A Good Puppet!

Sasori snorted coldly. With a slight twitch of his fingers, the puppet floating behind him suddenly split into several parts, each fitted with sharp blades that tore through the air as they flew toward the three of them.

The air was instantly thick with murderous intent. Sand and dust were sliced apart by the blades, producing a piercing grinding noise.

Naruto reacted at once, forming hand seals with both hands. "Wind Style: Rasenshuriken!"

A massive chakra vortex shot from his hand, hurtling straight toward the puppet's blades.

The Rasenshuriken collided with the blades in a deafening metallic crash. Sand and dust were thrown even higher, obscuring everyone's vision.

Seizing the chance, Sakura dashed to the side, chakra gathering in her fist as she slammed it into the ground. "Monster Strength: Earth Split!"

The ground cracked apart instantly. The enormous shockwave sent the nearby puppet parts flying, and amid the swirling sand, she shot toward Sasori's main body like a bolt of lightning.

However, Sasori reacted even faster.

With a flick of his fingers, an invisible chakra thread controlled another puppet as it sprang from the dust and blocked Sakura's path.

The puppet's hands transformed into two sharp longswords, flashing coldly as they slashed at Sakura.

"Watch out!"

Aoba's voice suddenly rang out. His figure appeared beside Sakura like a phantom, and the kunai in his hand precisely blocked the puppet's blades.

Sparks burst between them as metal clashed. Aoba's eyes were icy, chakra racing through his body as he firmly withstood the puppet's attack.

"Thanks, Aoba!"

Sakura quickly retreated, adjusted her stance, and prepared to attack again.

Sasori's gaze flickered slightly as he looked at Aoba with a trace of surprise. "Not bad reflexes... Looks like you really do have some skill."

There was a hint of approval in his