Chiyo felt as though a heavy hammer had struck her heart upon hearing these words, and the tangled mess within her grew even tighter.
She gazed silently at the floor before slowly lifting her head after a long pause. Her eyes shimmered with complex emotions as she spoke in a voice nearly hoarse: "Ebizō, perhaps you're right. I should've told Sasori earlier — let him know that he has already grown up. Sasori, are you truly ready to know everything?"
Sasori slightly lifted his head. Despite his youthful face, there was an unusual determination and calmness that didn't match his age. He solemnly said to Chiyo and Ebizō, "Great-uncle, thank you for your recognition. And Grandma, please just tell me everything. I've grown up now, and have long been prepared to face anything."
As his words faded, a heavy silence hung in the air. The atmosphere among Chiyo, Ebizō, and Sasori grew increasingly delicate...
Then Chiyo moved to a spot indoors and sat down quietly. She tilted her head slightly, gazing at the vast blue sky, as if her thoughts had traveled back to those days many years ago. After a brief moment, she slowly lowered her gaze and began recounting those long-buried events of the past.
Her voice was low and hoarse, each word dripping with deep emotion and regret. Although Sasori had already uncovered that cruel truth through his own relentless investigation beforehand, as the familiar story echoed in his ears once more, especially when mentioning how his parents were slain by Sakumo Hatake's own hand—he couldn't stop the tears from streaming down his cheeks.
"Sasori... forgive me. Grandma failed to properly protect your parents. You lost their warmth and love at such a young age. I'm really sorry..." As Chiyo finished speaking, tears also glistened in her eyes. Guilt surged in her heart like an incoming tide.
Following this, the grandmother and grandson embraced tightly, their weeping intermingling, as if trying to release all the pain buried deep within their hearts.
Finally, when the emotional storm between Chiyo and Sasori began to subside, Ebizō gently raised his head and slowly summarized, "Back then during the Second Ninja War, the decisive battle against Konoha erupted far too suddenly.
None of us or the Third Hokage were mentally prepared. Sakumo Hatake's strength surpassed our expectations. When that shocking news reached our ears, we rushed desperately to the front lines, only to find that it was already far too late.
The Third Kazekage, along with your grandmother, fought a thrilling and heart-wrenching battle against that legendary White Fang and Tsunade, giving their absolute best and exhausting every technique—but they still proved no match for these two peerless experts.
Furthermore, the situation our village faced at that time was extremely severe—every aspect offered no room for optimism. Under such helpless circumstances, we were left with no choice but to accept this brutal reality. No one can truly be blamed for this tragedy."
"If hatred fills your heart, then let all that hatred be directed at the White Fang and Konoha."
Ebizō's emotionally charged and meaningful words acted like a talisman, successfully diverting Sasori's previously closed-off emotions. At this moment, although Sasori was exceptionally gifted—undoubtedly the finest in the Sand Village—his thoughts resembled an immature fruit: tender and fragile.
Precisely because of this, he was easily influenced by those he trusted most—Chiyo and Ebizō. The thoughts that had yet to fully form within him were crushed by a storm, instantly dispersing into nothingness, leaving behind barely one percent.
Finally, Sasori gritted his teeth tightly, a flash of cold determination gleaming in his eyes, as he loudly declared, "I will make Konoha and the White Fang pay a price they can never afford! I will force them to suffer the heaviest consequences for their crimes!" His voice carried boundless fury and unwavering resolve, as if trying to set the world ablaze with his rage.
Chiyo gazed at Sasori, torn between her feelings for him and the dangers ahead. She understood his feelings but also worried for his safety. After careful consideration, she finally made her decision.
Gently stroking Sasori's hair, she spoke tenderly, "Alright, Sasori, since you insist so strongly, come with us. But remember this—you must act cautiously and follow instructions. If you encounter any danger, retreat immediately. Don't try to be brave beyond reason."
Sasori nodded in agreement. Grateful light flickered in his eyes as he expressed silent thanks for Chiyo's trust and support.
Chiyo gave Sasori a tight embrace before whispering, "Sasori, no matter what happens, Grandma will always protect you. Promise me—you'll return home safely."
Sasori nodded firmly, determination flashing in his eyes. He was determined to demonstrate through action that he had grown up, capable of fighting side by side with Chiyo to exact revenge for his parents.
Although driven solely by his unyielding determination, Sasori successfully moved and convinced Lady Chiyo and her brother, gaining their permission to join them. However, since this was a team mission, Sasori needed everyone's acceptance. To achieve this, he demonstrated his extraordinary puppeteering skills before the group.
Though it was merely an ordinary-looking puppet, under his command, it came alive with remarkable vitality. Each movement of the puppet was performed with pinpoint precision; every subtle shift radiated immense power.
Everyone present stood astonished, eyes fixed on Sasori's hands watching as the puppets danced gracefully beneath his control as if alive.
As time passed, Sasori's performance became more and more breathtaking. Under his command, the puppets displayed various attack techniques, again leaving the audience awestruck.
Gradually, the people around began forming a rough understanding of Sasori's strength. At this point, among those participating in the mission, aside from the experienced ninja Lady Chiyo, none dared claim full confidence in defeating him. Faced with such overwhelming ability, who could possibly object to letting Sasori accompany them?
Even the Third Kazekage couldn't hide his surprise after witnessing Sasori's astounding abilities. After watching the puppet demonstration, he recognized Sasori's exceptional talent and, after careful consideration, officially promoted him to the rank of Tokubetsu Jonin [a special class of elite Jonin].
The Third Kazekage, however, had an even greater plan in mind. He intended to nurture Sasori as Chiyo's successor, hoping he would become the next great puppet master of the Sand Village. Thus, he secretly issued a special order: the Anbu who had accompanied Chiyo in pursuit of Sakumo Hatake were allowed to fail their mission, but under no circumstances could Sasori be harmed.
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