[The black-robed figure removed the hood, revealing the head of a puppet. Metallic rivets dotted its joints, and a white bone mask covered its face, leaving only two hollow eye sockets that flickered with a gloomy blue light deep within.]
[At its neck was not skin, but intricate gears and transmission rods.]
["A Kage-level puppet?" Doma murmured, a trace of solemnity flashing through his multicolored eyes.]
[The puppet bowed slightly, its movements eerily fluid.]
["I am willing to share the burden for Lord Leader." Its voice remained hoarse, yet carried an inhuman confidence. "Besides, they always say Sasori of the Red Sands has the number-one puppet mastery in the Shinobi World. I've long wanted to match wits with him."]
[Hidan stared blankly for two seconds, then burst into ecstatic laughter.]
["Good! Good! Good!" He repeated the word three times, gesticulating wildly like a child receiving a new toy. "Uh... what did you say your name was again?"]
["Reporting to Lord Leader, my name is Urashiki," the puppet replied. "Of course, this is merely a codename of mine in this realm."]
["Good, Urashiki!" Hidan patted the puppet's shoulder. "If you return successfully, not only will I appoint you as Vice Leader, but I'll also reveal the true secrets of the Jashinist Cult to you."]
["Rest assured, Lord Leader." The puppet bowed again. "This subordinate will certainly not disgrace the mission."]
[It turned and walked out of the church with stiff strides. The footsteps echoed on the flagstones, as regular as a metronome, and gradually faded into the dark corridor.]
[The church returned to silence. Doma put away his fan and walked over to Hidan. His smile had vanished, leaving only solemnity in his multicolored eyes.]
["Lord Leader," he lowered his voice, "this 'Urashiki' probably has grand designs. What he wants might