Sasori piloted the Kazekage Human Puppet low over the ground, carefully searching for Hiruko.
Having participated in the Chimera Plan, he knew Hiruko would experience a surge in strength after the ritual. Even so, the power Hiruko displayed after losing control had frightened him.
He had effortlessly broken free of the iron sand restraints and destroyed those chunin-level ninja with a single blow. Even Orochimaru, whom Sasori disliked, had been beaten into shedding his skin and fleeing.
Although he and Orochimaru had used their full strength, they had been utterly unable to stop Hiruko given the fighting power he displayed.
Besides, the organization forbade attacks against teammates. He and Orochimaru had decisively abandoned the idea of confronting the rampaging Hiruko head-on and waited for the other members to arrive.
If Hiruko came to his senses, Sasori would have to settle the score with him and get him working on further puppet development.
If he failed to regain consciousness, his post-ritual body would make excellent puppet material.
With that thought, Sasori continued scanning the distance, easily spotting Zou Hyuga and Orochimaru behind him, as well as Juzo Biwa and Hozuki Mangetsu in another direction.
They were all powerful enough to make excellent material. Unfortunately, they were still alive.
Just then, Sasori spotted several dark specks on a distant mountainside. Looking through a telescope, he identified a standard four-man squad of ninja wearing Iwagakure forehead protectors.
Glancing at his battered Kazekage Puppet and the cracks in Hiruko, Sasori gradually descended from his low-altitude flight.
"There's an Iwagakure squad ahead. Most likely their ANBU."
Upon hearing this, Orochimaru gave Sasori a mocking look. "Since when were you unable to handle a mere ANBU squad?"
Sasori's expression barely changed. "Orochimaru, don't forget the leader's orders. We mustn't alert the Rock Ninja..."
Zou Hyuga smiled.