Chapter 111

"Tsk, no need to wonder, it's undoubtedly Sarutobi Hiruzen. Orochimaru is merely a little demon, and his methods are still imperfect. Sarutobi Hiruzen, it's time to remind everyone once again. It's time to unleash the power of our fists," Shamon said, narrowing his eyes with a dangerous tone.

He didn't believe that Orochimaru had the audacity to reveal Konoha's trump card.

"I believe Konoha's trump card is not as simple as the Chakra cold weapon; there must be more," Hitoshi commented with a meaningful tone, tapping the table.

"The other Hidden Villages probably possess Chakra weapons as well. We're uncertain about Cloud and Rock, but Kirigakure most likely has them," Ebizo chimed in.

"The first one we sold was Uzu no Kuni. If we eliminate Kirigakure, it's highly improbable they still possess any. It all depends on how far they've progressed," Shamon maintained his composure, well-prepared for such developments.

"Follow their lead and eliminate Hanzo first to secure our interests. Inform Rasa to prepare for backstabbing Hanzo whenever the opportunity arises," Hitoshi contemplated for a while, deducing Sarutobi Hiruzen's intentions, and then spoke instinctively.

"Indeed, eliminating Hanzo is crucial for safeguarding our interests," both Shamon and Ebizo nodded in agreement.

"Shamon-sama, if you have the time, gather the remaining troops and transfer five thousand to Yasuke. It appears Kirigakure is about to make a move," Hitoshi suggested, deciding to send reinforcements to Yasuke.

"I understand. You want to dispatch that unit," Shamon responded, aware of Hitoshi's intentions.

"Send the latest Puppet Brigade. Chiru won't stop blabbering about it every day. Let's see if their combat strength matches their hype," Hitoshi's head ached at the thought of Chiru incessantly talking about the Puppet Brigade.

His trust in Chiru was limited, and he would have felt more confident if the unit had been developed by his son, Sasori.

"Very well, let's give it a try and see how their combat strength holds up. It's almost time to release next year's research funds," Shamon shrugged, expressing his curiosity.

"Agreed. We'll boldly send them to the battlefield, although there might be some risks involved. I'm willing to test their capabilities," Hitoshi pondered, resting his chin on his hand.

Hitoshi's excitement grew as he recalled the Tegada he had seen in the Research & Development Department.

Meanwhile, in the Sunagakure Research & Development Department, Chiru and his son Sasori were studying a three-meter-tall puppet called Tegada.

"Father, doesn't Kazekage-sama allow the new Puppet Brigade to join the battlefield yet?" Sasori asked, his eyes gleaming with pride as he stood before Tegada.

The reflective metal exterior, sleek body shape, and well-proportioned limbs showcased its strength. However, Sasori found its name, Tegada, rather unappealing and had an urge to change it.

"Not yet. The testing process is not complete," Chiru responded somewhat helplessly. He had no interest in studying this contraption, but if it pleased his son, he had no choice but to go along with it. After all, Sasori was his son, and he would do anything to fulfill his desires.

"Why don't you speak to Kazekage-sama and allow me to join the battlefield? I'm confident that I can perform well and demonstrate its capabilities," Sasori eagerly suggested, looking at his father with excitement.

"Sasori, you can only be a researcher. Going to the battlefield is far too dangerous. This 'Tegada' may seem formidable, but to a true expert, it's just average," Chiru replied seriously. He would promise his son almost anything, except sending him to the battlefield. He knew firsthand the dangers that lurked there, where one's life could be snuffed out at any moment.

Upon hearing his father's words, Sasori let out a disappointed sigh and turned his head away.

"Haha, little Sasori, going to the battlefield is no laughing matter. Let's talk about it when you graduate," Hitoshi's voice suddenly sounded from outside, interrupting their conversation.

Sasori and Chiru turned to see Hitoshi, who had appeared in the laboratory without them noticing.

As Hitoshi gazed at the three-meter-tall Tegada, he couldn't help but think that scientific advancements held little significance to him.

"I have seen Kazekage-sama," Sasori and Chiru quickly saluted upon seeing Hitoshi.

"Little Sasori, please introduce me. I'm here today to test its power. If it proves itself, I'll allow this unit to join the battlefield. And I have some good news for you," Hitoshi smiled and said to Sasori.

"Really?" Sasori's excitement instantly rekindled.

In his life, he had never experienced the hardships of living alone or making sacrifices. He had always been favored by his family, living like a second-generation prodigy in Sunagakure. His cheerful demeanor was infectious, though it might have been too much for some people to handle.

"Yes, it's true, Kazekage-sama. I don't make empty promises. Go and get ready," Hitoshi smiled and nodded, his mood brightening.

Hitoshi was delighted that he had left a valuable legacy for Sunagakure. Sending Sasori to accumulate military achievements on the battlefield and then under Ebizo's tutelage for a few years before eventually taking over his position was not an impossible dream.

He contemplated Sasori's life journey with satisfaction. After all, he had no direct successors, so who better to be the first and second ancestors of Sunagakure than Sasori?

"It's wonderful to have a precious seed for Sunagakure. Send him to the battlefield to gain military merits, and then I'll hand over my position to him after a few years under Ebizo's guidance. This could work," Hitoshi thought, pleased with the idea.

In his mind, passing on the position to Rasa or Yasuke wasn't the best choice. He believed that Sasori and Gaara were better suited for the role.

The talents of both Sasori and Gaara were exceptional, and with proper cultivation, they could reach Kage Level.

Hitoshi also understood the political significance of cultivating Sasori. The Puppeteer lineage had always held significant influence in Sunagakure, and Sasori belonged to that lineage. If Sasori became Kazekage, the largest non-Kazekage lineage, Sunagakure would become a Kazekage lineage.

As Hitoshi contemplated the benefits of cultivating Sasori, he couldn't help but sigh at the dirty nature of politics.