"Yeah, Sunagakure has produced another young genius. Good thing Konoha isn't doing too badly either. I wonder how Iwagakure is faring?" Sarutobi Toru asked, driving the knife in.
Ōnoki's face immediately darkened further. Iwagakure was still being held up by himself and its two Jinchuriki. Among the younger generation, only Kitsuchi was remotely promising, but he could hardly be called exceptional. Especially Dust Release—despite all these years, Iwagakure still had not found a single ninja capable of learning it.
"Damn it, why won't Heaven show Iwagakure a little favor?"
Over there, under Sasori's control, the five guards were already on the verge of collapse. Miko Miroku had no choice but to speak up and plead for them.
"Please, ninja-sama, release my guards. I believe they have already witnessed your strength."
Having played around enough, Sasori was now thoroughly impatient. Seeing Miko Miroku plead for them, he casually waved a hand, and the five guards returned to normal.
Naturally, they no longer had the nerve to talk about protecting the Miko. After bowing to her, they slunk away in disgrace.
"Alright, the farce is settled. Let's set out." Two-Scales Ōnoki spoke with the authority of an elder, then flew into the air.
With a casual clap of his hand, Fugai and Shū, the two Iwagakure ninja, also rose into the air. "Hurry up and follow. This old man won't wait for you."
Rasa curled his lip slightly. A great quantity of gold dust suddenly poured from his sleeves, carrying Baki, Sasori, and Miko Miroku into the air.
Sarutobi Toru smiled as well. He used his long-neglected Sand Control Technique, carrying Hizashi Hyuga and Aburame Shibi into the air. Baki and Sasori both kept glancing at him in surprise.
"Hey, Brother Rasa, isn't that Sunagakure's Sand Control Technique?" Sasori, who had the