He pushed open the door and walked inside. It was pitch-dark within, save for a dim oil lamp in the corner that cast a faint glow over the surrounding area.
The workshop was littered with broken puppet parts and several unfinished puppets. Threads and tools were scattered across the floor, while the air carried a faint smell of machine oil and dust that made one frown instinctively.
At the center of the workshop sat a figure in a red robe and conical hat, his back to the door. Holding a thread in his hand, he was working on an unfinished puppet.
"You're here." The figure spoke slowly, his voice hoarse and cold. It was Sasori.
He did not turn around, still lowering his head as he worked on the puppet in his hands. His tone was as calm as if he were discussing something insignificant.
Kawaki Aoba walked to the center of the workshop and stopped, staring at Sasori's back with an icy expression. "I'm here.
"Following our agreement, I brought them here. But I also made an agreement with them: before I finish talking to you, they won't interfere, and they won't hurt you."
Sasori finally stopped what he was doing and slowly turned around. The shadow of his conical hat obscured his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes. He looked at Kawaki Aoba, a faint smile curling at his lips as he said mockingly, "You really do keep your word, Kawaki Aoba.
"But do you think they'll truly honor their agreement? Sunagakure's ninja have always gone back on their word. They only want to kill me and reclaim Sunagakure's honor."
"They will keep their word."
Kawaki Aoba's tone was firm. "I believe them, especially Yuhi Shinku. She's a sincere person. She won't go back on her