The Ruins of Sunagakure: Granny Chiyo Comes Out of Retirement

"Brother Sasori, we've captured the One-Tail Jinchuriki! Let's go!" Deidara shouted from above to Sasori of the Red Sands at the village entrance.

Sasori of the Red Sands was enjoying himself, controlling the Third Kazekage Puppet in battle. Hearing Deidara's shout, he looked up at him and said coldly:

"I hate waiting for people. Don't you know that?"

"Uh, Brother Sasori, I forgot to bring enough clay today." Deidara scratched his head awkwardly. "Let's go before the boss gets impatient!"

By "the boss," he meant Pain, whom he both feared and revered.

"Hmph. There had better not be a next time, or I won't mind turning you into a Human Puppet!"

Sasori of the Red Sands snorted. He directed the Third Kazekage Puppet at the distant Sunagakure Shinobi and unleashed a wide-ranging attack much like Sand Burial, frightening them into retreating even farther.

Only then did Sasori of the Red Sands turn and walk away at an unhurried pace.

Seeing this, Deidara hurried over to a spot five meters from Sasori. Carrying Gaara, he followed him away with care.

The Sunagakure Shinobi watched them leave so brazenly, taking the body of their former Lord Kazekage and their only Tailed Beast with them. They were furious, but none dared speak up.

Only Kankuro tried to give chase when he saw the unconscious Gaara. Baki grabbed him and said in a sorrowful voice:

"Kankuro, turn around and look behind you."

Kankuro froze. He turned, looked back, and immediately understood what Baki meant.

As far as he could see, half of Sunagakure lay in ruins. Here and there, figures could be seen amid the wreckage, weeping and screaming.

The Sunagakure Shinobi before him all held their wounds with their heads bowed. Their morale had sunk to its lowest point.

These were the last