Sasori of the Red Sand

As Naruto conversed with Kurama in the spiritual realm, Kakuzu and he found themselves deep within the Kingdom of Wind, far from Sunagakure, their intended destination.

The relationship between the Ninja Villages and their respective countries was complex. While the daimyo held political power, the ninja leaders, known as Kage, wielded authority within the villages. The Five Kages, including the Hokage of Konoha, Mizukage of Kirigakure, Raikage of Cloud Shinobi Village, Kazekage of Sunagakure, and Tsuchikage of Iwagakure, were the most powerful figures in the Ninja World.

Sunagakure, for instance, depended on the Wind Country's daimyo for armaments and supplies. If the daimyo reduced military expenditures, Sunagakure would suffer. This dynamic was not unique to Sunagakure; other villages faced similar challenges.

Naruto and Kakuzu, unaware of their exact location, found themselves amidst the ruins of a village. The once-thriving oasis settlement was now a desolate scene, its inhabitants either slain or fled. The sight of mutilated corpses unsettled Naruto.

As Kakuzu scoured the ruins for valuables, Naruto, uncomfortable with the idea of profiting from the dead, observed silently.

Kakuzu, frustrated by the absence of valuable heads, muttered his discontent. Naruto, sensing Kakuzu's dissatisfaction, remained silent.

Naruto had underestimated Kakuzu's utility, realizing his value as a financial officer and bounty hunter.

"Seems like we've got fresh tracks here. The blood hasn't turned black yet. Our target shouldn't be too far ahead," Naruto remarked, observing the surroundings.

Their objective in the Wind Kingdom was to recruit Sasori of the Red Sands, a former Sunagakure ninja. They knew Sasori had recently been in the area.

"Don't sweat the details," Naruto advised, activating his sensory abilities, extending his perception field over a kilometer radius. Unlike others, Naruto's perception could capture every detail within its range.

Soon, Naruto pinpointed something and gestured toward a direction. "Footprints lead that way."

Kakuzu nodded, and they wasted no time, hastening towards their quarry.

"Shall we split up for tracking?" Kakuzu inquired.

Ten minutes later, they spotted a figure in the distance—red-haired, adorned in standard Sunagakure armor adapted to the Wind Kingdom's environment.

"That's our guy, Sasori of the Red Sand, the S-class traitor," Naruto confirmed.

Sasori, infamous for assassinating his own village's Third Kazekage and transforming into a puppet, was a formidable foe.

It was also because of the sudden disappearance of the Third Kazekage that Sunagakure was invaded by Cloud Shinobi Village, seizing the opportunity in the absence of leadership.

If the third Ninja battle was entirely due to Sasori of the Red Sand, it seems that there is no problem.

Sometimes, one person's actions can impact the entire world.

"Hey, whoever's up ahead, wait! We're here to offer you warmth," Naruto suddenly shouted loudly as they continued on the road.

He didn't notice that Kakuzu, who was next to him, almost stumbled with a stagger.

Fortunately, Kakuzu, with his rich experience, managed to stabilize his footsteps.

However, the corners of Kakuzu's eyes twitched. His expression was hidden behind a mask, so it wasn't visible.

Looking at Sasori in the distance ahead, who had already heard the sound and stopped, turning his head to look back.

Not long after, Naruto and Kakuzu arrived at Sasori, who was standing there waiting for them.

"Did you call me?" Akasago's Sasori asked with a confused expression, as he obviously didn't know these two people.

"Yes," Naruto confirmed. "We are the Akatsuki organization, and we invite you to join us."

"Why should I join you? And Akatsuki? I've never heard of it," said Sasori of Akasago, a little defiant.

But don't blame him; the current organization doesn't have enough reputation. They haven't started to act, and few people are aware of its existence.

"Now you've heard of it," Naruto spread his hands, making an inviting gesture. He continued, "Don't worry, we're not good people, and we know that you are Sunagakure's rebels. Just join us and do bad things happily."

Kakuzu, on the side, was already contemplating leaving. How can someone say they're not good people, and how can someone say they're doing bad things? Can you recruit people with such a pitch?

But what Naruto said is indeed true. As for their current members, there are basically no good people—either rebels against forbearance or rebels against the village. Their reputation is really bad.

 ....

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