Akatsuki's Transformation and Nawaki's Thoughts

Sasori looked at the Third Kazekage sprawled on the ground, a trace of regret flashing through his eyes. This puppet was his finest work to date. Fortunately, Konan had held back and had not caused any severe damage. Only some delicate internal mechanisms had malfunctioned, and with his skill, he could repair them quickly.

Sasori knew that Konan had shown him mercy. She had never attacked his real body, and her ninjutsu countered him far too heavily. Since even the strongest Third Kazekage had been defeated, his other puppets would certainly be no match for her. Bringing them all out would only waste chakra.

So Sasori formed hand seals and used a summoning technique to put away the Third Kazekage, then surrendered decisively. "I lost! I have no choice. Take me with you!"

Konan said calmly, "You are far more rational than I imagined."

Sasori smiled indifferently, raising his head to watch the sheets of paper dancing through the sky. "I merely wanted to see what the other members of Akatsuki are like. Just like your ninjutsu, perhaps I can find some inspiration in it."

Konan lowered her head with a faint smile. "I did not have particularly high expectations for you, young man. But if that is why you wish to join us, do as you please. As long as you complete the missions we assign you. First, come back with me to the Land of Rain, then complete your first mission!"

"The Land of Rain? That place is Konoha's ally. I thought Akatsuki was an underground organization with no stance?" Sasori asked in surprise.

"Our purpose is to eliminate war. How could we possibly have no stance? The organization's leader is also the leader of Amegakure, Yahiko! However, Akatsuki and Amegakure are independent of one another and do