"Talent, you say?" Sasori chuckled playfully. "But to think you can make me surrender with just words... you underestimate me."
"I just got this. I was going to keep it, but it seems I need to show you something."
The Third Kazekage was Sasori's second most prized possession. No puppet held more value than a Kage-level one.
"Oh really?" Kai smiled playfully. "I was planning to use him as well. Let's see whose puppetry is better—yours or my forbidden jutsu."
"Ding, congratulations, Host, Edo Tensei, one-click max level."
The system's voice echoed in his mind.
This was the scroll Kai had taken from Orochimaru during their clash, containing an improved version of Edo Tensei. While not as ultimate as Kabuto's later version, it was more than enough for Kai. He also obtained a vial containing the Third Kazekage's extracted cells.
"Forbidden jutsu?" Kakuzu was startled, noticing Sasori's changing expression.
Sasori took out a scroll and unfurled it. The scroll depicted intricate hand seals with a character for "Shadow" at the center. Clearly, Sasori intended to strike first.
"Come forth, my artwork!"
Sasori shouted.
His hand seals changed, and with a burst of air, a cloaked puppet appeared. Its joints clicked.
"This is a puppet made from the Third Kazekage?" Kakuzu instantly recognized it.
Sasori's face showed pride. "You guessed right. But you'll soon join my collection."
"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wave!"
With a flick of his fingers, the Third Kazekage puppet attacked.
Dark iron sand erupted, pausing briefly before unleashing a torrent towards Kai and Kakuzu.
The world turned black. Kakuzu's expression shifted, but Kai vanished, reappearing tens of meters away in the forest.
Chidori!
Lightning crackled like fireworks, and a shout echoed.
"How did you know I was here?!"
A Root ninja tensed. He'd assumed Kai wouldn't notice him amidst the battle. He hadn't expected to find himself staring at death.
"I guessed," Kai smiled playfully. In the Land of Fire, Danzō's influence was considerable. This was a vital route near Kikyō Pass, a perfect place for an ambush. The sound of Kai shattering Hiruko would have alerted them.
Pshh!
Blood spurted!
A lightning-wreathed hand pierced the Root ninja's chest.
The killer will be killed!
Kai took out the vial of the Third Kazekage's cells, his hands moving swiftly, forming hand seals.
Bang, bang, bang!
Iron sand pierced the ground.
Kakuzu had already retreated using Earth Grudge Fear.
Seeing Kai, facing his prized puppet, still able to kill a Root ninja, a dark shadow crossed Sasori's face. This was a blatant disregard for his art!
"Good. Let's see what forbidden jutsu you have to counter my masterpiece," Sasori roared.
His fingers moved, and endless iron sand poured from the Third Kazekage puppet's mouth.
"Magnet Release: Iron Sand Weaponry!"
With a roar, countless black spears formed. Sasori gathered them, launching them at Kai. Kakuzu was excluded from this attack.
"Forbidden Jutsu: Edo Tensei!"
Kai's hands clasped together, smiling at the incoming iron sand.
"Bang!"
A thunderous collision shook the forest for kilometers.
A huge shockwave kicked up dust.
When Sasori and Kakuzu could see clearly, their pupils contracted.
The iron sand spears stopped three meters from Kai, blocked by an identical wall of iron sand.
Behind the wall was a half-opened coffin, exuding a chilling aura.
"Sasori, you actually made me into a puppet."
A familiar voice echoed from within.
The coffin lid was kicked open, and a figure in the Kazekage's cloak slowly emerged.
"This... this is the Third Kazekage?"
Kakuzu's pupils contracted.
Looking at the familiar figure and the puppet in the sky... was this a case of self-versus-self?
"Necromancy?" Sasori's expression changed.
He hadn't expected Kai to use his own methods against him, summoning the Third Kazekage to fight him.
Seeing the angry Third Kazekage, Sasori laughed.
"Haha, I didn't expect you to understand this kind of eternal art. But summoning a mere corpse to defeat me? I'm afraid you're wrong," Sasori took out a giant scroll from his back, laughing cruelly. "Let me show you how I killed the Third Kazekage."
"Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets!"
The scroll unfurled, unleashing countless black figures like arrows.
Hundreds of puppets, like a rain shower, filled the sky.
Weapons coated in poison—scythes, giant blades—gleamed in the sunlight, filling the air with a chilling killing intent.
Kakuzu's face turned serious. He looked at Kai. "As expected of someone you'd choose, sir. With this alone, hunting down Kage-level opponents is enough."
Hmph!
The Third Kazekage snorted. "A Kazekage, so easily made into a puppet, summoned a second time. But seeing you is better than seeing Orochimaru."
"I hate you and Sasori even more. Sasori, for making a puppet out of my body."
"And I believe you'll teach Sasori a lesson. You're more reliable than Orochimaru."
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