Because of the Third Kazekage's declaration that he would step down after the war, the remaining agenda items of the meeting were passed with unusual ease.
Moments ago, the atmosphere had been thick with hostility. Now, laughter and polite conversation filled the conference hall, as though no resentment had ever existed. The irony was unmistakable. This fragile harmony was maintained only because the Third Kazekage had offered his abdication as a bargaining chip.
"At present, the war situation is unfavorable," the Third Kazekage said calmly. "Therefore, I have decided to mobilize seventy percent of the Village's ninja and send them to the front lines."
As soon as he spoke, murmurs erupted across the room.
"Seventy percent? What about the Village's defenses?"
"That leaves only thirty percent behind. How can that possibly ensure safety?"
The Elders voiced their concerns one after another.
The Third Kazekage let out a soft chuckle, his expression confident. "To be honest, I believe that thirty percent is already excessive."
He continued without pause. "If Konoha attempts a surprise attack on the Village, their forces must cross our outer defense line. A large force would immediately be detected by our sensor ninja. A small force would be insufficient to breach our defenses."
Like the other great villages, the First Kazekage had carefully chosen Sunagakure's location. The Village was nestled among towering rock formations, resembling a natural fortress. Only a single narrow passage had been carved through the surrounding mountains, serving as the sole route for civilian and military movement.
Because of this terrain, only a limited number of ninja were required to guard the passage. Even enemies several times their number would struggle to advance.
Moreover, the elevated rock formations provided an overwhelming defensive advantage. Any invading force attempting to push through the passage would be subjected to attacks from above, leaving them with little room to maneuver.
Such a defense could not be broken without a massive deployment of troops, and a force of that size would never escape Sunagakure's reconnaissance.
"What about Iwagakure?" a middle-aged ninja asked. "What if they take this opportunity to attack us from behind?"
Among the Five Great Nations, betrayal was common. Alliances shifted constantly, and today's ally could easily become tomorrow's enemy.
The Third Kazekage shook his head. "There is no need to worry. With Konoha as a common enemy, Ōnoki understands priorities. Iwagakure needs us just as much as we need them."
He added, "Besides, they must also remain vigilant against Kumogakure. They do not have the capacity to launch a sneak attack on us."
In truth, the Third Kazekage had once considered striking the Land of Earth before the Five Kage Summit. However, compared to the Land of Fire, Iwagakure held little value. The potential gains were simply not worth the risk.
Naturally, such thoughts could never be spoken aloud. Should they reach Ōnoki through spies, the consequences would be disastrous.
"I have already communicated with Ōnoki," the Third Kazekage continued. "Iwagakure's front-line forces will also advance into the Land of Fire. This will ensure that Konoha's troops remain tied down. As long as we endure, victory will belong to us."
His words carried a quiet sense of temptation.
"In that case, I second the motion."
"I second it as well."
With the Elders voicing their agreement one after another, the Third Kazekage finally smiled.
"Very good. There is one final matter," he said. "I will personally take Shukaku to the front lines."
The room fell into brief silence.
Had this proposal been raised earlier, it would have met fierce opposition. Tailed Beasts were forbidden weapons, the ultimate deterrents of a village. Such power was not meant to be used lightly.
During the Second Great Ninja War, multiple Jinchuriki had perished precisely because Tailed Beasts were deployed too freely. It had taken years to reclaim Shukaku afterward.
Because of that history, the Elders had long agreed that Tailed Beasts should only be used as a last resort.
But now, seventy percent of the Village's ninja were being dispatched. If an accident occurred within the Village, who would protect the Elders themselves?
"I think it's appropriate," one Elder said quickly. "This is exactly the time when a Tailed Beast should be used."
"I have no objections."
"I second the motion."
The decision was finalized.
While the fate of the Village was being decided, an eleven or twelve-year-old boy walked past the Puppet storage room and made his way toward a small, dimly lit house.
He pushed the door open and was greeted by the flickering glow of an oil lamp. Beneath its weak light sat a red-haired boy, hunched over a desk, his hands busy assembling intricate parts.
"Sasori, isn't it finished yet?" the boy asked as he stepped inside.
Before Sasori could respond, the boy continued excitedly, "I've got good news. The Puppet you made last time received excellent feedback from the customers."
He sighed with envy. "I really want to become a respected ninja too, just like how you're praised for your Puppets."
Sasori remained focused on his work.
"Hey, did you hear me?" the boy complained.
Seeing no response, he raised his voice. "It's me. Kochi is here."
When Sasori still did not react, Kochi pushed his shoulder in frustration. He used a little too much force. The parts in Sasori's hands slipped and clattered to the floor.
"…Ah." Kochi scratched his head awkwardly. "Sorry. I didn't mean to."
He hesitated, then muttered, "Am I really worse than a Puppet in your eyes?"
Sasori continued working in silence.
Kochi let out a breath, then quickly regained his usual smile. "Forget it. I came today because a customer asked me to remind you to deliver the commissioned Puppet as soon as possible."
He added apologetically, "They might be rushing you, but it's wartime. No one knows when we'll be sent to the battlefield, so everyone wants their equipment early."
Before he could finish, Sasori pointed to the corner of the room. "Karasu, Kuroari, and Salamander are all completed according to the commission."
Kochi froze, then turned to look at the finished Puppets stacked neatly together.
"You're fast," he exclaimed.
"I don't like making people wait."
Kochi laughed softly. "That really does sound like you."
Sasori installed the final components into a Puppet arm. Thin chakra threads extended from his fingers as he tested its movement.
Kochi's eyes widened. "It's incredible. The fingers move exactly like a real hand."
He raised his own hand and compared it side by side.
"Uh, Sasori," Kochi said hesitantly. "There's something I want to ask."
"What is it?"
Kochi chose his words carefully. "Is it possible to install a Puppet arm onto a ninja?"
Sasori paused, his gaze sharpening. "You know that's forbidden."
"I know, but…" Kochi sighed. "My teammate injured his right hand during a mission. Without a replacement, he'll never be able to serve as a ninja again."
"So you want me to do it."
"Yes," Kochi nodded. "I heard that Rasa, the disciple of the Third Kazekage, lost his right arm to Konoha's Yellow Flash during the Second Great Ninja War. Elder Chiyo later helped him install a Puppet arm. Since you're her grandson and Sunagakure's genius, I thought you might be able to do the same."
Sasori considered for a moment, then nodded. "I'll take the commission."
Kochi's face lit up. "Thank you. I knew I could count on you."
"I'll deliver the completed Puppets first."
"Have your companion come as soon as possible."
"I will," Kochi replied cheerfully. "I know you hate waiting. I'll be going now."
As he reached the door, Kochi hesitated and turned back. "This might be nosy, but you do know tomorrow is our Sensei's funeral, right?"
"Hm?"
Seeing Sasori's confused expression, Kochi pressed his fingers to his forehead and sighed. "Our Ninja Academy Sensei. He died suddenly a few days ago. The Anbu said he was poisoned, but they couldn't identify the culprit. The funeral is tomorrow. As his former student, you should at least attend."
Sasori replied flatly, "Why should I?"
"I know he treated you badly back then," Kochi said earnestly. "But he lost control after his son died. He apologized to you later."
"I never blamed him," Sasori said quietly. "I was grateful that he told me about my parents' deaths."
He lowered his head and resumed working. "You don't need to say more. I'll visit when I have time. I don't want to run into my old classmates."
"But they're still our classmates," Kochi insisted. "You can't just abandon all those bonds."
"I already have."
No bonds meant no pain.
"You're too isolated," Kochi said softly.
Sasori did not respond. He continued manipulating the Puppet with unwavering focus.
Kochi sighed, gently closed the door, and left.
When the footsteps faded away, Sasori murmured to himself, "What's wrong with being isolated? Only the weak cling to companionship."
As for the funeral of that deceased ninja, a cold thought crossed his mind.
What kind of killer would attend the funeral of the person they murdered?
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