Sasori's News

The atmosphere in the workshop had been lively and focused. Elder Chiyo was explaining an ancient rune-coupling technique to Shaye, using a minor optimization for Mirage's energy circuits as an example. Shaye listened intently, his pen swiftly recording the key points.

Suddenly, Elder Chiyo's words faltered. Her gaze happened to catch a mission report on the corner of the table, half-covered by puppet parts. A brief line of information in one corner of the report caught her attention: [Two days ago, the bandit gang Sand Fang, entrenched in Ghostcry Valley in the western desert, fifty-three members in total, was confirmed to have been completely annihilated. No survivors were found at the scene.]

Those words seemed to carry a chilling magic, instantly draining the light of Puppet Technique from Elder Chiyo's eyes. Her fingers trembled slightly. The commanding presence she had displayed moments ago vanished, replaced by a profound, indescribable sorrow and weariness.

She slowly straightened up. Rather than looking at Mirage again, she walked to the table, gently picked up the report with her aged hand, and held it out to Shaye. Her voice was hoarse and low. "...Look at this."

Somewhat puzzled, Shaye took the report and quickly read through it. The destruction of a bandit gang was not especially shocking news in the chaotic Land of Wind. He looked up at Elder Chiyo, unable to understand what she meant.

"Who do you think... did this?" Elder Chiyo's voice was very soft, as though she feared disturbing something.

Shaye looked back at the report and carefully read the details. "...There were extensive traces of potent poison at the scene. Most victims were instantly paralyzed before receiving precise fatal strikes. Some bodies showed signs of being cut and pierced by an unknown sharp weapon... There were no signs of a