Kapitel 141: Chapter 140: Sasori's Dream

After being pierced by the kunai, Sasori's eyes widened as memories from his past began to surface.

As the grandson of Chiyo, the elder of Sunagakure, he received excellent ninja education from a young age, and both of his parents were renowned jonin in the village.

Had things gone as expected, he would have lived a happy life.

However, during his first year of schooling, he received the tragic news that his parents had died on the battlefield. From that moment, he harbored a desire for revenge.

But by the time he had the power to seek revenge, his enemy, Sakumo Hatake, had died in a ridiculous manner. A high-ranking ninja in Konoha, Sakumo had chosen to commit suicide after failing a mission. Unable to avenge his parents, Sasori was left with no choice but to seek revenge against the Third Kazekage.

After all, if the Third Kazekage had not participated in the Second Shinobi World War, his parents would not have been on the battlefield and would not have died.

After eliminating the Third Kazekage, Sasori became a rogue ninja from Sunagakure.

Although he wasn't actively hunted, his life as a rogue ninja was not much different from that of other rogue ninjas. Life as a rogue was full of freedom but fraught with danger, and he no longer enjoyed the protection of the village.

Despite this, Sasori had no regrets. Once a choice was made, one had to bear the consequences.

With these thoughts, Sasori closed his eyes, ready to use his remaining chakra for a final counterattack. Even if he had to die, he would not let his enemy get his intact body.

However, after a few seconds, Sasori found that death was not coming as he had imagined.

To his surprise, Byakuya had not killed him. Instead, he was using medical ninjutsu to heal him, which left Sasori very confused. Was Byakuya not here for the bounty after all?

Byakuya, noticing Sasori's thoughts, said with a hint of frustration:

"You didn't think I came here to kill you, did you? Even Kakuzu isn't interested in your bounty. Do you really think I'd kill for such a small reward?"

Kakuzu, on the side, rolled his eyes. What did Byakuya mean that even he wasn't interested in Sasori's bounty? Sasori's bounty wasn't particularly low, but the risk and reward didn't add up. Kakuzu was too busy with other commissions in the black market to risk serious injury for Sasori.

After hearing Byakuya's words, Sasori fell into silence. He had heard that Byakuya wanted to recruit him, but who recruits wandering ninjas in such a direct manner?

In the meantime, Byakuya completed Sasori's treatment.

Under the effect of the medical ninjutsu, Sasori's wounds had been sealed and blood flow stopped. While there were still some internal injuries, they were no longer life-threatening.

After a moment's contemplation, Sasori looked at the scroll in Byakuya's hand and said calmly, "I accept your offer to join you, but I have one condition: return my belongings to me first."

Byakuya glanced at Sasori as if to say: Sasori, do you think I'm as foolish as you?

With a chuckle, Byakuya responded, "I can't return your scroll right now. Who knows what powerful puppets might be inside it? Once you truly commit to joining us, I'll make sure to return the Kazekage puppet to you."

Upon hearing the mention of the Kazekage puppet, Sasori's expression shifted.

Byakuya knew about the Kazekage puppet. His plan to escape with it had failed before it even began.

But how did Byakuya know this information? Sasori had always conducted his assassination of the Third Kazekage and the creation of the human puppets in secrecy, never revealing it to anyone.

Sensing Sasori's thoughts, Byakuya said, "Sasori, are you wondering how I know all this? How I know you assassinated the Third Kazekage and turned him into a puppet? Well, it's not really difficult to figure out. It only takes a bit of analysis.

Three generations of Kazekage are known as the 'strongest Kazekage.' Even if that title is somewhat inflated, the Third Kazekage is undeniably a genuine powerhouse. Such a strong individual would only die from either a large-scale ninja assault or an assassination by someone close to them."

Among the numerous suspects, only you have both the motive and the capability to assassinate the Third Kazekage. And as for why I know about your Kazekage puppet, as an excellent puppeteer, you wouldn't pass up such high-quality material. Of course, you'd turn him into a puppet."

Sasori nodded slightly upon hearing this but soon noticed something off.

While Byakuya's analysis might correctly identify him as the assassin of the Third Kazekage, how did Byakuya come to know such detailed information? How did he know about Sasori's ability to create human puppets?

Furthermore, Byakuya's strength and intelligence network seemed unusually powerful…

Realizing this, Sasori's interest in Byakuya's identity grew. He looked intently at Byakuya and asked, "Given your knowledge, you must truly be interested in me. However, I'm curious as to why you want to recruit me into your organization?"

"I see potential in you… and your identity."

After a pause, Byakuya continued, "Although your strength, having killed the Third Kazekage through ambush, does not yet reach the level of a Kage, you still have significant potential for growth. I have high hopes for you. Once you reach the strength of a Kage, you can help us with our Tailed Beast Plan."

"The Tailed Beast Plan, what is that?"

Although Sasori disliked Byakuya, it was undeniable that Byakuya was much stronger than him. For such a powerful figure to require assistance with their plans piqued Sasori's curiosity.

Byakuya looked at Sasori and explained. "The Tailed Beast Plan involves collecting the Tailed Beasts. Our Akatsuki organization aims to capture all nine Tailed Beasts to create an unprecedented weapon and then use it to conquer the entire Shinobi World."

Conquer the world… Sasori thought he must have misheard.

But from Byakuya's expression, it seemed he was serious, genuinely recruiting members and preparing for world domination.

The problem was that this plan seemed too implausible, making it difficult for Sasori to agree.

With this in mind, Sasori frowned and said, "So, you're inviting me to join Akatsuki just to conquer the world? If that's the case, I have no interest in your plan and won't be of any help."

Having said that, Sasori began to walk deeper into the forest, seemingly ready to leave without reclaiming the Kazekage puppet.

Byakuya was not worried that Sasori would simply walk away. He said calmly, "My plan may be crazy, but what if I can help you become stronger and achieve your dreams?"

Hearing this, Sasori, who had taken a few steps, stopped.

He slowly turned around, facing Byakuya, and said with deliberate emphasis, "You know my dream? I don't even know what my dream is so how come do you know?"