The Trap

"Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh..."

Within the secluded cemetery, two blurred figures raced after one another, leaving behind only bursts of piercing wind-splitting whistles.

The cemetery stood at the edge of Sunagakure. At the speed of Kage-level fighters, they quickly left the village's boundaries and raced toward the remote wilderness, unseen by any Sand Ninja throughout the entire journey.

One pursued while the other fled. After roughly half an hour of chasing, they finally arrived at a barren mountain. This place had originally been a stretch of Gobi desert, but after the Land of Wind's climate returned to normal more than a decade ago, it had gradually become covered in vegetation and turned into a desolate mountain. Within the mountain, however, there was still a massive cave worn out by wind and sand.

Sasori was the first to rush into the cave and vanish from sight. Shortly afterward, the Third Kazekage arrived at the entrance. Looking into the dark cave, he hesitated only briefly before striding inside.

Beyond the entrance was a narrow tunnel several meters wide and over ten meters long. A faint light shone from the other end, making it clear that there was another space within.

The Third Kazekage quickened his pace and soon passed through the tunnel. At its end was indeed an enclosed cavern.

The cavern was not large, no more than five meters high and at most two hundred square meters in area.

It bore obvious signs of human modification. Aside from lamps for illumination, there were a few living facilities, along with a large number of puppet components and crafting tools.

The Third Kazekage entered the cavern and looked at the red-haired youth standing with his back to him. In a relaxed tone, he asked, "Sasori! Have you been living here all these years? Come