287. Bath Time with Tsunade

The ANBU moved quickly. In less than an hour, a large number of personnel and supplies were gathered at the entrance of the Leaf Village.

Hanekawa used the Flying Thunder God Technique to transport them directly to Amegakure.

With his nearly infinite chakra reserves, he could afford to be extravagant.

Without the Sage Body, transporting so many people at once would have drained his chakra completely, leaving him a lifeless corpse.

"Thank you!" Yahiko said with deep gratitude.

Hanekawa's efficiency was astonishing.

While the Flying Thunder God Technique saved time, it also demonstrated the Leaf Village's high regard for Amegakure.

Thinking back to how Amegakure had severed its alliance with the Leaf Village, Yahiko felt a pang of guilt.

"It's nothing," Hanekawa replied with a smile.

His goal wasn't just to have the Akatsuki work for him for three years.

As the saying goes, it's hard to go from luxury back to simplicity.

Once the Akatsuki members grew accustomed to life in the Leaf Village, it would be difficult for them to return to Amegakure.

Moreover, Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato's dream was world peace.

The Leaf Village was now the easiest path to achieving that peace.

Three years would be enough to assimilate the Akatsuki.

"Hanekawa," Konan approached and said, "Nagato and I were setting up temporary shelters, so we were delayed."

"Temporary shelters?" Hanekawa raised an eyebrow. "I can help with that."

"No need," Konan refused. "You've already done so much for us. We can handle this ourselves."

"Take me there," Hanekawa said, knowing she had misunderstood but not bothering to explain. She would understand once she saw.

"Alright," Konan nodded after a moment's hesitation.

She led the way, and soon they arrived at the southeastern part of Amegakure.

Although traces of the battle were still visible, the area was relatively unaffected.

When they arrived, a group of people was busy setting up rainproof tents.

"Why are you all here?" Nagato stopped what he was doing and asked.

"Have them step aside," Hanekawa said.

Although Nagato didn't fully understand, he didn't question it and instructed everyone to move.

Once the area was clear, Hanekawa clapped his hands together.

Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Technique!


The ground churned, and trees burst forth, quickly forming into wooden houses.

But it didn't stop there.

One after another, the houses lined up neatly, filling the empty space in no time.

The onlookers were stunned.

Was the legendary Wood Release this practical?

It was perfect for both combat and daily life.

"This... thank you so much!" Yahiko exclaimed, snapping out of his daze.

Building so many wooden houses would have taken them at least ten days to half a month.

But Hanekawa had saved them a tremendous amount of time with just a single clap of his hands.

"It's a shame Amegakure isn't suited for wooden houses," Hanekawa said regretfully. "Otherwise, I could have helped you rebuild the entire village."

Amegakure's constant rain made waterproof steel or stone structures more suitable. Wooden houses were only a temporary solution.

"You've already done more than enough," Konan shook her head. "We'll handle the rest."

"Once Amegakure's reconstruction is underway, I'll bring the Akatsuki members to the Leaf Village," Yahiko said proactively.

"I'll be waiting," Hanekawa replied, suddenly thinking of Kakuzu.

He wondered how his mission was going.

"I'll take my leave now. See you next time," Hanekawa said before using the Flying Thunder God Technique to return to the Leaf Village.

But instead of heading back to the village, he went to the nearby Forest of Death.

Hanekawa found a secluded clearing outside the forest.

He stood still and formed hand seals.

Summoning Jutsu!

The ground trembled and then sank.

The towering Demonic Statue of the Outer Path appeared before him.

Hanekawa focused his thoughts.

The Demonic Statue opened its mouth and spat out a white humanoid figure—a White Zetsu.

Just as he had suspected.

The Demonic Statue still contained White Zetsu.

"Go find your main body and tell it that Black Zetsu and Madara Uchiha are dead. Its only option now is to serve me," Hanekawa said to the White Zetsu.


"Assure it that I won't kill it, but if it takes too long, I can't make any promises."

"Understood," the White Zetsu replied quickly.

"Go," Hanekawa dismissed the Demonic Statue.

The White Zetsu sank into the ground and disappeared.

Within the Akatsuki, there was a member named Zetsu.

It looked like a pitcher plant, with half-black and half-white skin.

This was because it was a combination of Black Zetsu and White Zetsu.

The White Zetsu before him was the main body, or leader, of all White Zetsu.

Hanekawa wanted to meet it.

If it submitted to him, he would gain a formidable intelligence network.

Of course, White Zetsu's uses extended far beyond just intelligence.

Hanekawa glanced at the sky and decided not to return to the ANBU base. Instead, he headed home.

Not to Tsunade's house, but to Kurenai's.

When Hanekawa opened the door, he let out a soft sound of surprise.

Usually, Kurenai would come running to greet him, but today she didn't.

Was she not home?

Hanekawa expanded his senses and found her in her room.

He changed his shoes and walked to her room.

Kurenai was sitting at her desk, leaning forward slightly as she read a book.

Her long black hair was tied back, cascading down her back to her waist.

Compared to Samui, her hips weren't as full, but they were perfectly proportioned, with a graceful curve.

Her long legs were slightly pressed together, and her delicate feet rested on the carpet, revealing her soles.

"What are you reading?" Hanekawa asked as he approached.

"Your novel," Kurenai replied, looking up at him with curiosity. "When did you write this? I had no idea."

"I wrote it when I was bored," Hanekawa said, wrapping his arms around her from behind.

Kurenai's body stiffened for a moment before relaxing.

Hanekawa inhaled the girl's fresh scent and glanced down.

She was reading *Demon Slayer*, only on the tenth page.

"How do you like it?" Hanekawa asked, kissing her cheek.

He had handed *Demon Slayer* to Tsuchibashi and hadn't paid much attention to it since, not even knowing when it was published.

"It's... quite interesting," Kurenai said, her face slightly flushed.

Although she and Hanekawa were already quite intimate, she still wasn't entirely used to it.

"Did you buy the manga?" Hanekawa suggested. "It's even better when paired with the illustrations."

"I did, but I haven't read it yet," Kurenai paused, then asked, "Why didn't you draw it yourself?"

"Do you think I can do everything?" Hanekawa couldn't help but laugh.

Kurenai blinked.

In her mind, Hanekawa *could* do everything.

"When I went to buy the book, I had to wait in line for ten minutes," Kurenai said, tilting her chin up proudly. "Your novel must be very popular."

"Once I'm famous, I'll sign a copy for you," Hanekawa said, pinching her cheek.

"Just a signature isn't enough," Kurenai said, wiggling her toes and smiling. "I want a unique, treasured edition!"

"I'll have the bookstore make one for you when I have time," Hanekawa said casually.

"Okay," Kurenai turned her head, kissed him, then lowered her gaze and whispered, "I'll keep reading."

Hanekawa looked at her blushing face and smiled.

She was still so innocent. It seemed he needed to step up his efforts.

"I'll go make dinner," Hanekawa said, releasing Kurenai and heading to the kitchen.

Before long, dinner was ready.

Since Kurenai's father wasn't home, it was just the two of them.

After dinner, Hanekawa cleaned up and washed the dishes.

When he returned to the living room, Kurenai was gone.

"Reading again?" Hanekawa asked as he entered her room.

"Yeah," Kurenai looked up. "Want to read together? We can go to the sofa."

"It's cold now," Hanekawa's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Let's read in bed."

"Huh?" Kurenai was stunned. "How do you read in bed?"

"Lying down," Hanekawa said with a cough.

"..."

Kurenai suddenly understood and blushed shyly.

"Come on," Hanekawa took her soft hand and said.

Kurenai hesitated but stood up and followed him.

"Come here," Hanekawa lay on the bed and said. "We won't be cold if we're close."

Kurenai pursed her lips, her face gradually turning red.

Ninjas used chakra to protect themselves from the cold, so she wasn't actually feeling chilly.

He just wanted to take advantage of her.

But after only a few seconds of hesitation, Kurenai obediently snuggled up to him.

"Warm enough?" Hanekawa asked, holding her tightly.

"Yeah," Kurenai curled up in his arms, feeling surrounded by warmth.

"You can't read like this," Hanekawa waved his hand.

The novel on the desk floated in the air above them, held aloft by chakra.

Kurenai took a deep breath and lifted her head from his chest.

But the blush on her face remained, making her look like a ripe apple.

"How is it?" Hanekawa couldn't resist pinching her cheek.

"Huh?" Kurenai looked at him blankly.

"Do you need to adjust the height or anything?" Hanekawa pointed to the floating novel above them.

"No," Kurenai finally understood what he was asking.

"Then let's read," Hanekawa nodded.

Kurenai's gaze shifted upward, and her nervousness gradually faded.

Until she felt a hand resting on her thigh.

She instinctively looked at Hanekawa.

"What's wrong?" Hanekawa asked with a straight face.

"Nothing," Kurenai replied hesitantly.

She continued reading, though her breathing quickened, and her fair skin took on a pink hue.

Hanekawa smiled faintly, his fingers gently tracing her thigh.

Though not as plump as Tsunade's, her legs were still lovely, with a hint of strength beneath the skin.

After all, as a ninja, training was second nature to her.

Except for the Akimichi clan, most ninjas had excellent figures.

Kurenai silently read the novel.

She bit her lip, suddenly clamping her legs together to trap Hanekawa's hand.

She had felt his fingers moving toward her inner thigh.

"I... I'll finish the rest tomorrow!"

Kurenai’s face was flushed red as she spoke.

"Then let go of my hand first."

Hanekawa lowered his head close to her ear and whispered softly, "Otherwise, I won’t be able to leave."

Like a startled little rabbit, Kurenai quickly got up from the bed.

"See you tomorrow."

Hanekawa sat up, grabbed the floating novel, and casually tossed it onto a nearby table.

Kurenai stood still, her mind spinning, barely registering what he had just said.

It was only after Hanekawa left that she slowly regained her senses.

She sat down on the edge of the bed, her legs feeling weak and tingling with a numb sensation.


---

Hanekawa arrived at Tsunade's living room.

"So early today?"

Tsunade was a little surprised and asked.

Normally, Hanekawa would leave later, usually after Kurenai had fallen asleep.

"It’s because I wanted to see Sensei earlier."

Hanekawa sat beside her, proactively grabbing her hand and gently massaging it.

As for the real reason, he naturally wouldn’t dare to say it.

"You think I’d believe that?"

Tsunade narrowed her eyes and asked.

"It’s just some trivial matters."

Hanekawa glanced at her plump thighs and asked, "Sensei, are you tired from work today? I can give you a massage."

"Trying to take advantage of me again?"

Tsunade saw through his intentions instantly.

But her body was honest—she lifted her legs and placed them on his lap.

"How could I? I’m simply relieving the Hokage’s fatigue."

Hanekawa applied a little pressure and immediately felt his fingers sink into her soft thigh.

"You’re so smooth-talking."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and said.

"Why don’t you give it a try?"

Hanekawa pinched her thigh and asked.

"Shut up! You never take anything seriously!"

Tsunade was momentarily stunned, then raised her leg and kicked him in the chest.

"Yes, Sensei."

Hanekawa caught her delicate foot and gently placed it back in position, taking the opportunity to scratch her sole.

"Stop that, it tickles!"

Tsunade’s body stiffened, and her round toes curled and relaxed.

Seizing the moment, Hanekawa released her foot, and his right hand trailed up her thigh, slipping under her sleeveless top, soon touching her soft, fair skin.

Caught off guard, Tsunade let out a muffled hum.

"I think this place might be even more exhausted than your legs."

Hanekawa spoke nonsense with a serious face.

"I knew you were up to no good!"

Tsunade glared at him and said.

Seeing that she wasn’t outright rejecting him like she did in the Hokage’s office, Hanekawa pushed forward.

Tsunade felt her body go weak as a tingling sensation spread through her entire being. Her cheeks flushed with an enticing redness, and her eyes shimmered with a misty glow.

She exuded a mature yet alluring charm.

Hanekawa had already figured her out, so it only took a little teasing before she was ready.

"Hanekawa."

Tsunade took a breath and called out.

"Shall we take a bath, Sensei?"

Hanekawa instinctively swallowed and asked.

Tsunade sobered up slightly, stood up, and then sat directly on Hanekawa’s lap.

Both of them inhaled sharply at the same time.

"Hmm..."

Tsunade frowned slightly before relaxing. Wrapping her arms around Hanekawa’s neck, she murmured with satisfaction, "Carry me there."

Hanekawa supported her back with one hand and her hips with the other, securing her body before standing up and heading toward the bathroom.

As they walked, their clothes naturally slipped off onto the carpet.

Tsunade paid no attention to it.

Feeling the movement, she clung to Hanekawa like an octopus.

Her golden hair swayed behind her, shifting back and forth.

Hanekawa felt the breathtaking curves in his arms as he slowly made his way toward the bathroom.

For the first time, he found the path difficult to walk—slippery and steep.

And with extra weight on him, he couldn’t move fast.

Fortunately, he was a ninja and wouldn’t be defeated by such a small challenge.

"We’re here, Sensei."

Hanekawa reminded her as he pushed open the door.

Tsunade didn’t even notice where they had arrived; her face was flushed as she gazed at him dazedly.

Her ample hips swayed slightly, forming a beautiful curve.

"I’ll run the hot water."

Hanekawa patted her on the hip, signaling her to stay still for a moment.

"Mmm."

Tsunade exhaled softly, raising a hand to push her golden hair behind her ear.

A lot of her hair had fallen over her eyes just now.

"How’s the water temperature?"

Hanekawa wrapped an arm around her waist and asked.

"It’s warm."

Tsunade reached out, feeling the water, and responded with misty eyes.

"That’s good."

Seeing that the bathtub was full, Hanekawa stepped in and sat down.

"This feels great!"

Tsunade became excited, twisting her waist and stretching lazily.

Hanekawa stared unblinkingly at her soft, voluptuous body.

"Help me bathe."

Tsunade knelt in his lap and said.

"That’s quite the request."

Hanekawa grinned, baring his teeth.

"What?"

Tsunade bit her lip and asked, "You can’t even handle that?"

"Of course, I can!"

Hanekawa immediately promised.

"Then… start with my back."

Tsunade smiled and turned around.

Hanekawa was momentarily stunned—she twisted like a screw.

He hesitated for a few seconds, then picked up the body wash and applied it to her smooth back.

Of course, he didn’t forget her soft, round hips.

"Done, Sensei."

Hanekawa reminded her.

Tsunade twisted back around.

Hanekawa took a deep breath—now came the real challenge.

He rubbed the body wash between his hands and applied it to her fair skin.

Tsunade bit her lip, her blush deepening and spreading to her ears.

"How is it, Sensei?"

Hanekawa asked with a smile.

"Mmm."

Tsunade leaned forward onto his chest and murmured, "You cleaned every inch thoroughly."

"Would you like to wash me next, Sensei?"

Hanekawa bit her shoulder lightly and asked, "Do you still have the energy?"

"Of course I do!"

Tsunade pressed her hands against the bathtub and stood up, revealing her proud figure.

"Don’t underestimate me!"



"Then I'll leave it to you, Sensei."

Hanekawa hugged her smooth, long legs and said.

"Don't worry!"

Tsunade replied with confidence.

But in the end, after finishing the bath, her legs were too weak to walk, and Hanekawa carried her back to the room.

__

A New Day

Hanekawa arrived at the Anbu base.

"Lord Hanekawa."

Samui, who had been waiting on the sofa, immediately stood up and walked over to him.

Since Hanekawa hadn't sought her out last night, she had woken up early today.

"Good morning."

Hanekawa pulled her into his embrace.

Samui sat on his lap, the corners of her lips curling slightly, feeling very pleased.

"Did you find Sasori?"

Hanekawa reached out and squeezed her thigh.

Even through the fabric, he could still feel the plumpness of her leg.

When it came to thighs, apart from Tsunade, Samui was undoubtedly number one.

"We found him. He went to the Land of Earth."

Samui answered.

Hanekawa recalled that the Land of Earth bordered the northwest of the Land of Rain.

It made sense for Sasori to go there.

"Anything else?"

Hanekawa's hand slid up her thigh, feeling the firm yet soft pressure.

"Yes."

Samui let out a muffled hum and said.

"What is it?"

Hanekawa admired her figure and asked.

"The Anbu ninja monitoring Mukade sent word—he has already set out for the Dragon Vein."

Samui endured the tingling sensation and reported.

"He's moving quite fast."

Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.

But that didn’t necessarily mean Mukade had the ability to break the Flying Thunder God seal left behind by Minato Namikaze.

At best, he had just begun to grasp the sealing techniques Hanekawa had taught him.

It would likely take some time before he could fully break it.

Still, to be safe, Hanekawa decided to personally check on him when he had the time.

After all, he had left a Flying Thunder God mark on Mukade.

Hanekawa snapped out of his thoughts when he suddenly heard Samui's hurried breathing.

He paused slightly and chuckled.

It seemed that his future secretary had been diligently practicing Water Release ninjutsu again.

"You worked hard today. You deserve a reward."

Hanekawa patted her head and said.

Without coordinated effort, Samui wouldn't be able to exert the necessary pressure on him.

"Thank you, Lord Hanekawa."

Samui immediately understood, knelt before him, and removed her mask.

"Mhm."

Hanekawa paid her no further attention and turned to the documents on the table.

With his dual processors working, he quickly finished processing the accumulated paperwork.

Then, he picked up Samui and took her home.

__

One Hour Later

Feeling refreshed, Hanekawa arrived in the Land of Earth.

Sage Art: Mind’s Eye!

He clapped his hands together, entering Sage Mode.

Instantly, he could sense half of the Land of Earth within his perception range.

After pinpointing his target, Hanekawa vanished from his spot.


---

The Black Market in the Land of Earth

Or rather, the Exchange House.

Sasori, wearing a hooded cloak, stepped out of the black market.

He had just submitted a bounty mission and picked up some puppet materials along the way.

Sasori looked up at the glaring sun.

His mind drifted back to the absurd events of the past few days.

First, he had been recruited by Nagato into the Akatsuki. Then, he had witnessed the battle between Uchiha Madara and Hanekawa.

That battle had left Sasori deeply shaken.

For as long as he could remember, his greatest pursuit had been the eternal beauty of art.

But in the face of the terrifying power displayed by Uchiha Madara and Hanekawa, his concept of art seemed utterly insignificant.

He couldn’t comprehend how a ninja could be that powerful.

Sasori had been a genius since childhood, and now he was considered the strongest puppet master.

But compared to Hanekawa, he felt like nothing more than a mediocre talent.

At that moment, Sasori's heart suddenly tensed, and he stopped walking.

Turning his head, he saw a familiar figure—Hanekawa.

Sasori’s first instinct was to flee.

But he quickly suppressed the urge.

The difference in their power was too vast—running was pointless.

He could only hope that Hanekawa wasn’t here for him.

Maintaining a calm expression, Sasori turned and walked toward another street.

"Sasori."

A voice called out from behind.

Sasori sighed and turned to face Hanekawa.

"Interested in joining Konoha?"

Hanekawa got straight to the point.

"Sorry, not interested."

Sasori shook his head and explained, "Unless you’re willing to kill Sakumo Hatake."

"Have you ever heard of Edo Tensei?"

Hanekawa thought for a moment and asked.

"What’s that?"

Sasori was slightly taken aback.

Although Tobirama Senju had used Edo Tensei before, Sasori wasn’t from that era, so he had no knowledge of it.



"A jutsu that can resurrect the dead."

Hanekawa carefully explained the effects, functions, and costs of Edo Tensei.

"What?"

Sasori's pupils shrank involuntarily.

His pursuit of eternal artistic beauty and his research on human puppets—all of it was for his parents.

"You can think about whether you want to use Edo Tensei."

Hanekawa said slowly, "But in exchange, you must join Konoha—or rather, become my subordinate."

Sasori fell silent.

Disturbing the souls of the dead had always been taboo in the ninja world.

But his parents hadn't died a normal death.

"I accept."

Sasori took a deep breath and said.

No matter what, he had to see his parents again.

If they were unwilling to live in an Edo Tensei state, he could simply release the jutsu.

"Good."

Hanekawa smiled. "Now, let's have a fight."

"...?"

Sasori looked at him, full of question marks.

Are you serious?

"You're my subordinate now. I need to understand your abilities before assigning you tasks."

Hanekawa said, acting completely serious.

"I see."

Sasori didn't overthink it and said, "Let's go outside."

From his perspective, while he had some fame in Sunagakure, Hanekawa had probably never heard of him.

After all, their strength and status were too far apart.

Not to mention, Sasori had been a rogue ninja, disappearing for several years.


---

The two arrived at a vast, uninhabited desert.

"There's something I hope you won't mind."

Standing opposite Hanekawa, Sasori said, "I was the one who killed the Third Kazekage."

"Seems like you're quite capable."

Hanekawa chuckled. "Don't worry—so long as you stay in Konoha, the ninjas of Sunagakure won’t be able to do anything to you."

"Since you want to see my strength, I'll fight you with my two strongest puppets."

Sasori unfastened his cloak and stepped out of Hiruko, revealing his true form—a red-haired youth who looked harmless.

He took out a scroll.

With a burst of white smoke, the Third Kazekage appeared before him.

"Go ahead."

Hanekawa said calmly.

As soon as he spoke, a vast amount of Iron Sand floated around the Third Kazekage.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Drizzle!

The iron sand condensed into thousands of needles, instantly forming a rain of steel that covered Hanekawa.

Scroll Technique: Infernal Prison Formation!

Sasori raised both hands.

Flames spewed from the openings in his palms.

The flames and iron needles surged forward, like two contrasting waves.

Water Release: Water Formation Wall!

Hanekawa clapped his hands together, summoning a towering wall of water.

The iron needles embedded themselves in it, unable to move further.

The flames followed closely behind, creating thick steam upon contact.

But they failed to break through the water wall.

"Impressive."

Sasori immediately increased the output of his flames.

More steam billowed into the air, and the water wall began to waver.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Great Spear!

The Third Kazekage formed hand seals.

The iron sand elongated into spears.

Boil Release: Skilled Mist Technique!

Hanekawa exhaled a high-temperature mist toward the iron spears.

The moment they made contact, the spears melted away.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wings!

Sensing the threat of the mist, the Third Kazekage formed wings from iron sand and took to the sky.

Heat waves filled the air.

Sasori’s flames evaporated the water wall and reached Hanekawa.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet!

A massive water dragon roared as it flew forward.

The moment it entered the sea of flames, it exploded, dousing the fire and restoring the temperature to normal.

Hanekawa continued forming hand seals.

Lava Release: Acid Monster Technique!

Orange-red acidic liquid surged toward Sasori like a flood.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wall!

The Third Kazekage formed hand seals.

A sturdy iron sand wall rose to shield Sasori.

But before Sasori could relax, the wall melted in an instant.

"Impossible!"

Sasori was shocked.

He knew very well how strong the Iron Sand Wall's defense was.

Yet against Hanekawa’s attack, it didn’t last even a second.

Without hesitation, Sasori retreated.

The Third Kazekage waved both hands.

A downpour of iron sand feathers descended from the sky, too fast for ordinary eyes to track.

But Hanekawa was no ordinary ninja.

Even without activating the Rinnegan, he saw everything clearly.

Hanekawa drew his Thunderfire Sword.

Lightning flashed, and sword energy surged.

In an instant, all the iron sand feathers were deflected.

Red Secret Technique: Performance of a Hundred Puppets!

Sasori no longer held back.

Hundreds of puppets emerged, quickly surrounding Hanekawa.

A puppet master's strength lay in their puppets—both in quantity and quality.

Quality was self-explanatory. Puppets like the Third Kazekage and Hiruko were top-tier.

As for quantity, most puppet masters could only control about ten puppets at most—like Chiyo—because it required extreme multitasking.

But Sasori was different.

He could control a hundred puppets at once.

Wood Release: Advent of a World of Trees!

Hanekawa simply clapped his hands.

The ground swelled, and countless trees burst forth.

Branches and vines grew wildly, surging toward the surrounding puppets.

Sasori froze for a moment.

His proud Performance of a Hundred Puppets had met its perfect counter.

He struggled to maneuver his puppets, but more than half were ensnared by the vines.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand World Method!

The Third Kazekage hovered in the air.

Terrifying chakra spread outward as iron sand formed an intricate barrier.

The moment the trees and vines touched it, sharp spikes emerged, piercing through them.

Sasori felt the pressure ease significantly.

Wood Release: Wood Dragon Technique!

Hanekawa remained calm, forming more seals.

A seed sprouted before him, instantly transforming into a massive wooden dragon.

It shot toward the sky at extreme speed.

Magnet Release: Iron Sand Wall!

The Third Kazekage reacted quickly, raising another iron wall.

But the wooden dragon coiled around it, entangling both the wall and the Third Kazekage.

"I surrender."

Sasori admitted defeat without hesitation.

Compared to yesterday’s battle, Hanekawa was clearly holding back.

Yet even so, Sasori had lost so miserably.

Since he had exhausted all his techniques, there was no point in continuing.

Just then, three lines of text appeared before Hanekawa’s eyes.

[A-Rank Talent Perk: Puppet Master.]

[Trigger Condition: Defeat Sasori of the Red Sand.]

[Effect: Enhances puppet master abilities by 200%.]

Hanekawa raised an eyebrow.

As expected, it was a puppet-related talent.

"Talent, huh?"

He stroked his chin.

Maybe someday, when he had time, he could try making a puppet or two.

Though for top-tier fighters, puppets were somewhat redundant—

Unless he followed Sasori’s example and turned himself into a human puppet.

That would grant near-immortality.

"Let’s go."

Hanekawa released the Wood Dragon Technique and said, "I'll take you to Konoha."

Sasori nodded.

He retracted all his puppets.

With Flying Thunder God, Hanekawa and Sasori returned to the Anbu base.

__

Worth 2 chapters