Chapter 234 - 234 (1/2)

Sasori's face was gloomy; he never expected that the Chakra Threads would be spotted and cut off so easily by Ryo. Moreover, his terrifying speed exceeded all his expectations.

”As far as I know, there are two ninjas Konoha known for their speed. One is the Fourth Hokage, and the other is Ryo Yamanaka. I can't think that I would meet the Hokage himself here in the middle of the desert, so that should make you Ryo, am I right?”

”Yes, that's me!” Ryo nodded.

Confirming the identity of his foe made Sasori's face even gloomier; a speed-type Ninja is a perfect counter to Puppet Masters. Nevertheless, Sasori was confident in his skills as the best Puppeteer out there, and Kakashi was close at hand and he didn't want to give up.

At this time, he hadn't fully transformed his body to a puppet, but he did replace a few of his organs.

Secretly, he opened a small box in his c_h_e_s_t, filled with thousands of poisonous needles that he shot immediately at Ryo!

Ryo did not seem to move, and the two were very close to each other. The needles went to Ryo, just to directly pass through his body!

Seeing that, Sasori's face froze. He knew how much power his needles packed, and knew all too well that they shouldn't get through the human body. Therefore, he thought that they must have missed.

What he didn't know was that they passed through his body just because Ryo was in Ice Elementization all this time.

Sasori mistakenly thought that Ryo just dodged his attack at such a short distance, and that made him begin to give up.

At the same time, Ryo did not know what he was thinking, but he felt that Sasori wanted to end the battle.

”Ryo Yamanaka, you've won this time! Kakashi should consider himself lucky to have you around to protect him.” As he spoke, smoke erupted from the soles of his feet. It wasn't ordinary smoke; it was potent enough to disrupt Ryo's perception. By the time it dissipated, Sasori was already gone, along with the 3rd Kazekage's puppet.

After the four took a break for recovery, they continued to move toward the Hidden Sand. On the way, it was obvious that Maki seemed like she wanted to say something.

When the group was about to arrive at the village, she couldn't help it anymore, and walked back to Ryo saying: ”Ryo sama, was that puppet that Sasori had that of the Sandaime Kazekage sama?”

Ryo nodded: ”I have never seen the 3rd Kazekage, but with that puppet having the Magnet Release Kekkei Genkai, it should be his.”

She picked up speed, for this news was too important; she had to inform Rasa and Pakura immediately.

As the four were already close to the village, they reached it in just a few minutes.

Maki took the three in, and arranged for them to wait in the conference room. She on the other hand rushed straight into the office to report the disturbing news.

”Knock Knock Knock Knock Knock…” Rasa was discussing the sealing matter with Pakura in his office, when a rushing knock on the door stopped them.

Hearing that, they let the one at the door in. Getting their permission, Maki pushed the door.

”Maki? You look out of breath! Is Ryo Yamanaka here?” Pakura saw Maki's state and asked casually.

”Yes… Pakura… san! Ryo Yamanaka is… here. But I'm not here to report that. It's about the Sandaime Kazekage sama!”