"First, Sunagakure has three defensive lines around its perimeter. Two are manned watchposts, one is hidden, and all three follow the crests of the dunes. There are no blind spots."
"The manned posts change shifts every two hours. The hidden post changes shifts fifteen minutes apart from them. That brief gap is your only chance to slip into the village from the west."
"Second, Sunagakure's poison-making is the best of the five villages. Poisoned needles, poisoned powder, poison smeared on Puppet joints—you can't guard against it all."
"If you're poisoned and can't find the specific antidote within half an hour, don't waste your strength running. Save it and meet your end with some dignity."
At those blunt, chilling warnings, the candidates all drew in their necks. A cold dread crept through them.
"Third, you have only three tasks: guard the perimeter, cut off escape routes, and provide support from the rear. You are not to enter the main fight."
Sasori's tone was flat, but it carried an edge that brooked no argument. After a slight pause, his voice turned colder still. "If anyone acts without orders and disrupts the plan... don't expect mercy from me."
Beside the fire in the sandy hollow, no one dared answer. Silence fell.
"Fourth, if you get separated, head straight west. Find the Second Border Monument and wait there for the others."
Sasori stood and brushed the sand from his hands.
With everything explained, he slung the Sealing Scroll over his back and turned to leave.
Gāngtài finally blurted out the question he had been holding in all the way there. "Senior Sasori, how come you know Sunagakure so well?"
Sasori stopped for a moment.
"I used to be from Sunagakure."
His voice was flat, giving nothing away.
Then he walked off into the distance.