Rasa's full defense saved the Sand Village.
The ninjas within the village were ecstatic, their fighting spirit ignited, swearing to capture the invader who wanted to blow up their village.
"Divide all combat forces into two teams! One team will handle that blonde kid on the big bird, and the other will surround Sasori of the Red Sand!"
The ninjas drew their kunai, ready for battle.
"Captain Yura! Let's attack!"
"Captain Yura? Ugh!"
In an instant, the necks of dozens of elite Sand ninjas spurted blood as they fell to the ground.
Before the nearby ninjas could react, a shadow flashed by, and a large number of ninjas collapsed with a crash.
It was only then that everyone saw clearly that the one who had stabbed them in the back was their beloved Captain Yura!
"Yura! What are you doing?!"
Baki was shocked. Yura was his childhood friend, with deep bonds between them. But to his surprise, Yura's true identity was a traitor!
Yura turned around with an evil smile, not bothering to explain. He disappeared into the night again, and countless screams echoed as one Sand ninja after another fell.
"Well done, Yura~" Sasori said, satisfied with his subordinate's actions. This made things much easier for him.
"My dear grandson, long time no see."
A familiar elderly voice came from behind Sasori.
Sasori knew this voice all too well.
It was his grandmother, Chiyo.
He didn't show any surprise. Instead, he remained calm, as if he had expected to meet his grandmother today.
"Old woman, you're still alive, huh," Sasori turned around, greeting her faintly.
"Oh? Ebizō is here too, huh. Heh, you both look much older..."
Chiyo stared directly at her grandson, feeling both excited and helpless.
She was excited because, in her old age, her greatest wish was to see her grandson one last time, and today that wish had come true.
She was helpless because of the crimes her grandson had committed. Death was too light a punishment, and she might even have to be the one to end his life.
No matter how much she loved her only grandson, she had to give the village an explanation.
Chiyo spoke to the ninjas beside her, "Go assist Baki and take down the traitor Yura. Sasori... I'll handle him."
Ebizō added, "Take me along. As Sasori's great-uncle, I also bear some responsibility for not raising him properly. If necessary, I'll help you execute him, sister."
Ebizō said this because he feared his sister might not be able to bring herself to kill Sasori.
"Hahahahaha, hahahahahahaha."
From within Hiruko came Sasori's young, manic laughter:
"You old geezers still think I'm the same kid as before? I've changed. Even if both of you attack together, I won't be afraid!"
"Boom!"
A burst of white smoke appeared, and Hiruko vanished. Moments later, Sasori, with his red hair, emerged.
He looked almost exactly as he did when he was young.
"Sasori, have you...?"
Chiyo and Ebizō were shocked. The fact that Sasori could still maintain his youthful appearance could only mean one thing.
He had turned himself into a human puppet!
"Sigh, Sasori, I never thought you'd fall this far."
Chiyo sighed deeply, pulling a rope from her pocket to tie her hair up.
"Let me show you the grandmother's love one last time..."
...