A massive rock barrier towered over the desert wastes, keeping the fierce winds and yellow sand at bay. This was Sunagakure's first line of defense.
When the village was first established, the First Kazekage had worked with the others to build this fortress. It served both as Sunagakure's defensive fortification and as a vital safeguard that allowed its people to live in the desert.
A canyon cut through the massive rock barrier, forming the passage that connected Sunagakure to the outside world.
Sunagakure's elite troops were stationed there.
The wind howled past, whipping up billowing clouds of sand.
Two figures emerged from the yellow haze.
They wore Akatsuki cloaks and conical hats-the unmistakable standard attire of Akatsuki.
Behind them followed more members of Akatsuki.
Standing high above, Sunagakure's guards spotted the oddly dressed group through the blowing sand.
"What's that?"
"Akatsuki cloaks and conical hats! That's Akatsuki! The mercenary organization from the shinobi world!"
"What's Akatsuki doing here in Sunagakure?"
"This is bad. We need to notify Captain Yura immediately so he can alert the village!"
"Captain!"
"I know. Don't worry. It'll all be over soon..."
Yura narrowed his eyes, a strange expression on his face.
Before long, Sasori and Deidara led the Akatsuki First Hunting Squad to the entrance.
By then, Yura was the only one left there.
Every other Sunagakure guard was dead, and Yura himself had killed them.
Yura approached Sasori and dropped to one knee.
"Welcome back, Lord Sasori."
No one could have imagined that Yura, who had diligently offered plans for the village's future at its internal meetings, was actually someone else's sleeper agent.
Sasori had made his preparations before he defected, ensuring that someone would be there to receive him if he ever returned.
As Sunagakure's genius, Sasori had employed methods so sophisticated that