Chapter 21: Sasori – “Shimizu, This Was Originally Meant for You”

"An enhanced elite team, six members total. Among them, one jōnin, but at least two special jōnin. The rest are also highly capable. According to intelligence, the leader is likely Nara Shikahira from Konoha. The two special jōnin are believed to come from the Akimichi and Yamanaka clans."

"As for the Uchiha member, his identity is currently unknown, but he possesses a two-tomoe Sharingan. He is our primary capture target. The Yamanaka clan ninja is our secondary target, likely the team's sensory type. If we neutralize him, they'll be like headless flies lost in the vast desert."

While on the move, Ishido briefed them on the intel.

Shimizu followed behind, carrying a sealing scroll, channeling chakra into his feet to walk steadily on the sand.

Deserts contain quicksand and are inherently dangerous, but for shinobi—who can even walk on water—quicksand poses little threat.

Before long, Shimizu and his group rendezvoused with Jōnin Kyuuichi.

As Kyuuichi was more familiar with the terrain, Ishido handed over command to him.

"Let me organize the tactics," Kyuuichi said.

Kyuuichi was a typical Sunagakure shinobi, wearing a mix of white and brown robes, a turban wrapped around his head. Tall and lean, with dark and weathered skin.

"Shikahira and the Ino-Shika-Chō trio will be handled by Ishido and me. The Uchiha will be handled by the Puppet Corps. Kana, you'll assist the puppet team. Everyone else will form an encirclement and hold off the remaining Konoha ninjas. Ensure the Uchiha is captured alive."

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Captain, the Ino-Shika-Chō combo has been a tough nut to crack since the Warring States Era. You and Captain Ishido can handle it?"

The special jōnin Kana asked with some concern.

"Haha, Kana. Even if you look down on me, don't underestimate Captain Ishido. He's no ordinary jōnin puppeteer."

Kyuuichi laughed heartily.

"Shizu, lead the way!"

"Yes!"

A female Suna chūnin formed hand signs and closed her eyes to sense enemy positions.

"Northwest!"

"Move out!"

The Konoha team had a strong composition, and Sunagakure had mobilized significant resources in their quest to obtain a Sharingan.

Only two jōnin could be dispatched due to the frontlines requiring manpower, but other shinobi were plentiful.

Kyuuichi pulled together three border patrol teams to join the mission.

Given wartime conditions, each team was more powerful than their peacetime counterparts, composed of one special jōnin with a combat specialty and three chūnin.

Altogether, Sunagakure had deployed 2 jōnin, 4 special jōnin, and over 10 chūnin, giving them more than double the average strength of the Konoha team.

Shimizu and Sasori, though technically genin, were part of the Puppet Corps, so their strength was above average. This also seemed to be a showcase opportunity—especially to spotlight Sasori, Chiyo's grandson, with Shimizu benefiting by association.

At least, that's what Kana believed.

He assumed his role was to protect the two "young masters" from the Puppet Corps and help them earn some credit.

Reality soon followed expectations.

The strongest in the Konoha team, the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, were steadily suppressed by Kyuuichi and Ishido.

Kyuuichi's strength was on par with the Konoha jōnin, but Ishido was stronger.

His technique was none other than the highest secret puppet art—White Secret Technique, the same style used by Chiyo.

Though Ishido couldn't perfectly control ten puppets like Chiyo, nor used elite ones like the Chikamatsu Ten Puppets, he manipulated five white-robed puppets, easily overpowering the Ino-Shika-Chō team.

He was undoubtedly an elite among jōnin.

"This mission, while important, is also a training opportunity—for the two of you."

Miba leisurely controlled his two puppets while coordinating with two special jōnin to attack the Uchiha, turning to speak to Shimizu and Sasori.

"Shimizu, Sasori, this is a good chance to practice. I'll let two Konoha ninjas through so you can get some hands-on combat experience."

Kana frowned slightly but said nothing, further convinced of his suspicion: this was a gilded mission to boost the "young masters."

In truth, Sasori was the only real young master. Shimizu was just along for the ride.

Still, Shimizu was curious—just how strong was he now?

Sasori felt the same.

Despite his genius, even including his sparring match with Shimizu, he'd never fought enemies from another village.

"Then we'll trouble you, Senior Miba and Senior Kana."

Shimizu nodded to both special jōnin, then removed the sealing scroll from his back and summoned his two puppets.

With a flick of his hands, chakra threads connected to Fatty, which disassembled into countless parts and wrapped around his body.

The Little Boy puppet popped out its spiral mechanical claws, eager for battle.

"Tch! Damn it! These Sand shinobi are using us for their kids' training!"

One of the two Konoha ninjas allowed through growled, gripping a sword tightly as he glared at Shimizu and Sasori.

Back-to-back with him was a plain-looking, middle-aged ninja.

"Looks like they're confident they've already won," the middle-aged man said calmly.

"But Takigi, don't forget what Lord Hirano said—we need to hold out. You keep their puppets busy. I'll go for the puppeteers directly."

"What's there to be afraid of? These brats might be Suna's young prodigies, but if we go down swinging and take them with us, that's a win! And if we live—major credit when we get back to the village!"

As Takigi spoke boastfully, the middle-aged ninja formed hand seals and activated a Jutsu:

"Fire Style: Flame Bullet!"

A blazing fireball so intense it distorted the air rushed toward Shimizu and Sasori.

"Black Secret Technique: Salamander."

Sasori calmly spread his fingers, controlling a giant lizard-shaped puppet that stepped forward, opening its back-mounted shield to block the fire.

"This Salamander… was originally made for you."

Sasori said to Shimizu, then resumed his attack with chakra threads.

"Tch… A defensive puppet for protecting the puppeteer? So it's a countermeasure against the Tom puppet I developed earlier."

Shimizu muttered inside his Fatty puppet, focusing as he activated his other one.

"Black Secret Technique: Little Boy."

"Black Secret Technique: White Ant."

Two puppet figures darted around the Salamander and charged the enemy.

Now that both Shimizu and Sasori had mastered the Black Secret Technique, they each possessed the skill to control two puppets at once.

(End of Chapter)