Yura explained to everyone in a serious tone, "The so-called Akatsuki is a mysterious organization composed of more than a dozen ninjas. All of its members are wanted S-rank criminals, notorious for their vicious crimes."
"The ones we have confirmed include Uchiha Itachi, who was born in Konoha and wiped out his entire clan overnight."
"Hoshigaki Kisame, one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, also known as the Monster of the Mist."
"Orochimaru, who once plotted the destruction of Konoha and assassinated the former Kazekage, was previously a member of this organization."
"But the most troublesome of all is Fujiwara Kirito. Three years ago, he caused an upheaval in Konoha, orchestrated the downfall of the village elders, and easily defeated Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, and other Jonin during the Chunin Exams in the Forest of Death. He is also a core member of Akatsuki."
"It is rumored that while Orochimaru was the one who assassinated the previous Kazekage, Fujiwara Kirito was actually the mastermind behind it."
"Fujiwara Kirito?"
Gaara, who had remained silent with his arms crossed, finally spoke.
Upon hearing the name, he recalled the one and only encounter he had with Kirito in the Forest of Death three years ago. His pupils contracted instantly.
Even the tailed beast within him had feared that man.
Moreover, Kirito was connected to Naruto, the first person Gaara had ever considered a friend.
"Yes, Lord Kazekage." Yura glanced at Gaara with slight surprise and spoke respectfully. "I believe you have met him before. The information about Akatsuki was provided by Lord Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin."
"Although it may be presumptuous, I took the initiative to strengthen the village's defenses before this meeting. We have deployed elite ANBU units outside the village, ensuring that even powerful enemy ninjas will find it difficult to infiltrate."
"I have also issued an order—if any individuals wearing black cloaks with red clouds are spotted, they must be taken down immediately."
As soon as these words were spoken, murmurs spread throughout the hall.
Many of the village leaders praised Yura's foresight and leadership.
However, none of them knew the irony of the situation—this very village defender would soon betray them all.
The vast desert stretched endlessly, sandstorms howling through the air as wind chimes echoed in the distance.
Two figures, Deidara and Sasori, both clad in Akatsuki's red-cloud black cloaks with traditional wind chime hats, walked through the storm toward Sunagakure.
Behind them, deep footprints and a long trail left by Sasori's Hiruko puppet marked their path, though the shifting sands quickly erased all traces.
"Brother Sasori, the Sand Village is just ahead. But what's taking Brother Kirito so long? Didn't he say he wanted to watch my art? Why hasn't he arrived yet? Hm."
"This fight won't be complete without an appreciative audience. I even brought all my best works just for the occasion. Hm!" Deidara grumbled as he adjusted the bag of clay bombs hanging from his shoulder.
Sasori, hiding within Hiruko, responded in his usual hoarse voice.
"Who knows? He's probably spending time with his wife and kids again. He's the type who could slaughter the Sarutobi and Shimura clans for his wife and still put his family first. In our organization, filled with nothing but bloodshed, he's an anomaly."
There was a faint hint of envy in Sasori's voice—not for Kirito himself, but for his daughter, Chika, who had the love and presence of both parents since childhood.
"Tch, how boring. You and I both have different views on art, but what's so great about women? Hm. They can't compare to true artistic beauty. Am I right, Brother Sasori? Hm!" Deidara scoffed as he patted the bag of clay bombs.
Sasori didn't respond directly. Instead, his gaze shifted to the bag in Deidara's hand, skipping over the topic entirely.
"Are you sure you brought enough? Your opponent isn't just any Jinchūriki—he's also the Kazekage of the Five Great Nations."
Deidara waved him off.
"What's the big deal? He's just a kid who got knocked out by Brother Kirito in one move during the Chunin Exams in Konoha. Nothing special. Hm."
Sasori remained silent for a moment before glancing at Deidara.
"Underestimating your enemy is the fastest way to die. Besides, you don't want to embarrass yourself in front of Kirito, do you?"
Deidara's expression immediately hardened, and he nodded solemnly.
"This time, I'm prepared. You killed the Third Kazekage, and Brother Kirito killed the Fourth Kazekage. As your brother, I won't bring disgrace. I'll kill the Fifth Kazekage, and even Jesus won't stop me!"
Sasori was stunned.
"...I feel like I've heard that somewhere before."
"Haha. I just think Brother Kirito's words have artistic value."
Deidara let out an awkward laugh, either guilty for plagiarizing Kirito's phrase or for being caught by Sasori.
After that, the two didn't speak again.
By noon, the three of them finally arrived at the entrance of Sunagakure's A Line in the Sand.
"Hey, Deidara, Sasori, you guys took too long. I already had lunch."
To their left, a large parasol stood over a rocking chair.
Wearing sunglasses, Kirito lounged in the chair, basking in the desert heat like a man on vacation.
Nearby, Yura, Sasori's hidden spy, stood in bloodstained clothes, waiting.
As soon as Sasori arrived, Yura immediately knelt on one knee, bowing respectfully.
"Lord Sasori."
Sasori's forehead twitched when he saw Kirito casually ordering around his subordinates.
Yura spoke respectfully, "Lord Sasori, I have completed the mission."
"Thank you for your hard work, Yura." Sasori acknowledged. "I assume everything is ready?"
"Yes, Lord Sasori."
Meanwhile, Deidara turned toward Kirito with a curious expression.
"When did Brother Kirito get here? How did he arrive before us?"
"When did this guy even show up?" Sasori frowned.
"Lord Kirito arrived half an hour ago. As per your instructions, I arranged a meal for him in the village. Then, at his request, I set up this parasol and rocking chair, and I have already eliminated all guard patrols."
Hearing this, Sasori's mouth twitched violently from within Hiruko.
He turned toward Kirito in displeasure.
"Since when do my subordinates serve you?"
Kirito sat up lazily, stretching.
"Don't be so serious. I traveled all this way to watch the show. Shouldn't a VIP get a proper seat?"
Then he gestured toward Yura.
"Yura, move my rocking chair and parasol inside the canyon. I want to watch Deidara's fight with your Kazekage-sama from a good spot."
"Yes, Lord Kirito." Yura immediately complied.
Sasori's forehead veins bulged, but he said nothing.
(End of this chapter)