Art Is Eight Ducks Big

But if Sasori completely abandoned his flesh and turned himself into a machine, could life truly use such dead things to resist time?

Was the eternity you pursued truly eternal?

Would puppet parts rust?

Would the mechanisms wear down?

It merely delayed the individual's demise. You still had to keep replacing parts, even your entire puppet body.

Sasori, you still had a long way to go on your path to eternity. You were not worthy of speaking of eternity yet.

Sasori shot forward fiercely, forcing Orochimaru back.

Orochimaru flashed away, putting some distance between them, his eyes cold and dark.

That was why I hated so-called artists the most. Academic progress required discussion. People like you, who could not tolerate even a single differing opinion or viewpoint, were simply arrogant!

Though I had my own convictions, I still held expectations and curiosity toward your path of immortality.

Sasori took out a scroll marked with three characters. That was enough, Orochimaru. My path to eternity had no need for an inferior counterfeit like you.

A cloud of white smoke rose, and a human puppet clad in black appeared in the field.

Orochimaru gave an eerie smile. Interesting. Then let us test it out.

Summoning Jutsu!

A coffin emerged from the sandy ground beside Orochimaru. The lid opened, and a long-haired man stepped out. Orochimaru inserted a control talisman into him.

That was the First Hokage, wasn't it?

Recognizing the newcomer at a glance, Sasori sneered. Had the failure of the Third Kazekage not made you give up?

You were bringing out another fake immortal body to make a fool of yourself.

As he spoke, Sasori formed hand seals, and massive amounts of black Iron Sand gathered from the heavens and earth.

Iron Sand!

World Method!

Sharp Iron Sand rained down, rapidly shrouding Orochimaru. A massive wooden shield rose and blocked the attack.

Deidara flew overhead, watching the fierce battle below. He muttered to himself, "Something's off this time. That snake freak always runs away. Why did he choose to fight us head-on this time?"

After a violent rumble, a forest actually appeared in the desert. Huge vines bound and restrained two massive black Iron Sand warhammers. But Iron Sand could not be restrained.

Sasori's voice drifted out. At the same time, immense chakra surged forth. The Iron Sand warhammers split apart, countless incomparably sharp black Iron Sand fragments linking together as they bombarded the surroundings indiscriminately. Their range was so vast that it surpassed even the forest created by Wood Release.

Orochimaru crawled out from his shattered body, his golden snake eyes sweeping over the broken form of the First Hokage in the distance.

The Reanimation Jutsu still had flaws. Those brought back to life could not wield much of their former strength. Combined with the geographical disadvantage, this was what you called eternal beauty?

Sasori's voice came through the Hiruko puppet, carrying a metallic, icy echo.

And your existence was nothing but a desecration of the dead.

Orochimaru's golden pupils narrowed slightly, but an amused curve rose at the corners of his mouth.

Using the shells of the deceased to prove eternity—how ironic.

Sasori!

An Iron Sand spear suddenly shot forth. Orochimaru twisted his body like a snake to evade it, while the ground where he had stood was instantly pierced into a honeycomb of deep pits. A Kusanagi sword slid from Orochimaru's sleeve.

Using the power of a king to pursue eternity—didn't you find that contradictory?

Sasori's true body, the puppet master himself, was hidden inside Hiruko. His voice was low.

Shut up!

How could a parasite like you, constantly changing containers, understand the true essence of eternity?

Iron Sand condensed in midair into a massive shuriken that spun at high speed as it cleaved toward Orochimaru.

At the same time, Hiruko's tail launched a surprise attack from underground, its poisoned needle gleaming coldly.

Hidden Shadow Snake Hands.

Several giant pythons extended from Orochimaru's arm. One wrapped around the Iron Sand shuriken, while the others struck directly at Hiruko's joints.

The poison needle grazed Orochimaru's cheek, leaving a bloody mark, but he also shattered Hiruko's protruding joint mechanism.

See? This was your eternity!

Orochimaru licked away the blood.

With his poison resistance maxed out, Sasori's poison had no effect on him.

Even the most basic puppets wore down and needed constant repairs! Sasori roared. At least that was better than your flesh, which was destined to rot!

The Third Kazekage puppet suddenly condensed dozens of enormous iron spears.

Orochimaru abruptly crouched and opened his mouth wide.

Myriad Snake Formation! Countless white snakes poured out and collided with the Iron Sand attacks.

Two giant snakes suddenly attacked Hiruko from both sides, biting apart its shell.

Got you, Sasori!

Orochimaru's golden eyes stared directly at Sasori, who had been revealed in the shattered shell in the form of a youth. Then his pupils abruptly contracted. A substitute puppet?

The real Sasori had quietly appeared in the distance. The handsome red-haired youth opened his chest cavity, manipulating countless chakra threads.

Secret Red Technique: Hundred Puppets Performance! Over a hundred puppets of various forms surrounded Orochimaru from every direction, each carrying deadly weapons.

Above the desert, Iron Sand and the mass of human puppets gathered into black clouds that blotted out the sky.

This was my true art.

Every human puppet retained the abilities it had possessed in life.

For the first time, a trace of gravity flashed through Orochimaru's eyes.

Turning so many powerful people into puppets was indeed astonishing.

Sasori, but I found this kind of eternity lonely. And controlling so many human puppets at once, you probably did not have the focus to use their abilities, did you?

It would already be impressive if you could divide your attention enough to make every puppet move effectively.

Sasori's movements paused slightly.

At that instant, Orochimaru's body suddenly melted, transforming into countless white snakes that scattered in all directions.

On a distant sand dune, his true body slowly emerged. The First Hokage's body had also re-formed and arrived at Orochimaru's side.

Hey, old man, could you even handle this?

How about using my art to wipe them out completely?

Hmm!

Deidara's voice came from the sky.

Sasori shouted sharply.

Get lost! Don't get in my way!

Deidara gave a cold smile. Remembering that Sasori had promised to let him capture Tailed Beasts alone, he suppressed his impulse and did not interfere with Sasori's battle.

The Iron Sand warhammer condensed once more and smashed down fiercely.

Wood Release!

The First Hokage formed hand seals, and enormous vines surged outward, filling the sky.

The human puppets charged in. Orochimaru quickly formed hand seals with both hands, using every method he had to deal with the incoming puppet horde.

All manner of ninjutsu and giant snakes bombarded the overwhelming mass of human puppets.

The puppet battle continued for a long time. Ninjutsu and energy clashed and exploded without end. The two fought across dozens of miles, leaving behind a scorched wasteland.

Orochimaru crawled out from his shattered body again, returning to the battlefield in perfect condition.

Sasori, meanwhile, revived once more within a newly assembled human puppet.

A white clay bird flew above the battlefield. Deidara could not help but feel shocked. Those two were truly monsters. No matter how they fought, neither could be killed. It was practically endless.

Orochimaru licked his lips, a thoughtful look appearing on his face.

Though he had already destroyed many of Sasori's puppets, Orochimaru knew full well that Sasori had not grown weaker. As the number of puppets dwindled, Sasori's control became increasingly concentrated. Moreover, the shattered puppets scattered around could not be underestimated. Even a single remaining limb could become Sasori's weapon and strike a fatal blow at any moment.

Sasori held a katana, while chakra threads spilling from his chest controlled a large number of human puppets.

Orochimaru, you really were troublesome. But how much longer could you hold out?

How many more times could you use that body that died in your place?

Orochimaru smiled.

You should worry about yourself first. Are you really not calling that blond kid over to help you? You might actually die.

Before his words had faded, a massive black python burst from the ground and lunged toward Sasori.

When did— Sasori was slightly startled. He swiftly pulled out the scroll behind him, and just before he was swallowed, a high-pressure water stream shot out, slicing the giant snake cleanly in two.

Sasori snorted coldly and swung his arm. The water stream swept across the Wood Release First Hokage approaching him, severing him at the waist before continuing toward Orochimaru.

Orochimaru rapidly flashed away, dodging the attack.

The water-stream attack suddenly stopped because a vine had already bound Sasori. With a fierce contraction, it crushed Sasori into pieces. Sasori reassembled a new body not far away.

Looking at the Wood Release First Hokage who was recovering, Sasori said, "What a troublesome tree. I'll seal you first."

Just as Sasori was about to use a sealing technique, Orochimaru formed a seal with two fingers. A coffin appeared, took away the First Hokage, and vanished from the battlefield.

At that moment, snow-white sheets of paper filled the sky, fluttering and dancing.

The Akatsuki has judged you guilty and sentenced you to death!

Countless sheets of paper drifted down like snow beneath the setting sun, gleaming with a frigid light. They were paper blades.

A clear, cold female voice rang out. Endless white paper gathered into sharp paper spears, stabbing at Orochimaru from every direction.

Oh?

Orochimaru twisted aside to evade them, but several paper blades still tore his robe.

He narrowed his eyes, yet the curve of his lips deepened.

What an unexpected delight!

Konan, even you came to join the fun!

Above the sky, paper wings spread wide as Konan floated in midair, her cold violet eyes looking down at Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, your actions have crossed Akatsuki's bottom line!

Bottom line?

Orochimaru chuckled softly. What was Akatsuki's bottom line?

Pain's will, or your personal grudge?

Sasori snorted coldly, and the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand surged once more, sealing off Orochimaru's retreat.

Stop wasting words on him, Konan. Finish him directly!

Konan did not respond, but her paper wings abruptly expanded. Countless Explosive Tags mixed into the sea of paper and poured down like a torrential rain.

Paper Shuriken: Paper Tree!

Orochimaru's pupils suddenly contracted. The entire desert trembled amid violent explosions, and scorching firelight swallowed everything.

What a rich woman!

Explosive Tag bombardment!

Orochimaru's laughter rang out as his figure emerged from the sandy ground nearby.

You had to know that even the cheapest Explosive Tag cost several thousand ryo. To Orochimaru, that wave of attacks had just burned through a mountain of money. How wonderful it would have been to use that money to buy him experimental resources and equipment instead!

Hey, hey, Lord Sasori, didn't you say no one was allowed to interfere in your battle?

Why was she allowed to attack?

Deidara's dissatisfied voice sounded out. Sasori remained silent.

Having failed to take down Orochimaru after so long, he knew the situation was no longer within his control.

If Konan reported this to the leader, she naturally could not do anything to me. But come on, I had my pride. I could not carry the blame for letting Orochimaru escape again!

Konan's pleasant voice rang out.

Let's attack together. We absolutely cannot let Orochimaru escape again today!

Deidara shouted excitedly and pulled out the C3 he had prepared long ago.

Fine. All of you, get back and witness my art!

Sasori and Konan were both startled when they saw the clay creation with its comical face. As his teammates, they knew full well how powerful that thing was. They immediately withdrew, while Sasori grumbled in dissatisfaction, "Are you serious? You're bringing out something that huge right from the start?"

Orochimaru's gaze shifted imperceptibly into the distance. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, and he showed no panic.

It looked like a very troublesome technique. What would happen next?

Seeing Orochimaru remain motionless, Sasori sneered.

That guy was actually being so careless. Maybe he really would die at Deidara's hands.

As Konan retreated, she said, "Don't let your guard down. Keep a close watch on Orochimaru's movements."