"Performing a puppet show on stage?" Sasori's expression shifted to one of incredulity as he regarded the Manager, almost as if silently questioning, 'Are you kidding me?'
Who is he? None other than the renowned Sasori of the Red Sand, the prodigious puppeteer hailing from the Sand Village. The genius who created his very own Puppet secret technique, the Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets.
It's mind-boggling enough that he's toiling away here with screws and bolts, and now they have the audacity to request a stage performance from him? What are they thinking? Did they truly believe his puppets were meant for entertainment? No, His puppets are designed for one purpose, which was to kill.
Even if he were to meet his demise, he would rather drop dead while tightening bolts than stoop so low as to use his puppets for a mere performance.
Sasori maintained a stoic silence, his gaze fixed on the factory manager who, in contrast, sported a bemused smile. Internally, the puppet master pondered whether it was time for the Manager to get a taste of the Red Secret Technique.
However, in the midst of this surreal moment, a knock abruptly shattered the stillness. "Manager, Leader Hanzo is here!"
"Coming, just a moment!" The manager directed his voice towards the door, then looked back to the still, contemplative Sasori. With a solemn tone, he conveyed, "You see, even Leader Hanzo considers this event of utmost importance. It's a golden opportunity to leave a lasting impression. If your performance hits the mark, it'll undoubtedly be etched in the memories of those in higher echelons."
A reassuring pat landed on Sasori's shoulder as the manager continued, "I get it... you're still young, and the prospect of performing in front of a sizable audience might induce a bit of shyness."
He let out a sigh before adding, "But Sasori, from the time you joined us, I've been observing you. Despite your reserved nature and minimal social interactions, your dedication to your work hasn't gone unnoticed. You're a diligent and responsible young man."
A perplexed expression crossed Sasori's face. What nonsense was the manager spouting? Shy? Him? It seemed utterly absurd. When did that even happen? Shyness had never been a trait he was associated with.
Sasori raised an eyebrow, speechless due to the manager's words. However, undeterred, the manager continued, "That's your strength, and your mind is remarkably sharp. You consistently devise ways to enhance work efficiency. Thanks to your contributions, our factory's productivity has experienced a substantial upswing, earning us commendation from the director just a few days ago."
Sasori fell silent, internally, he mulled over the unexpected praise. In truth, he knows, he had merely been attempting to take it easy. But before he could interject, the manager continued in earnest, "Therefore, as the manager, I urge you to give serious thought to this opportunity. Don't let this rare chance slip away! Do you..." he fixed Sasori with a stern gaze, "Do you want to spend the rest of your days tightening bolts?"
An irritated expression crossed Sasori's features. Why on earth would he want to dedicate a lifetime to tightening bolts? Come to think of it, he never intended to stay here in the first place. Sasori's mouth twitched; for a moment, he almost fell for the manager's persuasive rhetoric.
Appearing content with his words, the manager once again bestowed a reassuring pat on Sasori's shoulder. "Alright, Sasori, I've said my piece. Take some time later to ponder it. Now, accompany me to welcome Leader Hanzo!"
"Can't I... just skip it?" Sasori, upon hearing the manager's words, hesitated momentarily. The prospect of meeting Hanzo didn't sit well with him, who knew if Hanzo found that something was wrong with him?
"You... this child, why do you consistently let opportunities slip through your fingers? No, get a move on! If you refuse, I'll dock your salary," the manager declared sternly, his patience wearing thin as he observed Sasori's reluctance to meet Hanzo.
Thus, Sasori, who wanted to decline the stage performance but was not particularly keen on encountering Hanzo and keenly aware of the potential risks, reluctantly sighed and trailed behind the manager. In fact, he realized the situation. If he didn't reject the manager now, he might not get another opportunity to refuse.
At that moment, a sense of regret welled up within him. Perhaps, on that fateful day, after finishing his meal, he should have simply vanished.
Swiftly, under the manager's insistent pull, they reached the factory and immediately laid eyes on the man donning a gas mask—the demi-god of the ninja world, Leader of the Rain Ninja, Hanzo.
Even for Sasori, there was a hint of wariness. His pupils subtly contracted as he looked at the legendary figure, but he swiftly regained composure. Clad in a green protective suit, he silently trailed behind the manager, effortlessly assuming the guise of a nondescript worker from Factory Three—just Sasori.
"Leader Hanzo!" The manager promptly greeted Hanzo.
"I've heard about you. Word has it that Factory Three's efficiency has seen remarkable improvements under your supervision. Well done." Hanzo bestowed a pat on the Factory Three manager's shoulder, expressing satisfaction in his tone. "You've upheld the reputation of the Land of Rain. Don't be nervous, I'm merely passing through, taking a brief look."
"Leader Hanzo's presence is a privilege for Factory Three," the Factory manager responded with visible excitement, spurred on by Hanzo's commendation. He continued, "The success of Factory Three is not solely my achievement. It's the result of everyone's collaborative efforts. We owe the current state of Factory Three to the dedication of all our workers, and..."
He paused, glancing back at Sasori. Without missing a beat, the manager pulled Sasori to the forefront.
"Meet our most outstanding employee at Factory Three, Sasori. With his remarkable contributions, Factory Three's efficiency has soared. Sasori is an industrious worker, often putting in solitary late-night hours, dedicating his personal time to brainstorm ways to enhance the factory's productivity," the manager stated with a touch of pride in his voice.
"Is he talking about me?" Sasori was bewildered. His routine was punctual, arriving and leaving work on time. As for improving work efficiency—engaging in what he considered a futile and needlessly complicated task—it seemed like a waste of time. And why, out of all employees, did the manager choose to drag him in front of Hanzo?
"Even I, as the manager, must acknowledge Sasori's excellence and humility. If I hadn't stumbled upon it, I might not have fully grasped the significant impact Sasori has had on the factory, quietly dedicating himself to our cause." The manager, seemingly perceiving Sasori's perplexed expression, continued with a serious tone, "Recently, I received a directive from higher-ups. I was contemplating letting him take the stage during the New Year's celebration, at least to showcase his face. This exceptional talent shouldn't confine himself to tightening bolts all the time."
"Hahaha! Impressive! I thought that bastard had snatched away all the talented youth. Surprisingly, there are still such outstanding talents in the Land of Rain." Hanzo, after hearing the manager's commendation, cast a satisfied gaze at Sasori, and then shifted his attention back to the manager. "Considering what you've said, this outstanding youth should indeed make an appearance. Let Leader Akihiko witness the remarkable young talent of the Land of Rain."
Expressing a hint of nostalgia, Hanzo sighed, "I'd heard about the New Year's celebration, but I didn't anticipate it becoming such a grand affair this time. Nonetheless, it's a good thing. Everyone should enjoy some festivity together. Besides, I didn't expect you folks at Factory Three to be so prepared so quickly."
Turning to Sasori, he patted his shoulder, "Indeed, you may appear reserved, almost shy. However, as a child from the Land of Rain, your courage should match your talent. So, to spur you on, when the time comes, I'll be sure to watch your performance. Even if it's not perfect, don't fret. There's no need to be nervous."
Sasori's expression soured as he listened to Hanzo's words, a sense of frustration building within him. Remembering him? Damn it. Sasori gazed at the manager, harboring an inner desire to strangle him and transform him into a puppet on the spot, he cursed him silently.
"It's getting late. I still have matters to attend to, so I should take my leave. Work diligently. If you make an appearance, I'll reward you. Don't tarnish the reputation of the Land of Rain," With these parting words, Hanzo turned to depart. The manager, fueled by Hanzo's endorsement, displayed an excited smile, shouting enthusiastically, "Thank you for your hard work, Leader Hanzo!"
It was only after Hanzo left that the manager turned back, gleefully looking at Sasori and ruffling his hair. "No need to worry; Leader Hanzo will remember you now." However, he paused, puzzlement crossing his face as he observed Sasori, "But... why the sad face?"
"I appreciate it," Sasori responded with a forced smile, a subtle twitch in his mouth.
"Why thank me? This is my duty as the manager. Sasori, keep up the good work in the future," the manager said with a smile. After a moment's contemplation, he added, "Forget it. The factory will grant you paid leave for training. When you step on that stage, make sure you don't disappoint. If you require anything, let the factory know, and we'll do our best to accommodate your needs. I have to get going now. Oh, it's getting late. Go grab a meal; don't go hungry."
With those words, the manager departed, leaving behind a bewildered Sasori. However, he couldn't shake the realization that he would now be remembered by Hanzo. Moreover, Looks like Despite his initial refusal, there seemed to be no escape from performing. Yet, did he truly have to perform on stage? Sasori gazed at the darkening sky outside with a complex expression, muttering to himself, "Who is the bastard that came up with a plan like this, anyway?"
…
"Of course, I had this in mind!" Akihiko gazed at the assembled individuals, his expression earnest as he declared, "New Year's Eve is approaching, and I intend to turn it into a festive occasion for both the Grass and Rain nations. Consequently, each of your roles is pivotal, and we must prioritize the safety of our country."
Considering that the recent war had just concluded, and the ninja world remained in a state of mild chaos, this event held substantial significance for the two nations. It wasn't merely a matter of technical intricacies, there were also safety considerations that demanded careful attention. After all, the aim was to provide people with an opportunity for a joyful recovery.
After the tasks were assigned, the meeting concluded, and Akihiko let out a sigh of relief, muttering to himself, "I'll need to replenish my energy later." Then, as if recalling something, he turned his attention to Nono beside him. "By the way, the final exams for this semester should be over, right? How did Obito fare in his exams?"
As he finished his query, Nono, busy organizing meeting notes, momentarily halted her actions and raised her head. However, her face betrayed a complex expression, as if uncertain about how to broach the subject.
Akihiko's curiosity was immediately piqued. "What's wrong? Did that kid get caught cheating in the exams or something?"
"Indeed... he got caught cheating in the exams," Nono hesitated for a moment before responding.
"He really got caught cheating," Akihiko looked momentarily stunned, then, somewhat matter-of-factly and with a touch of emotion, he remarked, "This guy actually cheated in exams. Looks like... he probably didn't even attend the subsequent exams, right?"
"Well, in fact, he did finish them," Nono replied, her face still portraying a mix of emotions.
"Huh, finished them? How did he get caught then? Was it in the last exam?" Akihiko asked curiously.
"No, according to the teacher's investigation, Obito utilized his Sharingan to cheat, and his actions were incredibly discreet. The examiners in the hall didn't even notice he was cheating," Nono explained, shaking her head.
Akihiko became increasingly perplexed. If that was the case, how did they uncover Obito's cheating? Before he could voice his question, Nono continued with a sigh, "However... he not only copied someone else's answers using the Sharingan's copying ability but also ..." She paused for a moment, then added, "copied their name."
Akihiko froze, rendered momentarily speechless by her revelation.
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