonari stood up, his expression brightening.
Kakuzu glanced at him, curious. "What now? Another mission?"
Tonari grinned. "I've never seen a Kage fall in battle—especially not one brought down by their own sentimentality. If I have the chance, I'd like to witness it."
Kakuzu's green eyes gleamed with interest. A Kage's bounty was among the highest in the underground world, an opportunity too good to miss.
The two left the underground base, emerging into the endless desert.
Despite having a general idea of where the battle might occur, locating Sasori and the Third Kazekage was like finding a needle in a haystack.
"This is a waste of time. We've been wandering for hours and haven't seen a single soul!" Kakuzu complained.
Tonari frowned but remained focused. Just as he was about to speak, a pale-blue feline apparition materialized on his shoulder.
Kakuzu didn't react, already familiar with Tonari's bond with the Two-Tails.
"Sense something?" Tonari asked eagerly.
The Two-Tails nodded solemnly, pointing toward the horizon.
"About twenty miles in that direction. The chakra fluctuations are intense—so strong that even from here, I can feel them. Whoever's fighting is no ordinary ninja."
Tonari's eyes lit up, and he turned to Kakuzu. "That's it. Let's go!"
Keeping their distance, the two observed the battle from afar. Even without getting too close, they could feel the overwhelming chakra emanating from the combatants.
Kakuzu narrowed his eyes. "That kid fighting the Third Kazekage—he's Sasori, isn't he?"
"Yes," Tonari confirmed, his tone neutral.
Despite Sasori's undeniable talent, the gap between him and the Third Kazekage was apparent. The latter's mastery of Magnet Release and Iron Sand was a natural counter to Sasori's puppets.
Still, Sasori's skill was evident. Even as his puppets were damaged and immobilized by the iron sand, he managed to maintain a degree of threat.
"He's holding his own, but it's clear he's outmatched," Kakuzu observed. "The Kazekage isn't even going all out."
Tonari smirked. "That's because Sasori hasn't played all his cards yet."
As the battle intensified, Sasori's remaining puppets were destroyed. But then, he summoned four new puppets—human puppets.
Even the Third Kazekage's expression faltered at the sight.
"Human puppets…" Kakuzu murmured, his green eyes widening.
Tonari nodded, explaining, "Human puppets retain their abilities and chakra from life. In theory, even their Kekkei Genkai can be preserved. It's the pinnacle of puppetcraft, though it's been forbidden in Sunagakure for decades.
"Only someone like Sasori could bring it to fruition."
As the fight continued, the Third Kazekage grew increasingly aggressive, determined to subdue Sasori without killing him.
But Sasori had no such reservations.
The turning point came suddenly.
The Third Kazekage staggered, his face flushing red before he spat out blood. The iron sand he controlled collapsed to the ground, leaving massive craters in the desert.
Clutching his chest, he glared at Sasori, his disbelief evident.
"When… did you…?"
Sasori smiled faintly, his eyes gleaming with triumph.
This was the moment he had been waiting for.
Only the Third Kazekage was worthy of becoming his ultimate masterpiece.
(End of Chapter)
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